Hairballs Can Jeopardize Your Cat’s Health

Cats spend up to one-third of their waking hours self-grooming. The tiny barbs on a cat's tongue pull loose hair from its coat and those hairs are swallowed.

Because hair is very difficult to digest, it compacts with undigested food in the intestines.

The accumulation becomes a source of irritation if it is not eliminated in the litter box or coughed up. The result is messy fur-like, cigar-shaped forms on the floor or furniture.

Although you may not see hairballs, there may be a significant accumulation in your cat’s intestines. Some hairballs surgically removed are almost three inches in diameter.

Signs of Hairball Problems

• Cigar shaped clumps of fur found on floor or furniture.
• Dry, hacking cough or vomiting after meals.
• Preoccupation with eating plants or grass.
  Hair entwined with the feces.
• Dry, dull coat and/or excessive shedding.
  Poor appetite and/or weight loss.
• Constipation or diarrhea.

Common Hairball Treatments

• Single focused treatments … do not address a cat’s entire system.
• Mineral oil or petroleum lubricants … are petrochemical products.
• Large amounts of fiber … can decrease intestinal absorption of nutrients and may result in a malnourished animal.
• Enemas for constipation … requires tranquilization and can be dangerous.

Gourmet Cat Treats, Hairball formula
improves coat health so less hair is swallowed during grooming.