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Every individual, regardless of species, has their own preferred optimum temperature range (POTR). For pet reptiles and amphibians, achieving their POTR is essential to their physical and mental well-being. Without the ability to generate their own heat, these exotic pets rely on external heat sources. It makes sense then to think that reptiles and amphibians would enjoy some time in the summer heat. It’s a great opportunity, but allowing an exotic pet to experience the full splendor of the season should be done under caution and constant supervision.

Maintaining good oral hygiene is just as essential for pets as it is for humans. However, despite regular dental care, there are instances where a pet may require a tooth extraction due to underlying issues.

Did you know that cats spend 15 to 50 percent of their day grooming themselves? With that amount of grooming, hairballs will form.

Depending on your cat’s breed and grooming habits, you might find hairballs appearing quite regularly, leading you to wonder if this frequency is typical for them.

Let’s take a closer look at hairballs. What are they? What causes them? How do you prevent them?

What Are Hairballs?

Hairballs form when cats groom themselves. Their tongues, covered in tiny, backward-facing barbs, act like a brush. These barbs catch loose fur, which the cat then swallows. While their digestive system can usually process most of this hair, some of it may remain in the stomach. Because cats can’t properly digest hair, it can clump together, forming what we know as a hairball. Eventually, the cat will expel this clump by throwing it up.