Hairball Trouble? Here’s a Few Tips to Manage It

A hairball, or a bezoar, is a mass of hair that forms in the stomach or intestines as a result of ingestion of hair. Symptoms can include vomiting and regurgitation (which may look like coffee grounds). Treatment typically involves a change in diet and deworming medications.

As any cat owner knows, cats are notorious for coughing up hairballs. But did you know that cat hairballs can actually be good for you?

Despite their unsightly appearance, hairballs are actually a sign that your cat is healthy and doing what it’s supposed to do: groom herself. Hairballs form when loose hair accumulates in the stomach and is eventually vomited up.

Why do cats have hairballs?

Cats are known for their propensity to groom themselves and lick their fur clean. While this is a necessary part of their hygiene, it can sometimes lead to hairballs. 

There are a number of reasons why cats might swallow hair. One reason is that they are trying to groom themselves. Another reason is that they may be trying to get rid of an irritating object or parasite on their fur. Cats may also swallow hair when they are hungry.

To help prevent hairballs, brush your cat’s hair regularly and provide them with a diet that is high in fiber. There are also special hairball remedies that you can give your cat to help them pass the hairball more easily.

Recommended Product:

Kong Cat ZoomGroom (Buy it here: )

KEY FEATURES:

• Easy grip brush is flexible and gentle
• Groom, bathe and massage your cat
• Helps prevent hairball formation
• For all life stages

How to manage this

There are many ways you can help reduce hairballs in your cat. First, you can start by grooming your cat regularly to minimize shedding. Brushing your cat won’t stop her from self-grooming, but it will reduce the amount of hair she ingests. Grooming sessions with you also have the added benefit of being a bonding activity with your furry friend!

Second, shampoo and wet wipes can save your cat from hairballs with the aid of using controlling shedding. As with any product, however, check with your vet before you start an ordinary regime to make sure it is appropriate in your kitty.

Third, discourage immoderate grooming. If you observed that your cat’s hairballs are the result of compulsive grooming, attempt to train your cat to do any other fun hobby rather than licking their coat. This may consist of teaching them to play with a brand new toy on their very own or finding an amusing toy you could play with together.

Last but not least, recognize that meals preference could be critical in lowering hairballs. A hairball control cat meal includes added natural fiber among its balanced nutrients to assist moving hair clearly through your cat’s digestive device at the same time as additionally nourishing your cat’s pores and skin and coat to reduce shedding.

Recommended Product:

Earthbath Green Tea Essence Grooming Foam For Cats (118ml) (Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3J3Grk5 )

KEY FEATURES:

• Totally natural pet care, 100-percent bio-degradable and cruelty free
• No water necessary
• Rub on and towel off

When Should You Call a Vet?

The occasional hairball isn’t always something to be concerned about. However, there are uncommon instances wherein hairballs develop so large that your cat is not able to pass them both through the mouth or with the feces. A hairball can also grow to be lodged in any part of the digestive tract and create an obstruction. In those instances, surgical removal of the hairball can be the most effective solution.

You need to take your cat to the vet in case you observe the following symptoms: Unproductive vomiting – Your cat is retching and gagging like she’s trying to cough up something but can’t get anything out.

• Abdomen feels hard and bloated
• Diarrhea
• Frequent coughing
• Appetite loss

Recommended Product:

Earthbath HypoAllergenic Fragrance Free Cat Grooming Wipes (100 towels) (Buy it here: https://bit.ly/3wMaOsA )

KEY FEATURES:

• Great for cats with sensitive skin and people with cat-related allergies
• Dispenser keeps wipes moist in between uses
• Safe for cats over 6 weeks of age