This leads to an interesting day for Hairball Awareness…I did not want to become aware of hairballs…so I hired a friend to come in and clean the bathrooms and cupboards for me. My sister kindly offered to clean the carpets with the Rug Doctor…which turned into something interesting in itself…but that is a different story. I am sure that they found hairballs and Duke and I were choking on one at the same time today so that was interesting.
Cats typically suffer this problem…and mostly this time of year because of shedding. From http://www.petfinder.com/ here are some suggestions if you are faced with Cats and Hairballs…
The following tips can help reduce the yucky little surprises many cat parents face on a regular basis:
• Stop the Shed: During peak shedding season, cats tend to over-groom themselves. That increased excess of hair isn't just found on clothes and furniture -- much of it is ingested by the cat. Proactive grooming removes the loose hair before it is ingested and can reduce hairballs dramatically. The FURminator deLuxe deShedding Tool for cats is a great option and can reduce shedding by up to 90 percent.
• Home Remedies: Try adding a little canned pumpkin to a cat's meals once or twice a week. If hair has been ingested, the fiber in the pumpkin can help move any hair clods through the cat's system.
• The Watering Hole: Cats have primal instincts and the location of their water bowl can prove it. In the wild, a cat would never drag its kill to a watering hole to eat and drink at the same time. House cats have inherited this same instinct. Owners should keep a cat's water bowl in a separate location than her food bowl. Cats will drink more water and this increase will help their system clean itself of ingested hair.
• A New Menu: There are several specially formulated cat foods and treats with increased fiber that aid in the fight against hairballs. Each pet is different, so always consult the cat's vet first before making any drastic diet changes.
• Stay Active, Stay Healthy: Twenty-one percent of cats are considered obese or overweight by their veterinarians. Play and interactive toys encourage cats to leap, stretch and stay active. Keeping a cat active helps him maintain a healthy skin and coat and increases balance and coordination.
• Ask Your Vet: Concerned about a cat's chronic hairball problem? Be sure to consult a veterinarian for the best course of action to help alleviate the problem. Simple measures can be taken to ensure your cat's overall health is in tip-top shape, but always consult with a veterinarian when it comes to major changes in health, diet and behavior.
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