Does your cat suffer from hairballs? Hairballs in cats are actually quite common. Cats have many rough projections on their tongues that are called papillae. These papillae are used to help cats groom their fur. While the cat is grooming, it often ingests fur which gets caught in the cat's stomach or small intestines. This causes a blockage or what is more commonly known as a hairball. Even though they are common, there are ways to help your cat prevent and treat them.

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What types of cats are most susceptible?

There are three different types of coats that your cat can have: short hair, medium hair, and long hair. Cats with long hair get hairballs more often. Cats with soft fur also tend to get more. The soft fur sticks to the tongue easier than coarse fur. Indoor cats are also more likely to get hairballs. Since they do not spend time exploring outdoors, they spend more time grooming.

What are the symptoms?

Vomiting is the most common symptom of a hairball. The vomit may or may not contain fur. Other symptoms include not eating as often or as much, and hiding because they do not feel well.

How can I help to prevent them?

To prevent hairballs, you need to help your cat reduce the amount of fur they ingest and help the fur that is ingested pass easily through the digestive system. The best way to reduce the amount of hair that is ingested is to thoroughly brush your cat daily. Make sure to use a good wire brush, which pick up hair that your cat would otherwise lick up. Brush your cat for 5 to 10 minutes each day, making sure that the brushing is done slowly from head to tail. Most cats love being groomed and will enjoy the daily activity.

You should also let your cat go outside and eat some grass. Grass works as a laxative that helps them pass hair through their digestive systems. It also helps them to vomit up hairballs that have already formed in their stomach or intestines.

How do I treat hairballs?

To help the ingested fur pass through the digestive system, you could give your cat an intestinal lubricant, such as Laxatone. The lubricant breaks down the cat's fur and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the stomach and intestines. To give your cat the lubricant, simply put a few drops on their nose or paw and let them lick it off. The recommended dose in cats is ½ to 1 teaspoonful for 2 to 3 days, then ¼ to ½ teaspoonful 2 to 3 times a week. If vomiting increases or continues after the treatment, bring your cat to the veterinarian for a more serious treatment.

There is no denying that there are a lot of advantages in buying online; it is quick, can get you great deals and is delivered straight to your doorstep without you having to step a foot outside your house. However, it can also mean that you end up buying stuff that you do not need or products with short expiry dates. So here are a few tips for staying on track when buying online.

Before logging online, first time pet owners should put together a shopping list. Pet supplies can be divided into 3 main categories: Pet Food, Grooming and Health which includes medication, shampoo and rinses and Accessories which includes collars, beds, leash, toys etc.

Online shopping websites for dog supplies and cat supplies offer a wide range of products at reasonable prices. Most of these sites offer customer support and some of them even have an in house vet who can be consulted prior to making any purchases. However, with so many options available in every category, it is best to consult your vet before shopping. A vet consultation will help you devise a plan to keep your pet healthy and guide you on the right products for your pet depending on its age, breed and size.

Pet Food:Selecting the right food for your pet is an important and somewhat difficult task because of the number of options and specialized diets available these days. Commercially prepared food is now available in a variety of choices keeping in mind the pet's age, specific condition and age of the pet. To ensure that your pet eats a balanced and nutritious diet, it is best to make yourself aware of veteriner masası the options available and then purchase accordingly.

Grooming & Health:Regular grooming is the easiest way to care for your dog and maintain awareness of your pet's health. It is important to have a daily routine to take care of your pet's skin and coat. Brush your dog regularly as this simple task allows distribution of natural oils through the coat and also allows you to spot anything unusual.

As every pet owner knows, the biggest problem for pets is fleas and ticks. It is extremely important to devise a good flea and tick control plan to ensure your pet's health. It is recommended that you consult your vet before selecting any product. Before administering any product, ensure that you read the manufacturer's instructions of usage carefully and administer correct dosage. As a precaution, you should also make yourself aware of the possible adverse reactions as well as how to help your pet in case such a situation does arise.

Accessories:Ensure your pets' comfort by buying him a bed and blanket as well as a collar, a leash and some toys to keep him amused.

Bear in mind that these are the basics, there are a lot of choices of luxurious and expensive pet supplies online like designer accessories, bags, clothes, jewellery as well as gourmet food available for pets today.