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My Hairballs

post #1 of 5
4/11/11 at 4:04am
Thread Starter 
Hi everyone, I would appreciate your help in this matter.

I have 11-months old ginger cat, Fingal. He's a domestic shorthaired I love him to pieces, but I have to say I'm surpriced with the amount of hair he sheds. And not only in the autumn or now, during the spring, but throughout the winter as well. I groom him every 2-3 days. But, I heard that humans, having cats around for some time, inhale cat's hair, which can also turn into hairballs within my own digestive system, causing further complications, which can even lead one to a hospital.
So, I would appreciate if anyone would tell me if you know if this is the true, and if it is, if you know a remedy for it.

Thank you so much in advance!!
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post #2 of 5
4/11/11 at 9:36am
Hairballs are very rare in humans. Really, before you posted this, I had no idea any humans got hairballs. I wouldn't worry. I have had cats all my life and I'm 52 and hairball free.
http://www.nmhm.washingtondc.museum/.../hairball.html
I think as long as you use a comb or brush to groom your cat, you will be fine.
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post #3 of 5
4/11/11 at 5:59pm
You're not going to get any hairballs from your cat, unless you start grooming him kitty style...

Also, grooming doesn't necessarily do anything for hairballs, unless you use a brush designed to pull up the undercoat such as the popular furminator. The others just prevent matting.

Genetics, diet, and environment can play a role. To reduce shedding, try and keep a consistent home temperature (big hot/cold fluctuations can cause a kitty to blow his coat), use a furminator once a week (but not more IMO as it causes skin irritation), provide a high quality food with at least some wet, ensure that kitty is well hydrated (I recommend having one or two water fountains), and try not to wash your cat as it can dry out the skin and fur by removing oils and use a special kitty shampoo if you have to.

Quality home filters and regular vacuuming will keep fur buildup around the house to a minimum (I love my roombas for that, hah).
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post #4 of 5
4/12/11 at 2:10am
Thread Starter 
Thank you both so much for this.
It was probably the winter time, with all the heating in the house and him occassionally going out on a balcony that did it.
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post #5 of 5
4/14/11 at 10:46am
Quote:
Originally Posted by Fingal View Post
Hi everyone, I would appreciate your help in this matter.

I have 11-months old ginger cat, Fingal. He's a domestic shorthaired I love him to pieces, but I have to say I'm surpriced with the amount of hair he sheds. And not only in the autumn or now, during the spring, but throughout the winter as well. I groom him every 2-3 days. But, I heard that humans, having cats around for some time, inhale cat's hair, which can also turn into hairballs within my own digestive system, causing further complications, which can even lead one to a hospital.
So, I would appreciate if anyone would tell me if you know if this is the true, and if it is, if you know a remedy for it.

Thank you so much in advance!!
Getting hair balls from your cat would be extremely rare. I assume you are not grooming your cat as a cat would <kidding> A daily brushing, if your meezer likes it, will always help with keeping hair balls under control with your cat. General cleanliness around the house by eliminating dust bunnies etc. will also help. You may want to look at filtration systems that will help with cleaner air quality as well.
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