Preventing & Treating Cat Hairballs: Essential Tips

How Do Hairballs Form in Cats?

Cats are meticulous groomers, and during their cleaning sessions, their tongues have tiny hooks that catch loose or shed fur. This fur is then ingested. Generally, a cat's digestive system can handle these swallowed hairs, breaking them down in the intestines and excreting them through feces. However, if the fur doesn't pass through the feces, it can accumulate in the stomach over time, forming a hairball. This can lead to a blockage at the outlet of the stomach (the pylorus), preventing food from passing through, and causing the cat to cough or vomit in an attempt to expel the hairball.

The vomit typically contains hair, but can also include partially digested food. Since both food and hairballs need to rise through the tubelike structure of the esophagus, they often maintain their tubelike shape. The vomited hairball looks more like a dull tube than a ball.

What Are the Symptoms of Hairballs?

Common symptoms of hairballs include dry coughing, vomiting, and retching. Usually, cats will vomit a hairball relatively soon after experiencing dry coughing or retching.

If you notice the following symptoms for more than 24 hours, it's crucial to contact your veterinarian. These symptoms may indicate a blockage that is lifethreatening:

Continuous vomiting, retching, or dry coughing without vomiting a hairball

Loss of appetite

Lethargy

Diarrhea

Constipation or abdominal swelling

Treatment and Prevention of Hairballs:

1. Regular grooming can remove most loose fur before it's ingested, reducing the amount of fur swallowed and lowering the risk of hairball formation. Regular grooming also helps keep your cat's coat tanglefree and maintains skin health. Most cats will experience hairballs at some point in their lives.

However, longhaired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons, or those shedding during the summer, are particularly prone to hairballs. It's even more important to groom them regularly during these times.

2. Feeding your cat a specialized "hairball formula" cat food. Many pet food manufacturers now offer cat foods designed to reduce hairballs. These highfiber formulas aim to improve coat health, reduce shedding, and help move fur through the digestive system. Some hairball formulas also contain specific enzymes that can prevent hairballs from forming in the stomach.

3. Using hairball lubricants or laxatives. There are many different hairball products on the market, most of which are oilbased or mild laxatives. These products help lubricate hairballs, making it more likely for them to pass through the digestive system. Note that hairball lubricants contain mineral oil or vaseline, which are not absorbed by the body and help lubricate the hairball, making it easier to pass. These lubricants should not be mixed with regular food to avoid interfering with normal nutrition.

4. Adding a few drops of olive oil to your cat's food. A small amount of oil can lubricate the intestinal system and help expel hairballs. Be cautious not to force olive oil directly into your cat's mouth, as it can pose a risk of entering the lungs. Simply add it to regular food and let your cat舔 it off.

5. If your cat enjoys eating cat grass, consider growing some to increase the fiber in their diet and stimulate digestion.

6. Ensure your cat stays wellhydrated. Adequate water helps moisten the intestines and aids in the passage of feces.

Can Kittens Eat Hairball Products?

Yes, kittens can consume hairball products. Due to their natural grooming habits, kittens start swallowing fur at a young age, even if it's in small amounts. Over time, this fur can accumulate, so prevention is the most effective approach.

Remember, each cat is unique. These products may work for some cats but not for others. To achieve the best prevention and treatment, discuss your cat's specific situation with your veterinarian before starting any products.

Conclusion:

While hairballs are common, improper control can lead to intestinal blockages, which can be a serious health issue for our feline companions. If your cat frequently vomits, it's important to seek advice from your veterinarian. Frequent vomiting, whether or not it's accompanied by hairballs, is not a normal situation for any cat.

Your veterinarian can help determine the cause of the vomiting and find the appropriate solution. Finally, Cat's Home wishes all our furry friends good health and hopes everyone will continue to cherish their cats!