Veterinary Blog

Almost every cat owner is familiar with the hacking and gagging noises cats make (usually at 2 am) as they prepare to cough up a hairball. If you groan when you hear this and wonder if  anything can be done about it, True Care Veterinary Hospital has good news for you!

But are you ready to tackle the hairy situation that is hairballs in cats? 

How Do Hairballs Happen? 

Cats are consummate groomers that work hard to keep their coats immaculate. While grooming themselves with their sharp tongues, cats ingest hair that has been shed. Fur cannot be broken down by the digestive tract, and if it doesn’t pass through, it can collect in the intestine.

Although this hair typically passes through the digestive tract and is excreted in the stool, sometimes it may remain in the stomach and gradually accumulate into a wet clump – the hairball. 

Few things are more exciting than celebrations with family and friends during the holiday season. And since a full 70% of us consider our pets to be family members, it’s a given that we want to share the holiday festivities with our pets. 

But easy access to holiday food, decorations, and all the parties and visitors that herald the season can spell big trouble for our pets. And nothing can ruin a holiday celebration like a trip to the animal emergency room.

Keep your holidays merry and bright with our holiday pet safety tips, and avoid a pet emergency this year.