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Cause
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A cat grooms itself by licking all the fur on its coat. The animal then swallows that fur, which is usually eliminated in the stool. If the hair forms a ball in the digestive tract, the cat will go into a coughing fit until it vomits up the hair ball. If the hair ball is so large that it becomes trapped in the digestive tract, the cat will not be able to eliminate or vomit. This is a hair ball impaction.
Symptoms
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There are several symptoms a cat can exhibit that point to a possible impaction. If the cat dry heaves or vomits partially digested food, this is a sign that the digestive system has a blockage. An impacted cat may also have a swollen abdomen, and will exhibit signs of pain or discomfort such as making loud howling noises while using the bathroom. The animal may stop producing stool completely, or may have diarrhea.
Treatment
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For serious hairball impactions, the veterinarian may need to perform a surgical removal. The veterinarian may also prescribe a laxative or other prescription medication that helps the impaction break up and move through the digestive system. If you suspect your cat has a hairball impaction, take it to the veterinarian immediately. Do not attempt to treat the condition with home remedies.
Prevention
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Brush the cat's coat each day to remove excess hair. This will reduce the amount of fur the cat ingests, which will then reduce the likelihood of an impaction. Provide the cat with plenty of fresh water to lubricate the digestive system. You can also switch the cat to a high-fiber cat food, and provide food-additive hairball remedies that coat the digestive system.
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Hairball Impaction in Cats
Hairball formation is common in domestic cats and is generally harmless. The cat ingests fur through the grooming process, and then either eliminates it or vomits it out of the digestive system. Hairball impaction is a more serious condition associated with hairballs, and can actually be life threatening. Impaction requires immediate veterinary treatment.