Congratulations, that’s one seriously fluffy kitty you’ve got there. But how about lending a paw to help keep her groomed and gorgeous? After all, the last thing any cat wants is a hairball backing up in her belly. Even the most well-groomed kitties expel an occasional hairball, but some cats, especially the serious shedders, have bigger hairball problems. It might seem unpleasant but having your cat leave you the little present of a hacked-up furball on the rug (a high traffic area, of course!) is the best thing that can happen to this excess hair that is swallowed while grooming. Once a hairball gets trapped in the intestinal tract, this little wad of fur can become dangerous by potentially causing an obstruction. In fact, many feline digestive track impactions are the result of the menacing hairball.

If your kitty suffers from chronic hairball drama, make sure to watch her for signs of trouble and take her to veterinarian. Kitties with problematic hairballs often vomit undigested food, dry retch and have swollen abdomens. Litter box signs include diarrhea or no bowel movements at all. Fortunately, even the fluffiest kitties can prevent hairball with regular brushings and preventative products. Here are just a few suggestions to discuss with your vet:

Brush the Fluff.  Help reduce hair ingestion by regularly brushing your cat. Petplan vets recommend using a specialized cat grooming tool, such as a dual-sided brush, or the Furminator de-shedding tool to gently and safely remove excess undercoat fur. http://www.furminator.com/shedless.cfm

Bulk Up. Fiber sources, such as natural cat grass, add substance and moisture to your cat’s stool making it easier for her to pass a hairball. A variety of cat foods also include special fiber formulas for hairball control. Ask your vet to recommend one for your cat.

Go H20. Help ease your cat’s digestion by keeping her bowl filled with fresh, clean drinking water at all times. Using a water fountain that supplies a constant source of cool, well-oxygenated water can help encourage your pet to drink more. http://www.vetventures.com/

ReLax. Talk with your vet about the many hairball laxative options on the market. These petroleum based products, are added to your cat’s food to help coat the stool for easier elimination. http://www.tomlyn.com/pages/pr_cat_01.html