Hairballs or bezoars are the result of almost every cat’s grooming routine. In the process of licking its coat clean of impurities, cats end up eating a lot of loose hair. Carnivores like cats are hardy creatures and usually have no problem digesting hair in their stomach, but sometimes, the load becomes simply too much. In the cat’s stomach, the undigested hair is mixed with undigested fat to form a hard ball.  Eventually the hairball is vomited out- a sight that can be quite disgusting to witness.

Which breeds are most susceptible to hairball formation? All cats are fastidious about cleanliness, but older cats that are more particular about grooming are more prone to hairball formation. Longhaired breeds are also more likely to develop hairballs.

How can I tell if my cat is about to throw up a hairball? The most common signs are the following:
•    Dry cough
•    Frequent retching after meals
•    Signs of yellow bile on the floor in an attempt to spit out the hairball
•    Constipation and hard stools with hair in it

How to prevent hairball formation:
•    The best way to prevent your cat from eating excess hair is by grooming him or her yourself. You can try brushing their coats at least once a day to remove dead loose strands. Some pet owners will use lint brushes, slicker combs and brushes to remove loose hair strands off the coat.
•    Another simpler process is to trim your pet’s long hair to make grooming easier for both him or her and you!
•    You can also try feeding your pet simple lubricants like mineral oil or olive oil mixed with food to make it easier for them to pass a hairball.
•    Gel based remedies like Tonic Lax are commercially available for this purpose, and they’re meant to be tasty too. Do not give your pet more than the indicated dosage to prevent any adverse reactions.
•    Lubricating pet treats and hairball control food are also available on the market.

Problem signs:
Hairballs can be dangerous when they block your cat’s digestive tract. An impacted hairball can cause intestinal blockage, complete stoppage of urine and even total inability for bowel movements. Usually most cats throw up a hairball once a month, but when the amount and number of hairballs increase, then it’s time to practice extra caution. Pay a visit to your veterinarian to get your cat checked over completely. Problem signs that necessitate an immediate visit to the vet include:
•    Frequent hacking without any hairball production
•    Breathing difficulties
•    Frequent vomiting and coughing
•    Sudden loss of weight and appetite
•    Hiding and inactivity