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Hairballs Can
Jeopardize Your Cat's Health
by Marian Brown
Cats spend up to
one-third of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny
barbs on a cat's tongue pull loose hair from its coat and
those hairs are swallowed. Because hair is very difficult
to digest, it compacts with undigested food in the
intestines.
The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not
eliminated in the litter box or coughed up. The result is
messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms on the floor or
furniture.
Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a
significant accumulation in your cat’s intestines. Some
hairballs surgically removed are almost three inches in
diameter.
Signs of Hairball Problems
- Cigar shaped
clumps of fur found on floor or furniture
- Dry, hacking
cough or vomiting after meals.
- Preoccupation
with eating plants or grass.
- Hair entwined
with the feces.
- Dry, dull coat
and/or excessive shedding.
- Poor appetite
and/or weight loss.
- Constipation or
diarrhea.
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Conventional
Treatments
- Mineral oil or
petroleum lubricants -- These are petrochemical
products.
- Large amounts of
fiber -- This can decrease intestinal absorption
of nutrients and may result in a malnourished
animal.
Enemas for constipation -- This can require
tranquilization and can be dangerous.
Alternative
Treatments & Prevention for Hairballs
- Prevention plays
a key role in keeping your cat healthy and free
of hairballs. Regular brushing will help to
remove the "dead" hairs and keep your kitty from
swallowing them during their normal grooming
routine. Even short-haired cats should be
groomed.
- Place a dab of a
non-petroleum based jelly on your cats nose.
When they lick it off, it will be swallowed and
can help prevent hairball build-up.
- A teaspoon of
high-grade fish oil added to your pet's food
once a week is a good lubricant to help fass any
hairballs and will also help keeps its coat
shiny.
- A small spoonful
of canned pumpkin or a teaspoon of pineapple or
papaya juice can also help break-up hairballs.
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