No doubt you feline-lovin’ folks out there remember the first time your precious wretched up a lump of fur. For novice cat companions, the dramatic sight can truly be a hairy experience.

But hairballs are a part of being feline. When cats groom, they inadvertently ingest loose hair, most of which makes its way through the digestive tract. But some remains in the stomach where it cannot be digested. The only way a cat gets rid of it is to bring it back up — sometimes as often as once a week.

The problem comes when a hairball attempts passage through internal organs where it doesn’t fit. That’s when a cat needs veterinary help — and right away.

To reduce the risk of errant hairballs, brush and comb your cat every day, especially during periods of heavy shedding. Because the safest hairball is none at all.