Dealing with hairballs
Almost all cat owners have seen a hairball or heard the
disturbing sound of their cat trying to cough one up. Hairballs
are easy to recognise as they take the distinctive form of
cylindrical (tube shaped) masses of hair. Sometimes a hairball
will be accompanied by bile or food particles. Hairballs form
in your cat's stomach from hair that they've swallowed, while
grooming. Cats are unable to spit the hair out because their
tongues are covered with hundreds of small backward pointing
barbs. These barbs don't allow hair to move forward out of your
cat's mouth. Another reason why they occur is because cats are
unable to excrete hair.
Build-up
Usually swallowing hair isn't a problem for cats, but sometimes
the hair will build up in the stomach and form a hairball.
Longhaired breeds are particularly susceptible to them. If your
cat gets the occasional hairball you needn't worry. However if
she is getting them regularly or seems to be having serious
problems with one, you should talk to your vet.
Problems Hairballs can cause problems if they harden
in the stomach and the cat is unable to pass it. Signs that
your cat may be having trouble with a hairball include:
- constipation
- hard stool with signs of hair
- coughing or heaving particularly after eating
- lack of interest in food
Prevention
The best thing you can do to stop hairballs forming is to
groom your cat regularly. With longhaired breeds this is a
must. Brushing your cat will remove dead hair from her coat
making it much less likely for her to swallow loose hair.
Most cats love being brushed, so this is an excellent
opportunity to bond with your cat. Be extra diligent with
brushing in the springtime when your cat is shedding its winter
coat.
There are also some methods you can use to supplement
brushing. For example, there are a variety of hairball control
foods or supplements that can help.
These work by making it easier for your cat to simply pass
hair through their body as part of digestion. Talk to your vet
and he or she will be able to recommend the best solution
for you.