One might think this day was purely made-up by dogs to make fun of their feline brothers. But I must admit my research was inconclusive in regards to this matter.
Some believe the day was founded 60 years ago by a concerned vet, while others claim it was established in 2006 by the National Museum of Health and Medicine (NMHM). (Before you click on that hyper-link, let me warn you there are some rather disturbing images going on over there.).
Puking cat by Matt Groening
Who knew steer – let alone humans – had “trichobezoars,” the proper name for “a mass found trapped in the gastrointestinal system formed by the ingestion of hair.” (Wikpedia)
I do think it’s imperative before we proceed, to clarify the difference between a furball and a hairball. Surprisingly these terms are often used interchangeably though they are truly worlds apart.
A furball is just that, a nice fluffy ball of kitty fur you get when you brush – or pet, if you don’t brush – your cat. Some people actually “felt” it for making jewelry. And there’s even a book called Crafting with Cat Hair (in which they craft with furballs).
Cat fur necklace by Heidi Abrahamson
It’s really crafting with cat fur (trust me on this)
A hairball on the hand is something that upon being seen can be rather perplexing. Why you ask? Well then you are a lucky bird and have apparently never been subjected to one. In which case I wonder why you’re reading this piece. Fascinating.
“Hairball” is far too innocuous a name for what it is your cat actually hacks up (or technically regurgitates – blech!). Let’s just say it’s par-for-the to stare at it for a while from various angles in an effort to determine from which end of the cat it was produced. It ain’t pretty.
The worse thing is being within earshot when your cat has a hairball working its way up and out. First off because you’ll inevitably have to gingerly direct your cat away from the white carpet that only in these instances takes on the magical qualities of a cat magnet.
The room in-which hairballs will most likely be generated according to my personal experience.
Photo credit: bedarthome.com
Secondly, because they’re so helpless and you want to comfort them but can’t. It’s like a human puking their brains out and you’re completely powerless. I have to imagine that stroking a cat’s back would be as annoying for the cat as it is for a puking human, but it’s so hard to repress the urge to do so.
How does a cat get a hairball? In a relatively healthy cat it’s just from grooming. Normally the fur goes in through the top and out the bottom into the litter box, less trauma for all. However, in the case of a hairball, the fur gets trapped in the intestines creating a mass, and can’t make it out the usual way. So up it comes!
photo credit: oneearth.org
The information on how many hairballs is normal for a cat to have varies from once a week to once a month. Personally, it’s my belief that if you’re cat is suffering from hairballs once a week you need to do the following immediately:
- Regularly brush your cat. About once a week for a shorthaired cat, according to the ASPCA. They may love it, they may merely tolerate it or as in my cat Petie’s case, you may have to gently hold him down and pretend you’re shearing a sheep. Never ever press too hard! Especially with metal brushes or combs. Lightly and more frequently is better.
Petie being “sheared”
- Make sure your cat isn’t over-grooming. You can do this by making sure your cat is entertained – play with him/her, make sure there are enough toys at hand. If the problem doesn’t stop, you should probably talk to your vet. Some cats are nervous or neurotic and a vet is the person to help you out in this situation.
- Lubricate (get your mind out of the gutter). Over the counter products like Petromalt or Laxatone, when given as directed allows things to glide through the system more easily.
If you are doing these things and your cat is still having problems – especially if it’s on a daily basis. Run, don’t walk to your vet. Or at the very least call him or her.
So now you probably know more than you ever wanted to about hairballs. If you’re still not satisfied, just scroll back up and click on that NMHM hyperlink – that should tide you over for a while.
HAPPY NATIONAL HAIRBALL AWARENESS DAY.
MAY IT BE HAIRBALL FREE!
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