Many people - even those who love cats - often think of cats as being creatures who can take care of themselves. They don't need to be bathed or walked, and they don't become as lonely without their human companions. However, the reality is that cats can develop serious problems if they're left to their own devices. Some major health problems can be caused by a simple lack of grooming. Read on to learn more about these problems and how you can help your cat to avoid them.
Hairballs
Most pet parents know that hairballs are a pretty common occurrence. However, that doesn't mean that they're not dangerous. Cats will throw up a hairball if they consume too much of their own fur, the fur of another cat, or even your hair. It's a survival mechanism that allows the cat to eject objects that can't be digested normally through the body.
Unfortunately, hairballs themselves can cause serious problems on their way out. Hairballs that are too large can get stuck in your cat's esophagus, causing pain, anxiety, and potentially even tearing in the esophagus. If the hairball is stuck, it can also potentially expose the esophagus to stomach acid, which can burn a hole in the esophagus.
Intestinal Blockages
When hairballs don't come out or your cat can't throw up enough of the fur they've consumed, they can cause even bigger problems further down in the digestive system. Excessive hair can cause blockages in the intestines, preventing your cat from digesting food or passing stools. In either case, your cat will not only be in a great deal of pain, but will be unable to take in new food, meaning your cat will lose weight rapidly. This can not only put your cat's health at risk all on its own, but cats can experience fatty liver disease if they're starved for a prolonged period of time.
Regular Maintenance
Keeping your cat from experiencing these devastating conditions is as easy as simply maintaining a grooming regimen with your cat. Taking your cat to a groomer on a regular basis will help to remove excess shedding fur that your cat would otherwise consume while grooming itself. Your groomer can help you to determine how often your cat needs to be groomed, based on its breed and hair length.
It might come as a surprise, but hair can pose a serious risk to your cat's health. Don't let your cat experience these problems - talk to a professional groomer near you.
Share27 April 2017
Our pets are like our children — they need to be cared for when we are away. After being a stay at home mom for many years, I had to make some serious adjustments when I reentered the workforce. My children are all grown, but my dog just can't be home by himself. I had to find a day care for him to go to when I went to work. I was conflicted — how do I choose the day care that will provide him with the love, care and attention that he is used to? This blog will provide you with the same tips that I was given that helped me choose.