Treating Hairballs in Cats: Tips and Tricks
Are you a cat owner struggling with hairballs? Find out what the symptoms are and how to prevent hairballs with the tips below….
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What are hairballs and why do they form?
Cats are known for being very clean. They devote up to 25% of their lives to this activity. Unfortunately, daily hygiene can lead to problems with ingesting your own fur.
While licking the fur, the cat swallows some of the hair stuck on its tongue. The anatomical structure of the cat's tongue makes it easier to swallow hair during grooming, and frequent licking contributes to the accumulation of hair in the stomach. Usually these hairs are removed naturally without any problems for the digestive system. However, in some cases they remain in the stomach and create so-called hairballs (pylobezoars). This can cause discomfort and lead to health problems. If appropriate measures are not taken.
Symptoms of Hairballs
Hair entering the gastrointestinal tract can lead to the formation of hairballs and clinical symptoms such as:
- Vomiting, attempted vomiting, choking
- Decreased appetite
- Apathy
- Constipation
- Diarrhea
If you notice one or more of the above symptoms, we recommend contacting a trusted veterinarian to determine the best course of action.
Prevention and control of hairballs
Cats with long to medium coats (such as Persians and Maine Coons) are more susceptible to these problems, as are cats that groom themselves frequently. A cat's tongue is covered with small, backward-facing projections. This specific structure of the tongue helps remove hair, but also makes it easier to swallow, which can lead to hairballs. Other factors that contribute to hairball formation include excessive secretion (such as due to allergies) and gastrointestinal motility problems.
To prevent the formation of hairballs, it is worth grooming your cat's coat regularly. Regular brushing will help remove and reduce hair loss.
Additionally, feeding your cat a high-quality diet can help prevent hairballs from forming. It is especially important to increase the fiber content in your diet, which maintains gastric patency and speeds up hair removal.
