vet-n-pet DIRECT

Cats in general are meticulous self groomers using their tongue to clean themselves. The tongue has tiny hook-like structures that help in the grooming process by removing loose hair. While grooming, some of the hair may be ingested but usually it will pass through the stomach with the faeces. Occasionally the hair can build up in the stomach and the cat will need to vomit it up, this is a hairball. A hairball generally looks more like a long thin tube of wet hair rather than a ball. When a cat is bringing up a hairball they will often make a terrible hacking or gagging sound as they try to move the hair up through the oesophagus. There are a number of products available that help hairballs pass through the system with greater ease. Laxative gels or pastes, like Laxapet Gel, contain a lubricant that will help ingested hair to pass through with faeces instead of building up in the stomach. There are also specially formulated cat foods that contain natural vegetable fibres that help the hair to pass through the system. Brushing your cat on a regular basis will help remove loose hair and therefore the cat will ingest less and reduce the number of hair balls. In general, hairballs are not serious and cause no harm to your cat. Sometimes the excessive build-up of hair in the stomach can cause a blockage if it is not passed easily. If your cat is continually vomiting up hairballs you should speak to your veterinarian just to make sure there isn't a blockage in the stomach. If you notice any symptoms like continually gagging or hacking without producing a hairball, loss of appetite, lethargy, constipation or diarrhoea contact your veterinarian immediately as these are symptoms of a life threatening blockage. tried+teed FELIWAY DIFFUSER KIT FOR CATS Aids in alleviating signs associated with fear and stress in kittens and cats. Helped my cats! It took about a week but my very stressy cat Sugar is pulling less hair and generally seems happier. I also foster rescue cats and I have seen a marked improvement in their stress levels. - Alexandra vet-n-pet DIRECT customer Cats have the largest eyes of any mammal relative to their head size. FAST FACT With a mix of education, product info and fun, there's something for everyone (including our cat lovers!) Popular cat videos include: - Surefeed Microchip Pet Feeder in Action - Cat Food Puzzle Playing - DIY Home Made Cat Litter Tray - Keeping Ants Out of Your Pet's Food www.youtube.com/user/vetnpetDIRECT Have you checked out our YouTube Channel? HAIRBALLS

• Cover