by Angie Pollock

Created on: April 02, 2009   Last Updated: June 27, 2010

It's the hacking and gagging sound that every cat owner dreads to hear. Hairballs are relatively common in cats especially those of the long-haired variety such as Persians and the Maine Coon cat. These seemingly harmless wads of fur can actually cause blockages in the digestive tract which is extremely dangerous to your pet. If your bundle of fur is prone to hairballs, there are several home remedy steps that you can take to limit the amount of hair ingested by your cat.

•Grooming

This may sound too simple but it is by far the easiest and most effective way to limit fur ingestion. The beneficial act of brushing or combing a cat's coat not only reduces the amount of loose hair but also keeps the coat in proper condition. A cat can literally shed hundreds of hairs each day especially during the summer months. After a thorough brushing, use a damp cloth to remove any hairs that the brush may have missed. The more you remove, the less the cat has ingested.

It is crucial that cats do not become infested with fleas or other skin irritants. External parasites and skin disorders can cause a cat to groom more frequently leading to more ingested hair. Cats that do have fleas can be combed with a special flea comb which will remove the parasites and excess hair. Any time a cat appears to be grooming excessively, a thorough inspection of the cat's skin and coat should be implemented. Cats should be treated for external parasites and a veterinarian should be consulted for the best treatment for any skin conditions.

•Diet

Veterinarians recommend a high-fiber diet for cats that are affected regularly by hairballs. This effortless change in a cat's diet can help accelerate the passage of a hairball through the cat's system reducing the chances of blockages. Check the cat food label and look for one with 3.5 to 10 percent fiber content.

Adding extra fiber to a cat's diet can also prevent constipation, another ailment that can be caused by hairballs. Fiber can be found in all natural cat treats or by adding fiber-rich foods such as canned pumpkin into your cat's regular food. Fresh water is also important in the passage of hairballs so always have an unlimited supply of drinking water available for your cat.

•Tricks of the Trade

There are two home remedy hairball treatments that have been used for decades in cats. The most notable is petroleum jelly which helps the hairballs pass through the digestive tract. Most cats are not going to appreciate the flavor so

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