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.
$12.99 ($3.51 / Ounce)
In Stock
4.4 ounces of malt flavored Sentry Hairball Relief for cats
For cats and kittens over 4 weeks
Helps eliminate and prevent hairballs
A longtime favorite with Petromalt technology
Relives constipation, dry cough and occasional vomiting associated with hairballs
$8.20 ($1.86 / Ounce)
$11.36 ($2.58 / Ounce)
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
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
MADE WITH WHOLESOME INGREDIENTS YOU CAN TRUST: Every Inaba product is made with yummy high-quality ingredients including farm-raised chicken and/or natural wild-caught tuna
FUN AND FUNCTIONAL: A first-of-its-kind, creamy purée treat designed to aid with hairball control. Our original Churu formula with an added insoluble vegetable fiber to support healthy digestion and control hairballs
KEEP YOUR FELINE HYDRATED WITHOUT ADDING CALORIES: Hydration is important, so Churu Hairball Control Treat have 88% moisture. At only 6 calories, 1/10th the calories of traditional dry cat treats, they are a snack you can feel good about feeding
FREE OF THE BAD STUFF: Your feline friend is important to us, so we've kept things like grains, preservatives, artificial colors and carrageenan out of our cat treats, but we added things like Vitamin E for immunity and Taurine for overall health
HAVE THEM EATING OUT OF YOUR HAND: These lickable cat treats are designed to be hand fed to promote cat/human interaction, but you can use as a wet/dry cat food topper or to disguise medication. Perfect for cats of all ages (kitten to senior)
$22.74 ($1.90 / Ounce)
$24.94 ($2.08 / Ounce)
In Stock
A palatable gel which aids in the elimination and prevention of hair balls in cats.
Gentle and easy-to-use digestive lubricant.
Allows cat fur and hair to easily pass through the digestive tract.
Palatable and easy for cats to swallow.
$7.30 ($3.65 / Ounce)
In Stock
CLASSIC CHICKEN FLAVOR - Our classic chicken flavor is a favorite among felines and provides safe support for a healthy digestive system while helping to prevent hairballs.
CONVENIENT DAILY CHEWABLE - These tablets can be hand fed daily as a treat or given with meals.
SUPPORTS HEALTHY DIGESTION - Vet's Best Hairball Relief for cats supports normal and healthy digestion.
VET FORMULATED - Vet's Best Hairball Relief is veterinarian formulated with a blend of plant-based ingredients, including apple fiber, papaya extract, psyllium seed, marshmallow root and slippery elm.
QUALITY - Each bottle of Vet's Best Hairball Relief carries the National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal.
$19.94
$21.72
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
$15.68 ($2.09 / Ounce)
$25.99 ($3.47 / Ounce)
Gentle and easy-to-use digestive lubricant for helping prevent and eliminate hairballs in cats
Delicious tuna oral hairball lubricant gel easily helps cats pass hairballs in litter box
Our Laxatone coats swallowed hair to help it pass through the digestive tract easily
For best results, apply a small amount of feline hairball gel on your cat's nose or paws daily
Your furry friend will love their hairball lubricant since it's tasty & helps them feel better
$14.99 ($3.53 / Ounce)
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
$4.98 ($1.66 / Ounce)
In Stock
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