What are cat hairballs?
Hairballs in cats occur when cats groom themselves. Cats’ tongues act like brushes, with hundred of little barbs that effectively remove hair as the coat is licked. These barbs point to the rear of the mouth and move the hair back towards the throat, so once the hair’s in the mouth, the cat has little choice but to swallow it. A hairball occurs because the individual hairs then collect in the stomach, turning into a solid, matted mass of fur. There are then two possible routes to go either the hairball gets vomited up or it moves further down through the intestines. If a hairball is vomited up it may weaken the cat for a few days, but fur balls can be very problematic once they reach the intestines, where they can cause constipation and intestinal blockages. I really. hate. hairballs! photo: iStockphoto | thepropshoppe Veterinary treatment for hairballs in cats Cat hairball treatment by a veterinarian may need an operation (an expensive veterinary bill) to remove a more serious blockag
