Did you ever see your cat vomit hairballs?

United States
May 14, 2009 4:43am CST
Do you ever see your cat vomit hairballs? Did they swallow their hair while licking themselves clean? That is not really healthy at all.
2 people like this
7 responses
@ElicBxn (63643)
• United States
14 May 09
If you brush them daily, they get fewer hairballs. It is a survival trait to stay clean and not have any strong smell because they can stalk closer to their prey that way. Can't over come millions of years of instinct in a few thousand of domestication.
2 people like this
• India
14 May 09
Don't do that please. Cats should eat hairs. Let them eat it. If they donot, they get 'acid reflexes' in their digetive tract that can lead to: - Jaundice - Kidney trouble - Dental decay Just don't brush off the hair. And don't panic when you cat spits hair. Hope you have a good time with your pet. May your cat live longer! Regards, A.J.
2 people like this
@Theresaaiza (10487)
• Australia
14 May 09
Hehe,yes. I think we call that furball and it is indeed a funny sight. I hope you won't feel disgusted but I also see cellophane shreds in our cat's poo. That's because he raids our kitchen trash sometimes. Ewww...:-D
1 person likes this
• India
14 May 09
Cellophane shreds in poo? That's horrible. You cat doesn't get enough cellulose content I guess. If so keep it out of reach and give proper food as recommended by vets. This is a hazard because cellophane usually harbours Salemonella bacteria which is harmful to the cat. The disease it causes can spread to man through cat feces. SO better be on your guard.
@tuyakiki (3016)
• India
15 May 09
I have seen cats vomiting hair balls ..And that is a terrible thing.They do lick each other and by this way they shallow some of their hairs or furs.Probably they are used to all these..
@ebook_freak (1511)
• India
14 May 09
Many people believe in myths. And unfortunately many mylotters too. But you don't have to one of them. There are people who think spitting hairballs is something bad. Some say it'd disgusting. Others say 'my cat is gonna die' Actually its good for cats. Let me explain: -does you cay spit green coloured juice? It is bile. And your cat won't spit it. Because, cat hairs has some special proteinacious compounds that prevent the 'bile spit'. Bile spit is dangerous for your cat. Spitting hairballs means he has got enough proteins and so there is no need for extra. -this will also help you cat to prevent dental and renal diseases. He will live longer. If you have further doubts, don't forget to ask me. I'm always ready to help.
@Maggiepie (7816)
• United States
14 May 09
Where on EARTH did you get that information? I've had cats for over 30 years and NONE of my vets have EVER said anything like that! And just to let you know, I have a LOT of cats now and over the years, so I'm not talking an annual visit for one cat, I'm talking sometimes WEEKLY visits!
2 people like this
• India
15 May 09
Well its a vet experts answer in justanswers.com. My cousin is a vet. And I am a medical student. I have heard about that info. I hope you are another guy who believes in this myth. It's hard to believe, but don't poke fun of me, everything I said is true. Your vets might not have heard about this. Maybe it's a new research. Anyway, I should ask your vets to get updated...
• India
15 May 09
And don't be angry with me. I respect your cat authority and knowledge, but sometimes facts don't reach human ears... after all why should I post something that is not worthy or rubbish? I can never get any benefit from it, and you'll gain nothing too. Ask your vets, and if I am wrong, just inform me... No hard feelings there.
@Tikvah57 (22)
• United States
14 May 09
My cat currently has not vomit hairballs, or fur balls. Thought I used have a cat that did. It mostly happens with long hair cats. Though it could happen with short haired cats. Yes daily brushing helps but any time your cat cleans itself it is bound to swallow a few hairs. Until so many are collected in their stomach and forms a tangled ball of fur it makes them sick and they vomit or cough them up. Good news is there is stuff you can buy to give them that helps with that problem I believe. I have to admit it is rather unnerving to watch them cough on up.
• United States
15 May 09
Yeah, hairballs are made from cats washing themselves. For most cats, it's just a part of life. There are pet products out there that help with hairball trouble. You just give your cat a small amount every week. My cat really likes the flavor, and begs for it.
@katsalot1 (1618)
14 May 09
Yes, I think all cats do this at some time because they are always cleaning themselves by licking, so some loose hairs inevitably get swallowed. The best thing to do is brush them regularly to remove those loose hairs.