How to Prevent Cat Hairballs

If you’re a cat parent, you know the feeling: that icky panic you feel when, out of nowhere, you hear your kitty heaving and hacking dramatically. It’s a cat hairball—a not-so-uncommon occurrence for felines that you’d like to make, well, less common in your everyday life. Ahead, we’re covering everything you need to know about hairballs in cats, including causes, remedies, and most essentially, prevention. What Are Cat Hairballs? Medically referred to as a trichobezoar, a cat hairball is a tubular-shaped, dense wad of soggy hair that a cat throws up. Doing so usually is a full-body effort and can elicit some highly unpleasant sounds. What Are the Signs of Cat Hairballs? If your cat is struggling with hairballs, you might notice the following signs: ● Frequent gagging or retching without bringing anything up ● Hacking or coughing that sounds like they’re trying to clear their throat ● Vomiting a tube-shaped mass of fur Occasional hairballs are usually considered normal. However, if they become frequent, your cat shows signs of distress, or they are extremely large, then a vet visit is recommended. It’s important to make sure there are no underlying health issues and to get advice on hairball treatment for your cat. Did you know? Cat hairballs are different from vomit. Hairballs are typically cylindrical wads of fur, sometimes mixed with food or bile, while vomit is more liquid and irregular in shape, often containing yellow bile or undigested food. What Causes Cat Hairballs? Infrequent hairballs—about once every month or so—aren’t cause for alarm, but if your cat has multiple hairballs a week, it could be a sign of overgrooming or a gastrointestinal issue. How Do Veterinarians Manage Cat Hairballs? Frequent or severe hairballs may indicate an underlying problem with your sweet feline, such as: • Inflammatory Bowel Disease (IBD) • Lymphoma • Food allergies • Intestinal parasites They should be managed to prevent discomfort and distress. Consult your veterinarian if your cat is experiencing: • Excessive vomiting of hairballs, more than once per month • Constipation • Lethargy • Appetite loss • Signs of discomfort Veterinarians manage cat hairballs by recommending dietary adjustments, such as adding fiber or specialized hairball control cat food that aids digestion and passage of fur. They may also suggest lubricating treatments. In severe cases where a hairball causes an obstruction, surgical intervention may be necessary. How Do I Prevent Hairballs in My Cat? There are a handful of ways you can prevent or manage cat hairballs at home. Brush regularly Curb excessive grooming It’s important to schedule an exam with your veterinarian if your kitty is overgrooming. They can rule out any potential causes of pain or underlying skin issues that could be causing your cat to groom excessively. Once medical issues have been ruled out, you can try creating a cozy, stress-free environment for your cat. This can make a big difference in their well-being, since stress can trigger excess grooming. Consider these options: ● Provide a supportive bed ● Offer elevated resting spots ● Try calming aids ● Interrupt their cleaning sessions with play time Consult Your Vet Not only can your vet rule out or address underlying causes, but they can also provide customized recommendations for over-the-counter hairball diets or treatments that lend a helping hand to your cat’s digestive tract. They may recommend: ● Laxatives/lubricants: These help hairballs to pass more easily through your cat’s system. Try Cat Lax Cat Supplement, which is made with cod liver oil and petroleum, or Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Tuna Flavor Gel Cat Supplement, which is formulated with white petroleum, mineral oil, and syrups. ● Digestive supplements: These often include aids like fiber to support the intestinal tract and keep things moving, or provide ingredients that support a healthy haircoat. For example, Greenies Feline SmartBites Hairball Control Tuna Flavor Cat Treats are formulated with plant-based fiber. ● Cat hairball control food: Fiber-dense foods, like Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food, can be fed to your cat instead of their regular food. Always remember to check with your veterinarian before changing diets or adding supplements for your cat