Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
WHAT ABOUT A LONGHAIRED CAT?
For cats with medium to long hair, a medium to coarse metal comb is
needed. Many owners like to use a slicker brush (which has short metal
bristles), but the problem with this tool is that it can ride on top of the
coat and leave hairs matted underneath. Metal rakes are useful for
longer coats, especially if there is a lot of dead hair to comb out.
One way to ease the stress of combing a hairy cat is to pick small-
er areas to work on, and comb one area a day or every few days. Even
cats who are tolerant of combing have limits to the amount of time
they are willing to put up with the procedure.
HAIRBALLS
Any cat can have hairballs, but the more hair a cat ingests when she
is grooming, the more likely she is to cough up a hairball.That's
why frequent brushing is your best defense against hairballs.
Hairballs are normal, and using hairball remedies may decrease
their frequency but not eliminate them.The main reason to use
hairball remedies is to prevent a hairball from causing an intestinal
blockage.
Trichobezoar
is the technical term for a hairball.This word is
formed from
tricho
, derived from the Greek, meaning “hair,” and
bezoar
, which is a concretion of materials formed in the intestines.
Traditional hairball remedies are malt petroleum pastes that come
in tubes.Today these pastes are found in different flavors, including
tuna, and even come in pump dispensers.These pastes can be very
effective, but the petroleum does inhibit the absorption of certain
vitamins, so it's important not to give your cat a hairball remedy
near her mealtimes.
Psyllium, a type of fiber, is also a useful hairball remedy. It is
available in premeasured capsules, in bulk form and as chewable
tablets.These products are available from veterinarians and pet sup-
ply stores.
Many “hairball formula” foods have been developed for cats in
recent years. Most of them contain cellulose, another type of fiber.
They work well for some cats, but not all. Hairball treats may con-
tain fiber or have centers filled with lubricants.
