Cat Hairballs
D.J.C. asked:
Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat’s stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.
Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.
According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.
With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract. Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these. Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.
Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.
Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer. Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care. Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.
Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.
As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn’t bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.
If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.
Cat hairballs are hair that was not digested, accumulated and coughed out. Cats will either pass hair through their digestive system or the hair will build up in their bodies causing the retching and heaving required to get rid of it. Cat hairballs are masses of fur that form in your cat’s stomach. They are one of the most common health problems of cats.
Cat hairballs are a normal phenomenon in feline and there are many ways to manage them. The three most common remedies to help decrease the frequency or size of hairballs are hairball lubricants, fiber supplements, and improved grooming. There are some dry commercial cat foods specially formulated for hairball remedy. The best way, of course, is prevention.
According to some vets who operates a large cat practice, the biggest problems with intestinal lubricants are not using enough each time or not using it frequently enough. In almost all cases, the most effective dose is a two-inch strip from the tube of lubricant twice daily for two days.
With regard to diet, usually, a higher fiber diet can assist in the passage of hair through the digestive tract. Additionally, some pet food companies manufacture food for cats with recurrent cat hair ball problems. Ask your veterinarian about these. Be aware that most cat hairball diets on the market have 2-10 times the normal amount of fiber, which is potentially irritating to the tender lining of the gastrointestinal tract. If you try one of these foods, make the switch gradually, and be sure to watch closely for too-loose or too-dry stools; either may result.
Brushing your cat and helping with its grooming lowers the chance of it swallowing a lot of hair and will help keep its fur shiny, smooth, and free of tangles. The act of licking themselves helps to untangle and remove loose hair. Their tongues are specifically made for the task. Long-haired cats especially need more protection from hairballs.
Cats shed heavily in a change of season especially from winter to spring and summer. Shedding can also be caused by a lack of adequate diet and care. Most cats adore being gently brushed, so keep a cat brush next to each of your favorite chairs. When kitty jumps in your lap, the brush will be handy.
Cat hairballs can only be predicted once a cat starts retching and vomiting. We can only hope that the cat gets that blockage out without trouble. Hairballs are a common problem with cats simply because it is part of their nature to keep themselves clean. In fact there are very few animals that are so meticulous about keeping themselves clean as a cat. Cat Hairballs are made up of all of the tiny hairs that the cat swallows while grooming.
As already stated, although vomiting may be a sign of hairballs, it may also be a sign of other problems, particularly if your cat doesn’t bring up hairballs or if it vomits more than about once a week. A visit to the veterinarian may be in order. Longhaired breeds especially need special attention. During the spring when all cats shed, daily brushing is most important.
If vomiting fails to expel a hairball, this hair can get lodged in the stomach or intestine where larger clumps of hair can build up. It can compact with undigested food in the stomach and gastrointestinal tract. Impactions are serious business, and sometimes must be removed surgically. At the very least, it could compact and cause constipation. Cat hairballs are considered the leading cause of constipation in cats.
Cat Health Problems And Simple Things You Should Know.
Ed Philips asked:
If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.
Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.
On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.
When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.
Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.
If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.
To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.
If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.
If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.
If you are new to owning a cat, you may be surprised to find that health problems are a common thing. No matter what breed of cat you own, health problems are to be expected. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms
No matter what breed of cat it may be, worms are a very common and recurring problem. Tapeworms, roundworms, and hookworms are among the most common that infect cats.
Cats who have problems gaining weight, problems with fleas, or if you find white specks in his stool, you should have your vet test him for worms. Although they can be treated with medicine, worms can prove to be fatal if they are left untreated.
Hairball
Hairballs are the most common health problem for cats. All cats groom themselves on a daily basis, normally swallowing the loose hair that comes from their coats.
On occasion, this loose hair will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool.
When your cat starts to cough and hack, he is normally coughing up a hairball. Although it can be rather disgusting in the end, most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems.
In rare cases, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage.
Blockages are very serious problems, and can be life threatening if they aren’t treated. If your cat becomes constipated, isn’t eating properly, or has a very dull coat, he could have a blockage.
If you notice any of these symptoms, you should take him to the vet immediately. You can prevent hairballs and blockages by brushing your cat 2 – 3 times a week to remove loose hair. You can also feed him food that is designed to control hairballs as well.
Urinary tract infection
Urinary tract infection is also a common health problem with cats. Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box, this problem is normally the cause. Another symptom is when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong.
