Preventing Hairballs: Tips and Tricks for Cat Owners
Introduction
As a cat owner, it's almost certain you've encountered hairballs. These are small
collections of fur that your cat has ingested during grooming, which sometimes come
back up. While hairballs are a common occurrence in cats, especially those with
long fur, they can sometimes cause health issues such as obstructions in the digestive
tract. Fortunately, there are several effective strategies to reduce and prevent
hairballs. This article offers valuable tips and tricks to help your feline friend
lead a more comfortable and hairball-free life.
Understanding Hairballs
Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. When they groom, their tongue’s
tiny hook-like structures catch loose and dead hair, which is then swallowed. Most
of this hair passes through the digestive tract with no problem. However, some of
it can form a ball in the stomach. When the hairball becomes too big to pass, cats
usually vomit it out. Despite the name, these "balls" are often cylindrical in shape
due to the narrow esophagus they must pass through.
The Importance of Regular Grooming
Regular grooming is the most effective way to prevent hairballs. By brushing your
cat daily, especially if they have long hair, you can remove much of the loose fur
before your cat ingests it during self-grooming. Consider using a grooming tool
designed to reach the undercoat where most of the loose hair resides.
Hydration is Key
Keeping your cat well-hydrated aids in keeping the digestive system healthy and can
help hair move through the digestive tract more easily. Encourage your cat to drink
plenty of water by providing fresh water daily. You can also consider investing
in a cat water fountain, which can attract cats to drink more due to the running
water.
A Fiber-Rich Diet
A diet high in fiber can help in the prevention of hairballs by promoting better
digestion and helping to keep the gastrointestinal tract clean. Some pet food manufacturers
offer cat food specifically designed to control hairballs. These products often
contain high levels of fiber. You can also add canned pumpkin to your cat’s food
as a source of fiber, but consult with your vet first.
Hairball Remedies and Laxatives
There are numerous hairball remedies available over the counter at pet stores. These
products often come in a tube and are flavored to make them more appealing to your
cat. They work by helping the ingested hair pass through the digestive system. Laxatives
can also be used for the same purpose, but always consult your vet before giving
your cat a laxative.
Regular Vet Check-ups
Regular vet check-ups can help in preventing hairballs. Your vet can provide advice
tailored to your cat's specific needs and monitor your cat for any potential complications
related to hairballs. If your cat is frequently vomiting hairballs, it's essential
to seek veterinary advice, as this can be a sign of other health problems.
Conclusion
Hairballs are a typical part of a cat's life, but that doesn't mean they can't be
managed. Regular grooming, adequate hydration, a fiber-rich diet, and regular vet
check-ups are your best defenses against hairballs. If your cat seems to be suffering
from an excessive number of hairballs, it's important to consult with your vet.
Each cat is unique, and what works best for one might not work as well for another.
Experiment with different techniques and find what works best for your feline friend.
Remember, the health and happiness of your cat are well worth the effort.
A texture and taste cats love: Hairball Support is a delicious chew that helps promote the removal of hairballs and support skin health. The result? Less of those horrible noises that have you running for the paper towels again. Powerful wholesome ingredients are packed inside a unique texture format that’s crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside, offering a taste and texture combination that cats love.
Helps reduce and manage hairballs: These easy-to-give chews contain key functional ingredients to help minimize hairball formation, promote the removal of hairballs, and support skin & digestive system health. Plus, with a taste and texture 9/10 cats love, giving them a chew is a stress-free way to help support their health from the inside out!
Made with natural & premium ingredients like apple pomace, zinc, and psyllium husk: Hairball Support chews are filled with health-supporting ingredients you can trust. Apple pomace helps maintain a healthy digestive system. Zinc helps maintain skin health, supports the immune system and cognition, and supports other key benefits! Psyllium husk is frequently used in hairball and digestion products to support bowel function and health.
Pet honesty pledge: A taste your pet will love & results you can trust. Made with the most effective natural + premium ingredients. Formulated without corn, wheat, or soy. No artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.
Made in the U.S.A. | NASC member company: All PetHonesty products are made in the US with US and globally sourced ingredients and are produced in a GMP compliant facility that meets the highest safety standards so you can rest assured you're giving your pet the best quality product possible! PetHonesty is also a NASC member company meaning it’s met the highest quality and compliance standards for pet supplements.
$13.99 ($3.78 / Ounce)
In Stock
Aids hairballs in passing through the gastrointestinal tract and helps prevent future formation through regular use
Includes 2.5 ounces of tasty, salmon flavored formula in a convenient tube
In Stock
Lubricates ingested hair, allowing it to move through the digestive tract and pass in the cat’s stool
Gentle hairball remedy for cats: Tomlyn Laxatone oral gel helps eliminate and prevent cat furballs
Laxatone cat hairball treatment is available in a range of tasty flavors to suit your cat’s tastes
Palatable, easy-to-administer oral gel; simply place on your cat’s nose or paws to stimulate licking
Hairball gel contains vet-formulated lubricants including soybean oil; Omega -3, -6, and -9 Fatty Acids
$14.99 ($56.43 / lb)
In Stock
HELPS PREVENT HAIRBALLS - Contains natural oils that may help prevent and eliminate hairballs by lubricating the intestinal tract and minimizing excessive shedding in cats of all ages.
PROMOTES HEALTHY SKIN AND GLOSSY COAT - Simply apply the creamy gel to your cat’s paw and as they begin to groom themselves their skin & coat will benefit from the natural oils.
