Don't you just love being awakened in the middle of the night by that lovely sound of your cat yakking up a hairball? Hairballs (trichobezoar) occur because cats are self-groomers. They ingest their fur when they lick and groom themselves. Usually, the hair passes unremarkably through the gastrointestinal tract, but sometimes it can get stuck, especially in the stomach.

Hairballs generally come out (or should I say "up"?) in a cylindrical shape (from coming up the esophagus), which can make it difficult to distinguish them from fecal matter. So watch your step.

The best way to manage your cat's hairballs is by brushing or combing out your feline at least weekly. Also, there are many brands of petroleum-based lubricants to give orally.

Remember that if your cat is vomiting for any reason, some hair will be in it just because cats groom themselves. But if the vomiting persists or if your pet is acting sick in any other way, see your veterinarian.