Cat Hairball – Nothing to Cough About

 

Cats are such hygiene freaks that seldom do we see them rough and dirty. In fact, cats are guilty of constantly preening trying their best to keep themselves looking pretty. A cat’s tongue is composed of microscopic spikes perfect for removing dead hair. However, it also makes it almost impossible for them to spit out the hair giving them no choice but to swallow it.

Cats remove undigested hair out of their system by defecating. For cats who are unable to pass this out, this can result in severe constipation and discomfort. Cats are also able to get rid of hairballs by vomiting this out. It appears as cylindrical shaped objects composed of hair, bile, digestive fluids.

Signs of Possible Serious Hairball Problems

Gastric hairballs can be an indication of a serious health problem. The first signs include constant gagging. In some cases, hairballs become too large forming intestinal obstructions. This could also indicate an underlying medical condition if food is vomited along with hairballs. Diseases associated with this symptom include inflammatory bowel disease, organ dysfunction, gall bladder disorder, or inflammation of the pancreas.

Chronic vomiting should not be taken as normal by cat owners. Based on a study published in the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association in 2013, cats that show signs of diarrhea, weight loss, and vomiting have a 96% of having lymphoma, IBD, or food intolerance. Symptoms of hairball problems include:

• Loss of appetite
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Swollen belly
• Weight loss
• Continuous retching

If any of these symptoms appear or if your cat shows a change in behavior, it is best to bring them immediately to a veterinarian before it gets worse.

Treatment and Remedies

There are several home remedies for treating hairballs. One popular treatment is giving specifically formulated food that helps reduce hairballs. Commercial cat foods with high fiber content help our cat’s gastronomical tract work optimally. Over-the-counter medications such as mild laxatives are also available. This helps hairballs exit the digestive system more easily. Petroleum based remedies also work by lubricating hairballs.  

When these home remedies fail, then a visit to your local vet is advised. Surgery is performed for cats with extreme hairball problems. Inpatient endoscopy is also used as a less invasive alternative for removing hairballs. In cases like this, having pet insurance can be very useful especially for treatments involving surgery.

Preventing Hairballs

Having hairballs come naturally for cats. It may be something impossible to prevent but minimizing hairballs can be done. Hairballs should never be ignored as this can develop into serious medical conditions.

Regular Grooming

Cats have healthy grooming habits but grooming them regularly reduces hairballs. Leaving your cat to handle their own grooming increases the amount of hairball they produce. By regularly brushing your cat’s fur, you not only limit the hair they swallow but also reduce the amount of hair left in furniture. You should also keep in mind that the longer the cat’s fur, the more often you should brush them.

Identifying the right type of brush for your cat is a must. There are special brushes that are suitable depending on the cat’s hair type. Different brushes are recommended for short-haired and long-haired cats. You can also ask your veterinarian what type of brush is most ideal for your cat.

Keep them Hydrated with Water

Nothing helps more in your cat’s digestion than water. Keeping them well-hydrated helps flush out hair before it even forms a cluster in the stomach. Cats can be picky drinkers. If your cat prefers to drink running water, then you should give them water in a fountain-style dispenser. Several types of water dispensers are available to keep them interested.

 

Know All the Warning Signs

You can stop a hairball from developing into a more complicated health condition if you can identify its early symptoms. Cats are very good at hiding health conditions which is why owners should be cautious about any slight changes in their behavior.

Exercise and Activities

Bored cats are more likely to spend their time grooming than more active cats. By giving them something to do such as exercising or interactive toys, reduces their time preening. It can also help make their digestive system more active and help flush those hairballs easier.

 

 

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