Most cats suffer from cat hairballs. What causes hairballs? Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. They lick themselves constantly, and in the process, they ingest a lot of fur. This fur builds up, creating a hairball. Cat hairballs are not only uncomfortable for you cat, but they can also lead to other problems such as constipation, so it is a good idea to prevent, or at least reduce, hair buildup.
One way to prevent hairballs is with daily brushing to remove loose hair. If your cat is accustomed to grooming by you, the cat will show affection when the job is completed. Regular grooming provides for a healthier and beautiful looking cat. A floor or wall mounted brush allows the cat to groom themselves as they brush up against the grooming brush. Unbelievably, cat's love these devices and will use them regularly throughout the day.
Hairball Symptoms 
A hairball problem is relatively easy to spot. Your cat will start hacking and coughing, followed by vomiting. These episodes might occur frequently, especially if you have a long-haired cat.
Even if you don't see your cat going through what I call a "hairball episode", you can still see the evidence: a ball of hair on the floor, or the carpet, or wherever the cat chose to spit out the ball. Usually, a hairball is an elongated mass of fur, similar to a cigar in shape. It is definitely not a pretty sight.
Special treats for your cats containing petroleum products will also help preventing cat hairballs. These petroleum-based treats help coat the tummy and digestive system for smooth passage through the body. There are several methods to administer these petroleum-based treats. Some cats may be fed simply by spoon. With others, try putting some food on their snout hoping they will lick it off. If these methods fail, spread some on their paws and watch them lick the treats off that way. If you follow this advice you will encounter the cats and hairballs phenomenon less and less.
