Hair Balls Could Become a Health Hazard

I only learned recently that hairballs are called trichobezoars. I knew that cats groom themselves with their raspy tongues. But I did not realize that they are collecting loose, dead hair. I assumed they simply wanted their fur to be cleaner. Indeed, this is a normal healthy routine for cats to follow.

Most of the hair they swallow goes right through their natural bowel elimination process. But whatever stays in the stomach will usually be vomited up. Some of ours which I have found were so large and tube-like that at first I think they are fecal matter (trying not to be too crude here).

We have a cat who appears to have some Maine Coon in her (Stripe above) - definitely a long-hair tortie. I think she is the one who creates the huge hairballs. Persians and Maine Coons ar known to cough up more hairballs. I guess if a cat is more compulsive about grooming, regardless what breed, there could be more hairballs upchucked.

Symptoms like hacking, gagging, and retching are normal hairball symptoms. These indicate your cat will release the hairball soon. If you notice the following hairball symptoms, be sure to contact your vet, since they could be signs that a hairball has caused a potentially life-threatening blockage:

Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or hacking without producing a hairball

Lethargy (probably with any of above symptoms)

Constipation (probably with any of above symptoms)

Diarrhea (probably with any of above symptoms)

Lack of appetite (probably with any of above symptoms)

Hoping none of you have any hairball hazards !!

Debby in Arizona