If you’re a cat owner, then you’ve probably heard the sound of your cat gearing up to hack out a hairball. Cat hairballs happen suddenly and are more common than people think.
In this guide, we’re going to talk all about hairballs in cats, including how cats get them, what the signs are, how they’re treated, and how we can prevent them at home.
How Do Cats Get Hairballs?
Hairballs, or trichobezoars, form when cats groom themselves. The tiny, backward-slanted papillae on a cat’s tongue act just like a brush, maintaining the fur and catching dead hair in the process. The dead hair is ingested and accumulates in the stomach, where it all clumps together.
The more they groom themselves, the more fur they swallow. Below are the factors that affect the development of hairballs in cats.
Coat Length
As you would expect, long-haired cats and heavy shedders tend to develop hairballs much faster compared to breeds with shorter coats. Common ones include:
Persians
Himalayans
Health Issues
Cats who overgroom themselves can also form hairballs faster. This can be due to stress and anxiety, boredom, external parasites, or medical conditions such as skin allergies or irritation. Plus, cats may excessively groom a certain painful area, which can be due to injuries or arthritis.
Digestive Health
If a cat’s gastrointestinal tract doesn’t move efficiently, hair can stay in the stomach. This slow pace might be due to a low-fiber diet, dehydration, and other conditions within the digestive tract, including IBD and constipation.
Age
Older cats may also develop hairballs much faster, especially since they are avid groomers with slower digestive systems compared to younger cats.
How Do You Know if Your Cat Has a Hairball?
It’s normal for a cat to cough up a hairball every now and then, but if it gets too frequent, then it could signal a bigger problem. Below are the signs you can expect if your cat is throwing up hairballs:
Coughing, Gagging, or Retching
You may notice your cat crouching down and sounding like it’s trying to expel hairballs. This may last for a few minutes.
Vomiting Hairballs
The expelled contents will mostly include the ingested fur, which can be cylindrical and wet. They are often compact and can be slightly slimy. This may also contain stomach fluid, foam, and small amounts of partially digested food.
How Often Are Cat Hairballs Normal?
It’s generally normal for a cat to throw up hairballs once a month, with the most being two per month. However, when it’s weekly or happens multiple times a month, it’s no longer normal. This could indicate issues such as overgrooming, stress, or poor digestive health.
When Are Cat Hairballs Dangerous?
Additionally, there are other symptoms to watch out for that tell you your cat is experiencing something more than hairballs.
Loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, your cat will be less inclined to eat. This can be due to a hairball getting stuck in the digestive tract, causing nausea and reducing appetite. If this continues, weight loss occurs.
Constipation or straining in the litter box. Cat hairballs can slow down the contents of the digestive tract or cause obstructions in the tract itself. This can make it hard for your cat to defecate.
Lethargy. Cats that are uncomfortable or in pain from a hairball may become less active or retreat to quiet spaces. They may sleep more, avoid social interaction, or seem generally off.
Blood in vomit. If your cat’s vomit has hairballs mixed with blood, then it could indicate gastrointestinal issues. This can include inflammation, ulcers, and the presence of foreign objects.
Bloating or pain in the abdomen. If a blockage happens in the digestive tract, affected cats will experience bloating or pain in the abdomen.
How Do Vets Diagnose the Complications of Hairballs in Cats?
If your cat is showing any dangerous signs of the complications of hairballs, then we’ll need to rule out a few issues. First, our vets will do a physical exam and assess your cat’s symptoms. This can include examining hydration level, health status, and other factors.
Blood Tests. Bloodwork will be used to rule out infections, dehydration, and issues with other organs.
Diagnostic Imaging. X-rays and ultrasounds can help us check for any digestive blockages and assess the digestive tract.
Endoscopy. We can do an endoscopy to check your cat's digestive tract for any obstructions or buildup of fur. Our team does this by sedating your cat and inserting a small camera in the GI tract.
How Do You Treat Hairballs in Cats?
The treatment process will vary depending on the health issues associated with your cat’s hairballs. In many mild cases, we’ll prescribe hairball lubricant gels such as Laxaton or Cat Lax to help fur pass through.
We can also prescribe high-fiber cat foods or those specially formulated to help with your cat’s hairballs. Additionally, our vets can also recommend gentle laxatives if things get out of hand. In essence, it all depends on your cat’s situation.
When dealing with specific health issues such as IBD, parasites, or food allergies, we’ll provide the appropriate medicines, diet changes, and treatment options for each of them.
How Do You Prevent Cat Hairballs?
If your cat is throwing up hairballs, there are safe and natural ways to provide relief and comfort. These home remedies can also serve as preventive tips.
Brush Your Cat Regularly
If your cat has long hair, then we recommend brushing its fur daily. This helps remove loose fur before they can swallow it when they groom themselves. Short-haired cats can benefit from brushing twice or thrice a week.
Keep Your Cat Hydrated
Always provide fresh water to improve your cat’s digestion. Feeding wet food from time to time can also help hair pass through their intestines. You can also offer a few hydrating treats, such as watermelons.
Try Out Cat Hairball Supplements
Cat hairball supplements, such as hairball treats and cat-safe grass, can stimulate digestion. This is useful for helping hair pass through more easily. These hairball treats are typically made with oils and petroleum jelly, helping the hair pass through the digestive tract.
Improve Your Cat’s Diet
A small amount of olive oil or coconut oil in your cat’s meals can act as a natural and mild lubricant. These coat the ingested hair and help it pass naturally. Be sure not to overdo it, as it can cause digestive upset.
Additionally, you can add fiber-rich foods to your cat’s bowl, such as pureed pumpkin. You can also purchase cat food specifically formulated for hairballs. These can help soften stool and aid in the passing of hairballs.
Reduce Stress and Boredom
Sometimes, cats can overgroom themselves due to extreme boredom and lack of stimulation. To counter this, you can offer interactive cat toys, scratching posts, and regular playtime to help keep their minds occupied.
“Caring for your cat is about noticing the smallest things and giving them the biggest care.”
- Dr. Nenad Misura
Final Thoughts on Cat Hairballs
While feline hairballs are normal, it’s always recommended to check on your cat and look out for any concerning symptoms. With the right mix of regular brushing, smart diet choices, and simple home remedies, you can help your cat and provide the comfort they need.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I be worried if my cat throws up a hairball?
Occasional hairballs are normal, especially in cats who have long and thick coats. However, if your cat is throwing up hairballs more than twice a month, it may be a sign of overgrooming or digestive issues.
What is the best remedy for this condition?
The most effective remedies combine daily brushing, a high-fiber diet, natural oils, and hairball supplements. Cat food specially formulated to prevent hairballs is also helpful.
Should I feed my cat after vomiting a hairball?
It’s generally recommended to withhold food for a couple of hours to allow your cat’s stomach to rest. After that, offer an easily digestible meal, such as boiled chicken.
Are cats in pain when they puke it up?
Cats don’t generally experience pain when passing normal hairballs. However, the entire process can be uncomfortable and stressful.
Do cats poop out hairballs?
Yes, cats often poop out hairballs as the ingested hair passes through the digestive tract. If it becomes too large, then it can get lodged in the intestines, requiring vet treatment.
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