Problem with Hairballs - Hairballs in cats - Answered by Dr. Van Lienden

[Looking4Mittens]

I know that thowing up hairballs is normal for cats and I have never been worried about it because my cat only threw them up maybe once or twice a month. But, this week my cat has been throwing up hairballs everyday! I'm not sure what could be causing it? She is eating regularly and using the litter box fine, she doesn't appear to be sick... it's just the hairballs! i hope you can help. Do you think this is serious and should I take her to the vet? Thanks for your time

[petdr]

Increased frequency of hairball vomition can correlate with the seasons: Length of daylight and changes in duration of daylight cause hormonal changes, and fur growth/shedding will increase. Spring and fall signal these changes.

There are many over the counter remedies for hairball problems that frequently will solve a minor problem. Long-haired cats suffer more than the shorter varieties. Frequent brushing will reduce the amount of hair ingested whilst grooming.

Obviously, other gastrointestinal problems can cause vomiting. However I am assuming that you only find the actual hair cylinder/plug and nothing else.

If the over the counter remedy does not work, then see your veterinarian.

Dr. Van Lienden

Dr. Raymond Van Lienden DVM
The Animal Clinic of Clifton
12702 Chapel Road, Clifton
Virginia, U.S.A. 20124
703-802-0490

[vcheng79]

I am giving my cats fresh cat grass and it seems to work. Also I feed them IAMS dry food which include fibre to help them move hair to the pooh pooh. Each night I clean their litter box, I find hair in all their pooh pooh. Maybe you can try that too.