Meowllo everypawdy, today is National Hairball Awareness Day. Ifin you have a cat, you no doubt know when kitty has a hairball. Mommy says almost all kitty luvvers know da sound of a hairball comin’ up; we call it da nasty hackys. And of course we kitties are so careful to place them fur maximum effect. While you sleep we may place one in your slippers or da path you take furst thing in da meownin’ when you still have sleepy eyes. Where ever we put them, we’re telling you somethin’. We’re telling you dat we need some help cuz our furs are sheddin’ like mad. Mommy says watchin’ me hack up a hairball is pawful and she’s never seen anythin’ like it befur. She says me’s face says me is terrified and me convulses till da hairball comes up as a purrjectile and lands across da room. Let me tell ya’, me may not know what me’s face looks like, but me can tell ya’ dat is some scary stuffs. Me doesn’t like doin’ it not one bit. (don’t worry, we’re not showing fotos)

Most cat pawrents just accept hairballs as one of the unpleasant things dat goes along with luvvin’ and sharin’ your home with a cat. And truth is, most hairballs move through our system just fine and either become da nasty hackys or go out da other end. But in rare instances hairballs can cause a life threatening blockage. Ifin you notice kitty exhibiting any of da following symptoms, purrlease take kitty to da VET. Always better safe than sorry.

• Ongoing vomiting, gagging, retching, or convulsing without purrducing anything

• Lack of appetite 

• Lethargy

• Constipation

• Diarrhea

Thing is, me gets very few hairballs. And trust me, me’s very glad ‘bout dat. Sis Lexi used to get them almost daily, even when she was young and healthy. Mommy says in all da years she’s dealt with kitties, da short haired kitties seemed to have more hairballs than da long. Seems a little backwards, but it is what it is. So how can you humans help us with those nasty hairballs? Well Wellness purrvided us with this great infographic with some pawsum suggestions.

Brushing always helps get out some of da loose dead fur dat would otherwise end up in our tummies and eventually in a wet slimy pile somewhere inconvenient fur you. Now me knows dat not all kitties enjoy bein’ brushed. Me is just one of those kitties. Fank da cats me’s fur doesn’t mat or me would be in trouble. But there’s a product out there dat your grooming challenged kitty will like; you just have to keep trying. Me luvs da grooming glove especially well. Now it won’t get out mats, but ifin you’re using it regularly, mats shouldn’t form. There are many other grooming brushes, combs and helpers out there, so keep trying, you’ll eventually find kitty’s sweet spot. Mommy says she’s even gone so far as to use a moist paper towel or microfiber cloth. Again, those won’t take out mats, but ifin used regularly they should take enough of da dead furs out so dat hairballs don’t form. As cats, we naturally groom ourselves. Ifin you notice kitty seems a little OCD (obsessive compulsive disorder) about it, try to discourage this behavior. Ifin neccessary, see your VET; kitty may have other health issues dat need to be addressed.

There are treats, and pastes, and foods to help with hairball control as well. Wellness has just one of those foods. They’ve been busy creating a new formula dat be good fur kitty and helps with those nasty hackys. It includes deboned chicken and turkey as well as vitamins and minerals to support skin and coat health. And a precise blend of natural fibers to help move those hairballs thru da digestive tract. This formula touts supporting whole body health and well being. At this time it appears to only come in kibble form. It’s available in 3 sizes and runs from about $12.00 to $34.00. As you know we don’t eat kibble here, but this could make a helpful treat.

Me has to go get some brushin’ and play in now. You know, gotta keep those hairballs at bay. Me’s joinin’ Rascal and Rocco fur da weekly Pet Parade.

Today would have been sis Lexi’s 17th birthday. It’s hittin’ mommy purretty hard. We’re also havin’ some storms, so we’ll be ’round to visit soon, but purrobably not today. But we would like fur you to ‘member sissy today and smile. She brought so much luv and happiness to mommy, me and so many of you, and she deserves to be remembered. 

Disclaimer: This is a sponsored post. We received compensation to share Wellness’s Hairball Prevention foods and infographics. We believe hairballs are a real concern for all cat owners and are always truthful when sharing products with you. Wellness is not responsible for the content or opinions in this post other than the infographic and claims regarding the nutrition and benefits of their food.

Till da next time……………………………………Be Blest!!!

Luv and Hugs and Kitty Kisses

Dezi