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If you’re a cat owner, you’re going to deal with hairballs eventually. To ensure that your furry friend is given the best pet care possible, here is some information you should know about hairballs, and what to do about them when they show up.

What Are Hairballs & Why Does My Cat Get Them?

Hairballs are mounds of unprocessed hair that becomes coated in digestive fluids. Your cat’s tongue, which has tiny hooks on it, snags fur during the grooming process, which often gets swallowed. Cats must cough this hair back up when it becomes too much for their stomachs to digest.

How to Prevent Hairballs

pet careThere is no way to stop your cat from getting hairballs completely. However, there are steps you can take to make them occur less frequently and also help your cat feel better. 

  • Regular Grooming: Groom your cat often, especially if it’s a long-haired cat to remove excess fur. This prevents it from being ingested.
  • Change Pet Food: Put your cat on a “hairball formula” type of pet food which has extra fiber and aids with digestion.
  • Laxative Medicine: Administer a small amount of hairball laxative to help them pass the hairball.

Consult a Pet Care Professional

If you decide to give your feline medicine to help with hairballs, you should first consult with a veterinarian. A veterinary professional will help you figure out what remedy is best for your cat.

 

If you suspect that your cat is having digestive issues due to hairballs, take them to Buffalo Trace Veterinary Services in Versailles, KY, for a full physical and evaluation. Their veterinary clinic treats felines, canines, and other pets with a well-rounded approach to pet care through nutrition education, pet vaccines, preventative care, and pet surgery. Call (859) 879-3582 today to make an appointment, or visit their website to learn more about their compassionate staff and veterinary care services.

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