National Hairball Awareness Day

A day pays more attention to a problem that many cat lovers have to meet.

Falling on the last Friday in April every year, National Hairball Awareness Day aims to promote awareness of our pets’ health and happiness. A primarily interest is a healthy part of animals’ routines, but can also be evidence of an underlying health issue, which is the reason for National Hairball Awareness Day.

History of National Hairball Awareness Day

National Hairball Awareness Day is an important day for any animal lover, especially cat owners. Since more than 6 million years ago, our cats have coughed up fur balls as part of their natural grooming process.

A badminton ball is a small collection of hairs that grow in a cat's stomach. When cats brush themselves, the prongs on their tongues catch loose or dead hair they swallow. Most of them go straight and out the other end, however, if some of the hair is in the stomach, cats will vomit to clear them from their system.

Wild cats roamed the lands passing clumps of fur wherever they liked until about 7500 BC when people in the Near East began to tame them as pets by bringing them a home, feeding them, and taking care of them. Cats no longer need to expend energy in search of food, and can instead live in luxury with all their needs.

In ancient Egypt, cats became more and more popular based on the Egyptians belief to their god-like qualities. Cats are very revered and treated with great respect, the same way we treat pets today. Now, in the United States alone, 95 million cats are owned. As a result, the National Museum of Health and Medicine chose to celebrate National Hairball Awareness Day since 2006 in order to remind cat owners to pay attention on their cats’ health and try to keep them well.

Some reasons for National Hairball Awareness Day being loved

• We can take some photos with our fluffy friends

This holiday is a great time to stay with animals, which can help reduce stress and bring joy to your day, while they also love attention!

• Our health pets is very important

We consider animals as a source of relaxing, but the important thing is to make sure they are happy and healthy as well. National Hairball Awareness Day reminds us not to overlook it, even if it's a little rude at times!

• Long lasting effect

Being aware of animal health will mean these cute creatures will live longer, happier lives thanks to your care and concern.

Some truths about Hairball to make you choke

• They can be bigger than a ball

The record for the largest hairball ever taken from a cat weighs a whopping 7.5 ounces and is 4.9 inches wide that's 1.9 inches bigger than a Major League Baseball!

• They are often in the warm months

Cats naturally consume more hair in the warmer months of spring and summer because their fur sheds more often to regulate their temperature.

• As long as the hair is, the ball is so big

Long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons are more likely to experience frequent hairballs, as their long coats shed more often and grow faster.

• Humans can get them

Any animal with fur can swallow it including humans but these are usually rabbits and cows.

• They really are not balls

Contrary to their name, hairballs are tubular in shape, which becomes longer as they move through the esophagus.

How to celebrate this day

Check up on your pet cat today and see how they've been doing lately. Pet them, monitor them for the next few weeks, and see how often they cough up feathers. If it's more stable than usual, take them to the vet.

Share others about your knowledge of hairballs. Let your friends know about the dangers of what too much hair can do to their cats. Share this holiday with your friends and family members about this holiday and spread the word about hairballs.