Cats spend a lot of their time licking and preening and this can get them into trouble. Cats swallow a lot of fur when obsessively cleaning themselves; this is especially the case in long fur breeds such as Persian cats. With time, this fur develops into hairballs which if left untreated can cause serious problems.
Cats try to rid themselves of hairballs by attempting to vomit them or pass them through bowel movements, but sometimes these hairballs can cause intestinal blockages and develop into a life threatening situation requiring surgical intervention.
Signs that your cat may be suffering from a hairball include loss of appetite and erratic bowl movements, usually constipation. If you see your cat retching frequently as though it has something stuck in its throat, it may be attempting to rid itself of a hairball.
While there is no cure for hairballs, there are some preventative measures you can take to avoid them becoming problematic.
Hairballs can sometimes be caused by boredom or stress. Your cat may start licking itself compulsively if it is bored or under some sort of stress, so keeping your cat occupied and entertained can help in preventing hairballs. Give your cat treats and toys and spend time playing with her.
Comb your cat regularly to get rid of dead hair and minimize the risk of hairballs. After brushing the cat, wipe its fur with a moist towel to further remove dead fur.
Lubricants and treats formulated specifically for hairball prevention are available at most pet shops. Give these to your cat on a regular basis to prevent hairballs. The lubricants are often in paste form and you can simply administer them by placing a small amount of the paste on your cat's gums. Most cats readily accept these pastes and will lick them off your hand. Try to find a brand that is palatable to your cat. Edible treats are also available to help break up or prevent hairballs from developing. These are usually easier to administer.
If your cat exhibits frequent retching or persistent constipation don't delay getting her checked by the vet. If she is suffering from a hairball and unable to either vomit or pass it, she could die. Your vet will perform a thorough investigation and determine whether surgery is needed if an intestinal blockage exists. As the saying goes, prevention is better than cure so please make sure you do everything you can to prevent hairballs from becoming a problem in your pet.