NATIONAL HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY
Cat lovers have all been there. That onerous sound their cat makes when a hairball is on the rise. On the last Friday in April, National Hairball Awareness Day draws attention to a problem many cat lovers face.
#HairballAwarenessDay
The formation of hairballs is a common feline condition that is brought on by self-grooming and the associated ingestion of hair. Cats pass the hair through their digestive tract or will vomit the hairball. If they don’t eliminate the hairball from their digestive track one way or the other, hairballs can create an obstruction. Obstructions can cause serious medical issues for a cat.
Tips for Managing Hairballs
- Regular grooming helps reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests. Bushing your cat every day also has the added benefits of reducing the amount of shed hair around the house and offers your cat some extra attention.
- Look for products that help to prevent hairballs. Shampoos and wipes may reduce the amount of shedding.
- Some types of cat food may help to reduce the amount of shedding too. Designed to improve the health of a cat’s coat, the foods are nutritionally packed.
HOW TO OBSERVE HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY
- Get in the habit of grooming your cat to help prevent hairballs.
- Talk to your vet if your cat continues to have issues with hairballs.
- Share your hairball stories. We know you have them.
- Love your kitty as part of Hairball Awareness Day.
- Join the conversation by using #HairballAwarenessDay on social media.
NATIONAL HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY HISTORY
Dr. Blake Hawley of Hill’s Pet Nutrition out of Topeka, Kansas founded National Hairball Awareness Day to provide solutions to cat owners and help them understand why their cats get hairballs.
Hairball FAQ
Q. Are hairballs normal?
A. No. Cats are natural groomers. When they groom, they swallow the hair and it normally passes through their digestive tracts. Hairballs are formed when the hair collects in their digestive tracts that they can’t pass it in their stool. It creates an obstruction that exits the same way it entered.
Q. Do hairballs have to be removed surgically?
A. In extreme cases, a hairball causes an obstruction your cat can’t expel. Veterinarians will recommend the least invasive treatments first. They may include hydration and laxatives. When these treatments do not work, your veterinarian may recommend surgery.