Friday, April 30 is National Hairball Awareness Day

Yes, National Hairball Awareness Day exists and, no, it is not a joke. The folks at FURminator, the popular de-shedding tool have partnered with Arnold Plotnick, MS, DVM, ACVIM, ABVP of Manhattan Cat Specialists and feline internet celebrity Romeo the Cat about the dangers of hairballs and how to treat them.

This veritable anti-hairball SWAT Team offers the following information:

• When a cat coughs up a hairball, it is actually choking. This hacking can be very dangerous and can cause death in some cases. Cats will over groom themselves, especially in the spring during peak shedding season. To reduce the hair and the hack, many veterinarians recommend proactive grooming with tools such as the FURminator deLuxe deShedding Tool for cats to help lessen the amount of hair ingested. Not only will this remove loose hair, but it can be a nice bonding experience for human and cat. Just be careful to not overgroom as this can result in thin patches.
• Just say "no" to harsh treatments. A de-Shedding Tool is a more holistic approach for reducing hairballs, and much less disruptive to kitty's system than specially formulated food or giving it a harsh laxative to flush out the hair in its digestive system. An additional way of alleviating hairballs is to add a little canned pumpkin to a cat’s meal once or twice a week. The pumpkin can help move any hair clods through its system, but should not be used long-term, as it could provide a false sense security when a cat that chronically vomits hairballs could be quite sick. Specially formulated hairball control foods and treats are used, but are under scrutiny by many in the cat community. These formulas are high in fiber, which cats would not naturally consume as they are obligate carnivores. Many advocate grain-free and/or raw diets for cats, as they most closely mimic cats' natural diets.
• Keep the bar and the restaurant separate. Cats have primal instincts and the location of their water bowl can prove it. In the wild, a cat would never drag its kill to a watering hole to eat and drink at the same time. House cats have inherited this same instinct. Owners should keep a cat’s water bowl in a separate location than its food bowl. The cat will drink more water and this increase will help its system clean itself of ingested hair.
• Humans aren't the only ones who lose hair as we age. A cat’s age can affect how it sheds. As a kitten matures its coat changes in several ways: texture, thickness, curl and coloring. This transition may take up to two years depending on the breed. Once a kitten’s coat has matured, it will begin to shed more by dropping its “kitten coat.” Consult with a veterinarian or groomer on the cat’s changing grooming needs.
• Keep cats active to stay healthy; they’re athletes at heart. A healthy cat can jump as much as seven times its height. Unfortunately, 21 percent of cats are considered obese or overweight by their veterinarians. Play and interactive toys with feathers on the end encourage cats to leap, stretch and stay active. Keeping a cat active helps it maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as increases balance and coordination.
• Talk to your vet. Concerned about a cat’s chronic hairball problem? Be sure to consult a veterinarian for the best course of action to help alleviate the problem. Simple measures can be taken to ensure a cat’s overall health is in tiptop shape, but always consult with a veterinarian when it comes to major changes in health, diet and behavior.

The bottom line: Keep an eye on your cats' hairball activity. If they are vomiting hairballs frequently, visit your veterinarian and talk to him or her about the suggestions on the above list. You and your pet(s) will be much happier!

Interested in checking out a FURminator de-shedding tool? Both Pet Supplies "Plus" and PetSmart in New Hartford carry them.