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Unless you own a Sphinx or a Devon Rex, your cat will be prone to develop hairballs. Cats appear to be quite obsessed with keeping their fur in top shape and many times right when you think your kitty is done licking, they will start another session. Of course, they appear to not mind at all picking up all that hair and swallowing it! Yet, most cats will regret it days later, when that dreaded gagging and hacking will ultmately bring up that nasty hair mass.

Most cat owners are well aware of the fact that the word ''hairball'' is quite errouneous. The hacked up hair will not present as a ball, rather it is usually shaped like a cigar or at times it may almost appear as if it came from the other end. The hacked up hair presents in this typical oblong shape becasue it passes through the esophagus which is the tube part section that connects the mouth to the stomach.

When a cat develops a hairball, it will appear to be anxious for a few seconds. Then seconds later, visible stomach contractions will take place shortly followed by the cat gagging and hacking while the hairball is successfully expelled out. Some cats may meow as if in distress but relief shortly follows once the hairball is removed from the cat's system.

Long haired cats are particularly prone to hairballs. Cats that have a tendency to lick excessively may also develop frequent hairballs. Cats that clean each other for some long grooming sessions may also develop frequent hairballs. The main culprit of hairballs is of course, the cat's hair. The cat's anatomy does not help much. The cat's rough tongue appears to be particularly effective in removing hair causing the cat to swallow more hair than needed.

While most hairballs eventualy pass either through the rectum or through the mouth, severe cases may cause intestinal obstructions. This is mostly seen in long haired cats or cats that obsessively lick and swallow hair for most of the day.

There are various home remedies for preventing and treating hairballs in cats.

1) Brush a lot

Of course, lessen the loose hair so to lower chances for kitty to develop hairballs. Try to invest in a good brush that collects lots of hair. If you own a long haired cat like a Persian, make sure your cat gets daily grooming sessions to minimize shedding.

2) Wipe afterwards

After brushing your cat, wipe your cat's fur with a wet cloth or a napkin to carry away some loose hair that may have been collected after brushing. Some pet stores carry special grooming wipes that may be

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