If you suspect that your cat has a urinary tract infection, you should take him to the vet. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Feline leukemia
In the past, feline leukemia was the biggest cause of death in cats. These days however, there are vaccines available that can treat the disease.
To treat the disease, your cat will need to be given the shot before he or she is exposed. Even though death doesn’t happen immediately, cats that are exposed to feline leukemia normally don’t have a long life span.
If you know your cat has feline leukemia, you should never allow other cats around him, as the virus is highly contagious.
To protect your cat, you should always make sure that you take him to the vet for his regular check ups.
If you keep him up to date on his vaccinations, he should lead a healthy and productive life.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
If your cat is an outdoor cat, regular visits to the vet will keep him healthy. As long as you take your cat to the vet and keep him healthy – he will be your companion for years to come.
Taking Proper Care of Your Cat
Mikael Rieck asked:
Cats make some of the best pets you can have. They are especially good pets for people who have busy lives and schedules that can’t afford to give a pet all of their time and attention. Cats are pretty private animals that don’t constantly need your attention, which frees up a lot of time. They are also fairly quiet pets which make them nice pets for people who live in apartments.
There are a lot of different aspects to taking care of cats that everyone should probably learn about before bringing home a new cat. One of the most important aspects of taking care of any cat is the type of diet your cat has. Nutrition and the type of food your cat eats will determine how long your cat’s life span is. There are tons of different brands and tons of different types that all claim to be the healthiest choice for your cat. You should do a little research and make sure that none of the companies you are considering have had any type of recalls lately. Also if you aren’t sure which one is truly the healthiest you should contact your vet who can help you pick the best brand for your kitty. The vet can also give you instructions about how much to feed your cat.
It’s extremely important to make sure that you avoid overfeeding your cat. By overfeeding your cat you may cause your cat to gain a lot of weight. This weight gain can eventually lead to your cat being very obese and unhealthy. This can shorten your cat’s life span and end up being fatal to your beloved pet. Cats don’t typically need the same kind of exercise that dogs do. They tend to get their exercise throughout the day around the house.
Grooming is another essential to taking proper care of your pet cat. You should divide up the grooming duties between those that need to be done daily, and those you can do weekly. Brushing out your cat’s loose hair is something you should probably do daily as this will also improve the shine of your cat’s coat. You should also check your cat for fleas and ticks regularly while playing with them and petting on them. Make sure you get the right type of shampoo to wash your cat in as well. You may want to sport some elbow high rubber type gloves when washing your cat to avoid getting scratched.
While cats are private animals that don’t exactly do back flips to get your attention, that doesn’t mean you should never play with your cat and spend time with him. Make a little time each day just to sit down and pet your cat or get out his favorite toy and just play with him. As stated earlier this is the perfect time to check and make sure he or she doesn’t have any ticks or fleas as well.
Having a cat for a pet is a wonderful experience that millions all over the world enjoy every single day. If you are looking for a pet that doesn’t require your constant attention, yet you can still cuddle and pet, a cat is the perfect pet for you. Make sure that if you have any questions you call your vet and ask so that you can be sure you are providing your pet cat with all the care and attention he or she needs. Your cat isn’t simply an animal that sits around the house; he or she is now another member of your own family.
Cats make some of the best pets you can have. They are especially good pets for people who have busy lives and schedules that can’t afford to give a pet all of their time and attention. Cats are pretty private animals that don’t constantly need your attention, which frees up a lot of time. They are also fairly quiet pets which make them nice pets for people who live in apartments.
There are a lot of different aspects to taking care of cats that everyone should probably learn about before bringing home a new cat. One of the most important aspects of taking care of any cat is the type of diet your cat has. Nutrition and the type of food your cat eats will determine how long your cat’s life span is. There are tons of different brands and tons of different types that all claim to be the healthiest choice for your cat. You should do a little research and make sure that none of the companies you are considering have had any type of recalls lately. Also if you aren’t sure which one is truly the healthiest you should contact your vet who can help you pick the best brand for your kitty. The vet can also give you instructions about how much to feed your cat.
It’s extremely important to make sure that you avoid overfeeding your cat. By overfeeding your cat you may cause your cat to gain a lot of weight. This weight gain can eventually lead to your cat being very obese and unhealthy. This can shorten your cat’s life span and end up being fatal to your beloved pet. Cats don’t typically need the same kind of exercise that dogs do. They tend to get their exercise throughout the day around the house.