GREAT TASTE - Tasty chicken or salmon flavor appeals to even the pickiest cats.
MADE BY VETS - Formulated by veterinarians, all Nutri-Vet products are made to the highest standards of quality and consistency.
USA MADE - Made in the USA with premium globally sourced incredients you can trust. All Nutri-Vet supplements carry the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) quality seal.
$6.65
$12.18
In Stock
Aids hairballs in passing through the gastrointestinal tract and helps prevent future formation through regular use
Includes a 3 ounce bag of tasty, chicken flavored soft chews in a convenient, resealable bag
$4.82 ($1.61 / Ounce)
In Stock
Vet's best hairball relief digestive aid is a safe and natural way to help support a healthy digestive tract while helping to prevent hairballs
Our hairball remedy for cats contains natural ingredients like psyllium seed, slippery elm bark, marshmallow, and papaya extract
Vet's best hairball relief supplements are free of petroleum-based ingredients
Each bottle of hairball relief contains 60 chewable tablets (chicken-flavored) that are easy to break up into smaller pieces
$9.45 ($0.16 / Count)
$13.24 ($0.22 / Count)
In Stock
DID YOU KNOW CATS NEED BATHS TOO? Even though cats groom themselves, cats should be bathed every 4-6 weeks using cat bathing supplies like shampoo for cats, especially for those with skin allergies, dermatitis, or weight issues that hinder grooming
HELPS REDUCE CAT HAIRBALLS- These hairball remedy wipes have naturally derived sunflower oil and wheat germ oil to help control excess hair and deter hairball production
HIGHEST QUALITY NATURALLY DERIVED INGREDIENTS– Safe & gentle cat hairball remedy with 98%+ natural origin formulas, formulated without chemical detergents, phthalates, parabens, or sulfates, as well as colorants and dyes
SKIN-SOOTHING HONEY - Burt’s Bees for Pets products use honey to naturally condition your cat's coat, nourish skin, and maintain the perfect pH balance for pets
WATERLESS CAT GROOMING - These dry shampoo wipes for cats are great for spot cleaning without a full bath
$8.99
In Stock
Pack of 3 tubes, Each is 2.5 ounce
Helps hairballs pass safely through the gastrointestinal tract
Helps prevent the formation of hairballs through regular use
Contains Omega 3-6-9 Oils and Vitamin E to help support healthy skin and coat
$16.01 ($2.13 / Ounce)
$27.99 ($3.73 / Ounce)
In Stock
Eliminates and Prevents Hairballs - Tomlyn Laxatone for cats is a specially formulated cat hairball gel that provides relief for cats experiencing discomfort from hairballs.
Trusted Ingredients - Made with high-quality ingredients, Tomlyn Laxatone is formulated to be gentle on your cat's stomach while effectively promoting digestive health.
Vet Formulated - A safe and effective way to provide hairball relief for cats, eliminate hairballs, and promote digestive health in cats and kittens over 4 weeks old.
Easy to Use - Tomlyn Laxatone is a simple-to-use cat hairball remedy that comes in a tasty catnip flavored gel your cat will love.
Application - For best results, apply a small amount of our Tomlyn hairball remedy for cats on your cat's nose or paws daily.
$26.98
In Stock
SYRINGE-STYLE HAIRBALL REMEDY: Convenient to use with an innovative syringe feeding design, allowing for precise dosage control with measurement markings, preventing overfeeding
VETERINARY FORMULA: Made with natural herbal ingredients, including psyllium husk powder and coconut oil, it gently helps eliminate hairballs without upsetting the stomach, promotes intestinal metabolism, and protects the stomach lining
HAIRBALL RELIEF: Softens and loosens hair without inducing vomiting, promotes intestinal motility, and facilitates easy passage of hair, reducing gastrointestinal discomfort and vomiting caused by hairballs
Contains Vitamins, Minerals, Carbohydrates & Omega Fatty Acids: Essential nutrients that support brain health, coat health, and boost primary energy sources
BEEF-FLAVORED HAIRBALL REMEDY FOR CATS: With a rich beef flavor that cats love, making feeding easy while effectively resolving hairballs and ensuring your cat's comfort and health
$12.99 ($0.22 / Gram)
In Stock
Cat Collars, Harnesses, and ID Tags: Safety First!
Learn about the best cat collars, harnesses, and ID tags to keep your feline friend safe. Explore top-rated products that
ensure your cat's security and comfort.
Ensuring the safety of your cat is a top priority for any pet owner. The right
collar, harness, and ID tag can make a significant
difference in keeping your cat safe both indoors and outdoors. This article explores some of the best products available
highlighting their features and customer reviews.
Top 10 Cat Backpacks for Safe and Fun Travel
Discover the top rated cat backpacks for safe and comfortable travel with your feline friend. Find the best cat carriers
designed for convenience and pet comfort.
Traveling with your cat can be a delightful experience if you have the right gear. Cat backpacks are an excellent option
for pet owners who want to explore the outdoors while keeping their feline friends safe and comfortable. This article highlights
some of the best cat backpacks available providing detailed information on their
features and customer reviews.
Top Rated Cat Carriers
Discover the top-rated cat carriers for safe travel. Ensure your feline friend's comfort and safety with these highly recommended
cat travel carriers.
When it comes to traveling with your cat, safety and comfort are paramount. Selecting the right cat carrier can make all
the difference in ensuring a stress-free journey for both you and your feline companion. This article
explores some of the best cat carriers available highlighting their features and customer reviews.
