Hairball Awareness Day

Did you know that April 27th is Hairball Awareness Day? We’re guessing probably not. It’s also National Prime Rib Day and National Morse Code Day. However, while those things are a bit more pleasant, we’ll stick to our realm of expertise: pet care. Read on as a local Brampton, ON vet discusses hairballs.

How Hairballs Form

As you probably know, our feline friends take their beauty regimens very, very seriously. Your kitty may spend up to three hours a day grooming herself and making sure her fur stays soft and shiny. Inevitably, your furry little diva will swallow her own hair during her grooming sessions. Cats can’t digest their own fur. We all know what happens next. Suffice it to say, it isn’t the cutest thing Fluffy does.

Prevention

There are a few things you can do to reduce or prevent hairballs. Brushing your pet regularly is one of the biggest ones. This will remove dead fur from Fluffy’s coat before she can swallows it. It’s also a great way to spend some quality time with your feline buddy, and make her feel a bit pampered. This is particularly important with kitties that have long and/or thick fur. If your cat is nervous about grooming, you might find our article on Caring for a Timid Cat helpful. A good diet is also critical. Proper nutrition has a huge effect on your cat’s coat, and can really help reduce the amount of dead fur she sheds. Last but not least, ask your vet about using hairball remedies.

Warning Signs

Although hairballs are by no means uncommon in cats, they aren’t entirely harmless. Occasionally, a cat is unable to expel her hairballs. This can cause serious medical issues! Too many hairballs can also be an indication that something is wrong. If you notice your furry pal vomiting excessively, or if Fluffy seems to be having a hard time throwing up, call your vet right away.

Hairball Location

Does your cat have a habit of leaving hairballs in the most inconvenient or annoying places possible? The jury is still out on whether or not kitties do this on purpose. However, it is possible that this may be your kitty’s way of trying to get your attention, and let you know she isn’t feeling well. If you’re concerned about your cat’s behavior regarding hairballs or other issues, consider our veterinary behavior counseling service for professional advice. (Tip: you may want to consider getting a small steam cleaner for quick cleaning.)

Please call us, your Brampton, ON pet hospital, for all of your cat’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!