Hairball Help

Cats groom themselves constantly. Their tongue is like a fine toothed comb collecting all the loose hair. This loose hair collects and, if large enough, will be regurgitated all over your nice cloth sofa.
If your cat is stricken with hairballs, check out these ways to help prevent them:

• Brush your cat regularly, especially if he has long hair. Long haired cats should be brushed daily to help with hairballs and matting. Afterwards, run a wet cloth over your cat to ensure that all the loose hairs are off.
• Feed your kitty hairball reduction food. This food has more fiber and nutrients to make hairballs easier to pass and helps prevent shedding. There are many commercially available but if hairballs are a serious problem for your cat you should consider seeing your vet.
• There are products available at the pet store that lubricate the intestinal tract and make hairballs easier to pass. There are also prescription strength hairball gels available from your vet. These should be used only as directed.
• If your cat is a nervous/anxious groomer try getting him a new toy or try giving him attention so he has things to distract him. If he cleans to the point of hair loss you should take him to see your vet. There are anxiety medications available for your pet.

By Staff Writer Trish Harding