Grooming is another essential to taking proper care of your pet cat. You should divide up the grooming duties between those that need to be done daily, and those you can do weekly. Brushing out your cat’s loose hair is something you should probably do daily as this will also improve the shine of your cat’s coat. You should also check your cat for fleas and ticks regularly while playing with them and petting on them. Make sure you get the right type of shampoo to wash your cat in as well. You may want to sport some elbow high rubber type gloves when washing your cat to avoid getting scratched.
While cats are private animals that don’t exactly do back flips to get your attention, that doesn’t mean you should never play with your cat and spend time with him. Make a little time each day just to sit down and pet your cat or get out his favorite toy and just play with him. As stated earlier this is the perfect time to check and make sure he or she doesn’t have any ticks or fleas as well.
Having a cat for a pet is a wonderful experience that millions all over the world enjoy every single day. If you are looking for a pet that doesn’t require your constant attention, yet you can still cuddle and pet, a cat is the perfect pet for you. Make sure that if you have any questions you call your vet and ask so that you can be sure you are providing your pet cat with all the care and attention he or she needs. Your cat isn’t simply an animal that sits around the house; he or she is now another member of your own family.
Wondering How to Take Care of Health of Your Cute Cat ?
Andy Rogers asked:
There are some simple things you can get yourself aware of while taking care of your catty’s health. Realize that health problems with pets are a common thing.It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you have but cat health problems are inevitable and will be there. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms etc. infect cats and can be fatal. Your cat can become weaker day by day if this is ignored, hence get him tested by a veterinary doctor. Hairballs also cause cats a lot of problems. Usually , cats swallow the loose hair that comes from their coats and this will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. Although most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems but sometimes, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage which can be threatening. Cats can also suffer from constipation because of hairballs and hence it is best to get it solved as soon as possible by visiting your vet.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box or when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong, it may be due to Urinary tract infection which is also a common health problem with cats.Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Cat eye health care is also an important part of the responsibility of owning a cat. Note that your cat’s eyes should be clear and when you see the outer part of the eyeball it should be white. Keep your cat’s eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.Apply a neutralizing ointment before bathing the cat or before flea treatments.Keep hair out of your cat’s eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
Cat allergies are also serious skin problems. Allergic symptoms can include itchy skin.Cats can be allergic to many things including food, fleas, pollens, plastics, and insect bites. Blood, skin, and food trial testing help to diagnose allergies.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
There are some simple things you can get yourself aware of while taking care of your catty’s health. Realize that health problems with pets are a common thing.It doesn’t matter what breed of cat you have but cat health problems are inevitable and will be there. Some may be hereditary, while others can easily be prevented.
Worms such as tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms etc. infect cats and can be fatal. Your cat can become weaker day by day if this is ignored, hence get him tested by a veterinary doctor. Hairballs also cause cats a lot of problems. Usually , cats swallow the loose hair that comes from their coats and this will gather into a ball and become lodged in the digestive tract instead of passing through in your cat’s stool. Although most cats can dislodge hairballs without any problems but sometimes, a hairball can pass through to a cat’s intestine, creating a blockage which can be threatening. Cats can also suffer from constipation because of hairballs and hence it is best to get it solved as soon as possible by visiting your vet.
When a cat suddenly stops going to his litter box or when the cat’s urine starts to smell really strong, it may be due to Urinary tract infection which is also a common health problem with cats.Urinary tract infection is more common with male cats that haven’t been neutered, although females can suffer from this problem as well. Your vet can treat the problem with medicine, and make recommendations to help avoid this problem in the future.
Cat eye health care is also an important part of the responsibility of owning a cat. Note that your cat’s eyes should be clear and when you see the outer part of the eyeball it should be white. Keep your cat’s eyes free of mucus by gently cleaning his or her eyes.Apply a neutralizing ointment before bathing the cat or before flea treatments.Keep hair out of your cat’s eyes, this is particularly true for long haired breeds such as Persians.
Cat allergies are also serious skin problems. Allergic symptoms can include itchy skin.Cats can be allergic to many things including food, fleas, pollens, plastics, and insect bites. Blood, skin, and food trial testing help to diagnose allergies.
Although some health problems can’t be avoided, most of them can. You can also keep your cat indoors as well, which will protect him from a majority of health problems.
