All cats get hairballs, and for the most part, these issues don’t pose any serious health risks. But since you love your pet, you may have questions about everything from how to manage this issue and wonder when your furry friend might need veterinary attention. Below, professional cat groomers offer a handful of answers to questions regarding hairballs and cats.

A Guide to Cats & Hairballs

What are they?

These are clumps of cat hair that get stuck in a feline’s digestive system because they groom themselves. Contrary to their name, hairballs are not usually round. Rather, they are thin and cylindrical—the shape of a feline’s esophageal tract.

What are the symptoms?

Hairball symptoms may include gagging and coughing, followed by the eventual regurgitation of the mass. Long-haired cat breeds, such as Persians and Maine Coons, are particularly susceptible since they swallow large amounts of hair while grooming themselves. Symptoms typically persist for about a day or two, until the cat either coughs up the hairball or passes it through their digestive tract.

Do they cause health problems?

Though hairballs themselves don’t typically cause health issues, underlying problems may cause your cats to over-groom. For instance, your furry friends may have infected flea bites or skin rashes. If you notice vomiting, lethargy, loss of appetite, constipation, and diarrhea, take your cat to an emergency veterinarian immediately.  

How can you prevent them?

Making appointments with a groomer about twice per year will control excess hair, preventing your cats from ingesting too much of it. Also, feed your feline companion a high fiber diet to help hairballs successfully move through the digestive tract. 

Control hairballs and keep your cat’s coat gorgeous with help from the groomers at Shar-Jo's Pet Styling & In-Home Pet Sitting. They offer pet grooming for cats, along with sitting and boarding services to clients throughout Milford, OH. Call (513) 831-9457 to make an appointment with the groomers, and visit them online to learn more about their services.