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.
Tasty Tips
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.
Related products
Hypoallergenic Dry Cat Food
HILL'S SCIENCE PLAN Hypoallergenic Adult cat food with egg & insect protein is a complete pet food for adult cat 1–6 years old. It's formulated for cats with delicate skin and stomach, with limited high quality novel protein sources & no grain.
Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan Adult Cat Food with Chicken is a complete pet food, specially formulated with ActivBiome+ Multi-Benefit Technology.
This food is specially formulated to fuel the energy needs of cats during the prime of their life.
Kitten Food
Tender chicken chunks in gravy for kittens, with omega-3s for healthy eye & brain development and high-quality protein to support muscle growth. With balanced minerals to promote strong bones & teeth.
Hairball & Perfect Coat Adult Cat Food
Hill's Science Plan HAIRBALL & PERFECT COAT Adult cat food with Chicken is specially formulated to effectively help avoid hairball formation in adult cats while promoting a beautiful coat. Thanks to its mix of essential Omega-6 fatty acids, this food benefits the cat's skin and fur keeping them healthy and shiny. Our Advanced Fibre Technology helps reduce hairballs by naturally promoting their passage through the gut. This food is formulated with high-quality protein for a perfectly balanced, great-tasting recipe.
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Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.
Put your cat on a diet without them knowing
Our low calorie formula helps you control your cat's weight. It's packed with high-quality protein for building lean muscles, and made with purposeful ingredients for a flavorful, nutritious meal. Clinically proven antioxidants, Vitamin C+E, help promote a healthy immune system.