If you have a cat – which I’m assuming you do if you are visiting my blog and read any of my posts, you’ve likely encountered the occasional hairball issue in your furry family member. What is a “hairball”? They’re ugly little blobs of fur that are a nuisance for sure, but can also be a sign of something more. Understanding why cats get hairballs and how to manage them can help keep your kitty(ies) comfortable and your home cleaner.
Where Do Hairballs Come From?
The technical name for a hairball is trichobezoar. The word “trich” means hair, and “bezoar” refers to any foreign substance that blocks the stomach or intestines.
Cats are meticulous in their personal grooming. It’s in their nature. They spend a significant portion of their day licking their fur to keep it clean. While this is a natural behavior, it leads to the ingestion of loose fur. Most of this fur passes through the digestive system without issue, but sometimes it can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball.
Here’s a typical scenario:
- Grooming: Cats use their rough tongues to remove loose hair from their fur.
- Ingestion: This hair is swallowed and travels down the digestive tract.
- Accumulation: Sometimes the hair doesn’t move through the system as efficiently as you might think and accumulates in the stomach.
- Regurgitation: To clear the obstruction, kitty will often cough and try to barf it up.
When Is It Time To Be Concerned?
Occasional hairballs are normal, but frequent hairballs or certain signs can be cause for concern. For instance:
- Frequent Vomiting: If your cat is regularly bringing up hairballs, it could be a sign of excessive hair ingestion or digestive issues.
- Going Through the Motions: Persistent straining to vomit without producing a hairball? This could indicate a blockage or other gastrointestinal problems.
- Not Eating As Well As Usual: If Fluffy seems to be eating less or showing signs of discomfort, it might be related to hairball issues or other health concerns.
Managing Hairball Havoc: Tips and Tricks
There are several strategies to help reduce the occurrence of hairballs and manage them effectively:
- Brush Kitty regularly to reduce the amount of loose fur they ingest – ESPECIALLY long haired breeds.
- There are specially formulated cat foods designed to help manage hairballs. Foods with high fiber and moisture content aid in the digestive process.
- Ensure your cat has constant access to fresh water. Scatter little cups (my cats love drinking out of cups for some weird reason) in different areas of your home. Water, water, water! Kitties need proper hydration to keep their digestive system moving smoothly.
- Shag on down to the local Walgreens or your favorite drug store, or even Amazon. There are various over-the-counter hairball remedies and treats available that can help reduce hairball formation.
And REMEMBER: Regular vet visits can help ensure that your cat’s digestive system is healthy and can provide personalized advice for managing hairballs. But, as I mentioned above, if you’re on a budget, just surf Amazon or look around your local pharmacy.
Here are few remedies I’ve come across in my travels:
- Olive Oil: A small amount of olive oil can sometimes help move hairballs through the digestive tract. However, it’s always best to get the Vet’s ‘ok’ before trying this.
- Pumpkin: Plain canned pumpkin (not the spiced pie filling) can be a source of fiber and can aid in digestion. Adding a small amount to your cat’s food may help – if they’ll eat it!
Hairballs are a pretty common issue for many cats. Regular grooming, proper diet, and annual trips to the Vet are key to keeping Kitty comfortable and healthy. Hairballs are most generally harmless, however, frequent or severe cases warrant a trip to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues.
Be proactive! Your cat’s comfort and well-being are worth the effort. Happy grooming!
Ciao,
Disclaimer: The information and opinions herein are based on personal research. My Blog posts are intended for informational purposes only. I am not a Licensed Veterinarian nor am I any sort of medical professional. I am merely a human who takes caring for my pets seriously. My goal is to share my research with other like-minded individuals with the hope that it will help others in some small (or perhaps large) way.
