Cats are very clean animals and groom themselves frequently. Hairballs in cats are the result of their meticulous grooming routine. However, besides being annoying for people who have to clean them up, hairballs can cause serious intestinal blockages in our furry friends.
In today’s article, we explain everything you need to know about hairballs in cats so that you can help your kitty maintain a healthy hygiene routine.
Is it normal for cats to vomit hairballs?
Although it may seem unpleasant, it is completely normal for cats to vomit hairballs. When cats groom themselves, the tiny hook-shaped structures on their tongue trap loose hair. Most of this hair passes through the digestive tract and is expelled in the feces. However, sometimes some hairs remain in the stomach, forming a ball that the cat must regurgitate to get rid of it.
Although we call them balls, these accumulations of hair usually take on a thin, tubular shape after passing through the esophagus. Keep in mind that hairballs are more common in long-haired breeds, such as Persians.
Additionally, cats that shed heavily or groom compulsively are also more prone to vomiting hairballs.
Symptoms of hairballs in cats
In general, cats regurgitate hairballs shortly after grooming. However, sometimes they cannot eliminate them because they get stuck in the intestine. Take your little feline to the vet if they show the following symptoms for more than two days:
- Continuous vomiting.
- Nausea or retching without producing a hairball.
- Lack of appetite.
- Lethargy.
- Constipation.
- Diarrhea.
How to reduce hairballs?
There is nothing you can do to completely prevent hairballs in cats. However, there are some guidelines that can reduce the frequency of these accumulations.
- Brush your cat regularly. The more dead hair you remove from your pet, the less will end up forming balls in their stomach. Brushing or combing your cat daily is a simple and effective way to reduce hairballs. Plus, it can be a nice way to bond with your kitty. If you can’t get your little feline used to brushing, take them to a professional groomer to be groomed and trimmed at least once a year.
- Use a special product for hairballs. Today, there are many products on the market specifically designed to reduce hairballs in cats. Your vet will help you choose the best solution for your cat.
- Avoid excessive grooming. If you think your cat’s hairballs are the result of compulsive grooming, try to distract your cat with other activities that may interest them. For example, buy them a new toy or introduce a game you can enjoy together.
- Offer your cat special food to prevent hairballs. Nowadays, you can find special cat foods that help reduce hairball formation. These formulas are rich in dietary fiber and are designed to improve coat health and promote the passage of hairballs through the digestive tract.
So now you know, taking care of your little feline’s diet and hygiene is the best way to prevent the formation of annoying hairballs.
