Can a squirrel get hair balls?

Squirrels, like cats, can experience hair balls, although they are called fur balls in squirrels. This happens when squirrels groom themselves and ingest excess fur.

Here's why squirrels can get fur balls:

* Grooming: Squirrels spend a lot of time grooming themselves, especially during shedding season.

* Ingested Fur: They swallow loose fur during grooming, and this fur can accumulate in their digestive system.

* Fur Balls: The accumulated fur can form a ball, which can cause digestive problems if it's too large.

Signs of Fur Balls in Squirrels:

* Vomiting: Squirrels might vomit up fur balls.

* Loss of appetite: A fur ball can cause discomfort and make them less interested in food.

* Constipation: Fur balls can block the digestive tract.

* Lethargy: Squirrels with fur balls might be less active than usual.

What to Do:

If you suspect a squirrel has a fur ball, it's best to contact a wildlife rehabilitator. They can provide the best advice on how to help the squirrel.

Prevention:

While you can't directly prevent squirrels from grooming, you can help them avoid excessive shedding by providing them with a healthy diet and a safe habitat.