Hairball Symptoms Cat Lovers Must Know

If you're a cat lover like me, there's little that's more important than the continued good health of your favorite tabby. It goes without saying that part of being a cat lover is accepting responsibility for your cat's health. That means finding and building a good relationship with a local veterinarian in case of a medical emergency. It also means learning enough about common health problems to be able to identify them and take the necessary action to ensure your cat's good health.

One of the most common medical conditions in cats is the hairball. Hairballs are the unintended consequence of a cat's preoccupation with grooming. Because cats clean themselves quite frequently by licking their fur, they invariably ingest some of their own hair. While most of the hair a cat swallows passes through the digestive tract unimpeded, hair can collect in the stomach, where, much like a ball of string, it becomes entwined.

In most cases, cats are able to take care of a hairball on their own simply by vomiting. Hairballs, however, can grow to a size that your cat cannot pass or vomit. When this happens, a hairball can cause a serious and even life-threatening blockage of the digestive tract. Common symptoms include unproductive retching or heaving, a change in eating habits or digestion, or even a swollen abdomen. If you notice symptoms like these, take your cat to the vet right away.

A good ballpark estimate is that about 25 percent of all digestive blockages in cats are the result of unpassed hairballs. Fortunately, serious problems can often be avoided by taking a proactive approach that emphasizes prevention. If your cat seems to have an abnormally high incidence of hairballs, a prophylactic chat with your vet is in order. He or she may recommend a high fiber diet or prescribe medication that will lubricate your cat's digestive track. Cats like the taste of the flavored meds, which can prevent hairballs from forming at all.

Because hairballs can seriously impact your cat's health, it's important to have a good relationship with a qualified veterinarian should your cat require professional care. Remember, too, that regular checkups can add many years to the life of your favorite feline. If you need a vet, try asking a fellow cat lover for their personal recommendation. If you're new to the neighborhood or have no one to ask, you can find a qualified vet in your area by checking your local or online yellow pages.