Advice & Information

Each month we intend to put a number of popular questions to our vets relating to general pet health and care. Whilst in no way intended to replace a professional diagnosis, we hope that the information and advice provided on these pages are useful. There is also a number of excellent fact sheets created by the Blue Cross pet charity, to the right of this page.

Cat Questions

How can I cut down the amount of hairballs my cat suffers with?

Cats lose fur throughout the year in small quantities but at certain times can shed a lot more. This tends to be seasonal according to day length - shortening or lengthening - and temperature.

Cats will groom themselves by licking and have backward pointing hairs on their tongue to enable loose fur removal. All healthy cats are able to turn and groom themselves easily but as they age they become slightly stiffer and are less able to reach their hindquarters and flanks. They may also develop dental disease, which makes grooming uncomfortable, and often the halitosis associated with bad teeth or gums is transferred to their coats leaving an unpleasant odour in the home.

Owners can assist their cats by using combs and brushes but will soon tire of having thick knots pulled out so often it is better to try rubber brushes that massage as well as groom.

It is worth trying a little gentle grooming every night but find the limit of tolerance of your own individual cat and try to stop just before they tell you they have had enough so grooming becomes associated with a pleasurable experience, not an uncomfortable one.

Finally, there are specific Hairball diets available for those cats that regularly bring up fur balls. These work by having an increase in vegetable oil to aid through passage of the fur ball. Some of these diets are especially formulated for senior cats - over the age of 8 years - and are excellent.

More Questions:

Aural Haematomas

What is Hyperthyroidism?

Why should I vaccinate my cat?

How often should I have it vaccinated?

What diseases does the vaccination guard against?

What are worms and how can I tell if my cat has them?

Should I use off the shelf worming products from supermarkets?

How can I protect my cat (and home) against fleas?

My cat’s claws are really sharp! Can I trim them?

My cat has fair skin – is it safe for her to be lying in the sun for long periods?

How can I cut down the amount of hairballs my cat suffers with?

At what age should my kitten be vaccinated and neutered/speyed?

My cat kills birds and mice, which I find upsetting – is there a way to stop them from doing this?