Did you know that there’s a not-so-cute kitty holiday coming up? April 27th is Hairball Awareness Day. Hairballs form when cats inevitably swallow their own fur when grooming themselves. The result, as you probably know, is not pretty. Fortunately, there are ways to reduce the amount of hairballs Fluffy produces. A local Conyers, GA vet lists some ways to reduce or eliminate hairballs in this article.
Brushing Fluffy is a great way to spend quality time with her and make her feel pampered. It also will trap your kitty’s dead fur in a brush before she ends up swallowing it. Wait until your cat is feeling relaxed and perhaps a bit sleepy. Brush her gently, going in the direction of her fur. Pet your kitty as you do this, and offer her treats and praise, so she forms a good association with her beauty sessions.
Good nutrition is a crucial part of any pet care routine. A healthy diet will help keep Fluffy’s fur soft and shiny, and can reduce the amount of dead hair she sheds. This will in turn reduce the amount of fur that she swallows. Offer your pet a premium brand of kitty food. Just be careful not to overfeed her!
There are now quite a few products that can help reduce the number of hairballs your kitty gets. This is especially beneficial with longhaired cats and/or heavy shedders. Ask your vet for specific recommendations on hairball remedies.
Did you know that keeping your cat indoors can reduce the amount of fur she sheds? Kitties that go outside are more exposed to the seasonal changes that trigger shedding. Fluffy will also be safer inside, as she won’t be exposed to dangers posed by cars, weather, or other hazards.
Hairballs can occasionally cause major medical issues in our feline pals. If Fluffy can’t properly expel her hairballs, they could cause severe problems with her digestive system. Excessive and/or violent vomiting can be warning signs that something isn’t right with your cute pet. Difficulty throwing up is another red flag. Call your vet immediately if you notice any of these signs in your furry buddy.
Please reach out to us, your local Conyers, GA pet clinic, for all of your pet’s veterinary care needs. We are here to help!
