A hair ball is an accumulation of hair in a cat's stomach as a result of his or her own grooming. This can occur even if you brush your pet regularly. Symptoms are a dry cough, vomiting after meals, and/or constipation. You can help your cat eliminate hair balls by applying a bit of petroleum jelly to the end of his or her nose to lick off.

Combing is the best way to prevent hair balls. Long-haired cats need a combing two or three times a week, but for short-haired cats once a week is fine.

The natural shedding season for cats is during the spring, and to a lesser degree, the fall. Cats may also shed because of stress (illness, moving, owners away on vacation) or because of dry indoor heat used during the winter months. During the shedding season, try to schedule a few extra grooming sessions.

If yours is an indoor cat, it may help to prevent hair balls to keep a little pot of grass available. Keep the grass pot in a place that your cat frequents: by a sliding glass door or on a favorite window sill. Just make it accessible to your cat for occasional nibbling.

Grass and other vegetable matter is fibrous and is not easily digested by cats. These fibrous materials tend to absorb water, expand, and soften, which provides bulk in the digestive tract. This helps to carry hair and other nonorganic residues out in the feces.

Mixing one teaspoon of mineral oil with your cat's food once or twice a week will help prevent hair balls and constipation.

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