If you're a cat owner, you may know that hairballs are a natural part of pet care. While they can be messy, they're not usually a cause for alarm. Below, learn what you need to know about this process, what your cat needs from you, and when it's time to get in touch with a veterinarian.

What Is a Hairball?

Your cat naturally grooms using their tongue, which is rough and works as a brush to comb through their fur. Sometimes, your cat will lick up and swallow loose hairs from their coat. When this happens, your cat will usually digest the hair, but some of it can stay in your cat's stomach and form a clump. When a hairball forms, your cat will vomit to get rid of it. The longer and thicker your cat's fur, the more loose hairs they have, and the more likely this is to happen.

Does Your Cat Have an Underlying Problem?

If your cat simply vomits up a hairball, they don't need to visit a veterinarian clinic. However, if they are struggling to get it up, or they continue to hack, wheeze, and vomit, they might need immediate treatment. Also, pay attention to your cat's eating and litter box habits. If they have a loss of appetite, diarrhea, or constipation, or if they're unusually lethargic, a hairball may be blocking their digestive system. 

Can You Prevent Hairballs?

The number one step you should take to minimize this problem is to groom your cat yourself. Brushing them daily helps remove loose fur so that they don't swallow it. Plenty of water and dietary fiber from catnip or grass will help your cat digest the hair easily without clumping. If they have frequent problems with hairballs and you suspect they have one stuck, you can feed them certain treats or hairball medication gels as part of your pet care routine to help them pass the hair more easily.

For reliable pet care to help your cat overcome a hairball issue, choose Dykes Veterinary Clinic in Foley, AL. Serving Baldwin County, their experienced team uses state-of-the-art equipment and treatments to protect your pet's health and keep them happy and comfortable. Their full-service clinic also offers ultrasound and EKG testing. Call (251) 943-3211 or visit their website for an appointment.