Cat owners become immediately concerned when they hear choking sounds coming from their cats; the last thing a cat lover wants is for his cat to be ill. There is no reason to stress though. Typically, the choking or hacking sound is just your cat trying to release a hairball. Your cat does have taste. When he leaves nauseating globs on the floor, he’s not leaving you a tacky gift. He’s trying to remove hair from his stomach so he doesn’t become ill.

What are hairballs and why do cats have them? Hairballs are clumps of food and hair from a cat’s stomach. If you ever watched a cat in action, grooming appears to be a favorite hobby. With grooming comes loose hair, and often that hair ends up in the cat’s stomach. If the hair is not eliminated through the normal waste process, it often lumps together and forms a ball. It has to come out somewhere, and if it can’t leave through the lower door, it will try the door upstairs.

While it is important for cats to remove hairballs, most cats normally find it difficult to remove them. If hairballs are not eliminated, they can create a blockage in the intestines and possibly create a life threatening situation for your cat. Signs of intestinal blockage include constipation, a lackluster coat, and a lack of appetite.  If you observe any of these symptoms, you should notify a veterinarian so he can examine your cat.
 
There are preventive measures you can take to avoid hairballs. Grooming is one defensive action you can take. To get rid of extra hair, cat owners should personally groom their long haired cats every day. Cats that are groomed as kittens grow accustomed to being combed and brushed. Many will actually seek their owners out for grooming. If your cat resists being groomed, a grooming glove will make the process less stressful for you.  

Dietary supports can also assist in the battle against hairballs. A high quality, dry cat food that is high in nutrients, especially protein, is a good dietary aid. There are lubrication products, such as gels, that can be purchased and placed in the dry cat food to help the cat expel the hairball.   

You should never have to use a remedy, such as the gel, for a long period of time. If you do, you should check with your veterinarian to make sure your pet does not have a serious condition. Many cat owners also try natural remedies such as pumpkin, butter, and petroleum jelly to eliminate hairballs, but your veterinarian should first be consulted as well. Not all of the passed down solutions are safe for your cat. Remember, you want to help your cat, not harm it.