Hairballs in Cats

While the occasional hairball is common and ‘normal’, they are unpleasant for our cats and us, especially when they end up on the bed or sofa. And while rare, potentially, a hairball can lead to a deadly blockage within the digestive tract. But what are hairballs exactly and how do they form, and is there anything that can be done to prevent them? In this article, we will have a closer look at all things hairball.?

What are hairballs?

Cats spend a big portion of their day grooming themselves, which can be up to 30 to 50% of their day. A cat’s tongue is covered in little hook like barbs, and during grooming, hair will get stuck on the tongue and pushed backwards towards the throat, after which it will be swallowed. Hair is indigestible, and in most cases will pass through the digestive tract and get pooped out. In some cases, the hairs don’t move through the digestive tract and stay in the stomach where they form a clump, which the cat, in most cases eventually, will throw up. This is what is called the hairball. In rare cases, a clump of hair may get stuck in the digestive tract and cause a blockage, which is a medical emergency and can turn deadly if left untreated.

Some of the symptoms of internal blockage are;

• Decreasing appetite, or total lack of appetite
• Weakness and/or lethargy?
• Weight Loss
• Abdominal pain and/or abdominal swelling?
• Vomiting.
• Diarrhoea or constipation.

Which cats are more at risk?

Hairballs are more likely to be seen in cats with a long coat. Other cats with an increased risk are those that over groom, and/or shed a lot. This is because the amount of hair swallowed will be greater.?While the occasional hairball is normal, when they occur regularly such as several times per month, the cat should be seen by a vet as something else may be going like allergies or an imbalance in the bacteria of their gut.

Prevention

While hairballs are common and ‘normal’, you can take some steps to lessen the chance and frequency of them developing.?

Groom your cat

As hairballs are hairs that get stuck in the stomach, you can lessen the chance of them forming by lowering the amount of hair that ends up in the digestive tract. Daily brushing and combing is not only a great way to prevent hairballs from forming, it will also help prevent matting in long haired cats, which untreated can become incredibly painful for your cat. Start getting your cat used to grooming as soon they join your family. If your cat is especially hard to groom, you can also make use of a groomer.

Diet

Feed your cat a healthy diet and add a fibre source, such as by providing cat grass. If you feed kibbles, you can look at specialised cat foods that are made to address hairball problems, or other foods that include fibre to help with digestion.

Cats often know what they need, and they may try finding it if we don’t provide it to them. This means they might nibble on dangerous, toxic plants. Growing your own cat grass is a great way to provide them with the fibre they might need. Cat grass also contains vitamins for your cat and provides them with enrichment.

Hydration

Keeping your cat well hydrated will help prevent hairballs, as a healthy hydrated digestive system will help move invested fur through the digestive tract, and prevent hairballs from being formed in the stomach. There are several ways to encourage your cat to hydrate more, such as by providing wet food, getting a water fountain, and looking at, and optimising, your food and water station setup. Did you know that most cats instinctively prefer their food and water bowl not next to each other?

Treatment

If your cat is really suffering from hairballs, there are several over the counter treatments available, which often come in the form of gels and treats that help lubricate the digestive tract. It’s always advised to consult with your veterinarian before starting any treatments.?

Conclusion

Hairballs are entangled clumps of fur that happen in the stomach when hair don’t pass through the digestive tract. Eventually, these clumps get vomited out, which are hairballs. By keeping your cat on a healthy diet, keeping them hydrated, and providing them with a fibre source such as cat grass, you can lessen the chance of hairballs forming.

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