{"id":1893,"date":"2021-08-02T10:38:36","date_gmt":"2021-08-02T17:38:36","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/?p=1893"},"modified":"2024-07-31T18:41:09","modified_gmt":"2024-08-01T01:41:09","slug":"cat-hairballs-and-what-you-should-know-about-them","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.rocklinranchvet.com\/blog\/cat-hairballs-and-what-you-should-know-about-them\/","title":{"rendered":"Cat Hairballs and What You Should Know About Them"},"content":{"rendered":"
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You can hear the cat retching and you race to grab the paper towels. You know what\u2019s coming, the dreaded hairball extrusion. There it is, on your freshly washed comforter, a log of compacted hair wet with bile and kitty\u2019s digestive juices. Disgusting? Yes. A health problem? Maybe. What you don\u2019t know about hairballs could be dangerous for your cat.<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?<\/h2>\n\n\n\n

Your cat will inevitably develop hairballs because their grooming practices cause them to swallow strands of fur. Usually, the hairs will pass through their digestive system and be eliminated in the litter box. But sometimes, the hairs don\u2019t make it out of the cat\u2019s stomach. When that happens, the hair strands collect in clumps and need to be ejected in some other way. Hack. Hack. Hack.<\/p>\n\n\n\n\n\n\n\n

What Does My Cat\u2019s Tongue Have To Do With Hairballs?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Cat tongues have a rough surface that collects hairs as they groom. The tongue is covered with papillae\u2014tiny, backward-facing spines. The papillae are hollow and shaped like a scoop, making them useful for lapping milk and water. They also hold saliva, which is a cat\u2019s fur-cleaning agent. As your cat cleans itself, those spiny papillae pull strands of hair up and send them down the kitty\u2019s throat. That\u2019s where hairballs begin!<\/p>\n\n\n\n

Are Hairballs Dangerous For My Cat?<\/h3>\n\n\n\n

Sometimes your cat can\u2019t pass hairballs, and that can lead to serious health problems. Long-haired cats are at greater risk for complications from hairballs. Signs your cat may have a hairball health problem include:<\/p>\n\n\n\n