If you’re a cat owner, then you’ve probably heard the sound of your cat gearing up to hack out a hairball. It’s not beautiful, it’s sudden, and it’s more common than people think.
Hairballs usually happen when cats groom themselves. That fur harmlessly passes through the digestive system. But when these accumulate, they can clump together in the stomach and be vomited out.
It’s usually normal, but in some cases, it’s a concern. In this guide, we’ll tell you everything about hairballs in cats and what they mean.
How Do Cats Get Hairballs?
As previously mentioned, cats can get hairballs when they groom themselves. In the process, they swallow a surprising amount of fur. Because of this, long-haired cats and heavy shedders tend to develop hairballs faster than cats with shorter fur. These include:
Persians
Himalayans
Cats who overgroom themselves can develop hairballs faster. This can be due to stress and anxiety, boredom, external parasites, or medical conditions such as skin allergies or irritation. Additionally, cats with gastrointestinal issues can be prone to hairballs.
If a cat’s gastrointestinal system isn’t functioning properly, swallowed hair may not move through the body like it should. Health conditions such as constipation, inflammatory bowel disease, or dehydration can all contribute to cat hairball problems.
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:
Frequent 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. This can be mixed with other contents from the stomach.
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 the desire to eat. If this goes on, weight loss happens.
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 pass stool.
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.
Bloodwork will be used to rule out infections, dehydration, and issues with other organs. X-rays and ultrasounds can help us check for any digestive blockages and assess the digestive tract.
In some cases, we can also do an endoscopy to look inside your cat’s digestive tract for signs of a blockage or a buildup of hair. It’s done by sedating your cat and using a small camera to examine 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.
Home Remedies and Prevention Tips for Cat Hairballs
If your cat is throwing up hairballs, there are safe and natural ways to provide relief and comfort. These work great if your cat is vomiting hairballs normally. Just remember that if things get out of hand, it’s recommended to see a vet.
These remedies also work great as prevention tips. While it’s normal for cats to throw up hairballs about once a month, you can minimize how much fur they swallow and help their digestive system adapt.
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 meant for hairballs in cats. 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
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