Cats get hairballs mainly because they spend so much time cleaning themselves. Although cats do not like water, they do like being very clean at all times, and they do so, of course, my licking their fur. Your cat probably grooms many times every day. Because cats also shed hair, they swallow a lot of their own hair.

Most of this passes naturally through the cat's digestive system, but occasionally the hair becomes matted and entwined in the stomach, causing a hairball that is too large to pass through the system. When this happens, the cat vomits the hairball.

If your cat seems to have an abnormally high amount of hairballs, you should talk to you veterinarian. About a quarter of all digestive blockages in cats come from hairballs that can neither be passed or vomited and this can make your cat very sick. Huge hairballs that size of baseballs have been known to form in a cat's stomach. A hairball of that size can easily kill your cat.

There are a number of signs you will see in a cat having a problem with hairballs. The following symptoms can be observed in cats with hairball problems:

• The cat is retching often

• The cat has a change in digestion patterns and habits

• The cat has a swollen abdomen

If you notice any one or more of the above symptoms, your cat may have a problem with hairballs. Your veterinarian can give your cat flavored medication that your pet will love. Contained inside are non-digestible oil lubricants that will help your cat pass hairballs easier. Taking this medication regularly will prevent your cat from ever forming such hairballs.

Another great way to prevent hairballs from forming is a high-fiber diet, possibly including a fiber supplement. Home remedies, on the other hand, are not a good idea, because they could cause other problems with your cat's digestive system.

When in doubt, call your cat's veterinarian. Animal doctors are specially trained to help you help your pets. When you report health abnormalities to your veterinarian, you are able to best keep your cat healthy and safe, no matter how many hairballs may form.