Cat Hair Overload: The Lung Risk You Can't Ignore
Dealing with such rumors, I can't help but say one thing: if you're aiming to inhale cat or dog fur, you've got to act like a vacuum cleaner! Turn it up to full power and really suck it up! Moreover, our lungs aren't just passive recipients of whatever air we breathe. We have standards for what we inhale! Alright?
Let's get to the heart of the matter:
Research shows that the aerodynamic size of particles plays a crucial role:
Particles larger than 10 micrometers are generally stopped by the nasal passages;
Particles between 2 and 10 micrometers can make their way into the throat;
Particles smaller than 0.5 micrometers are the ones that can be inhaled into the lungs.
Key point: cat fur can be as thick as 20 micrometers.
While cat fur may not make its way into your lungs, it can certainly end up in your pet's stomach. Did you know that cats spend about 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves? Especially during the transition from spring to summer, cat fur can shed like a person with severe hair loss, in clumps!
For those who are constantly grooming, neglecting this can be fatal. If your furry friend ends up in the hospital, the bills can be astronomical. Therefore, it's crucial to prevent such situations by paying close attention to your cat's health every day!