Hairballs in cats – cat hairball remedies, prevention and treatment

What are cat hairballs?

Hairballs in cats occur when cats groom themselves. Cats' tongues act like brushes, with hundred of little barbs that effectively remove hair as the coat is licked.

These barbs point to the rear of the mouth and move the hair back towards the throat, so once the hair's in the mouth, the cat has little choice but to swallow it.

If a hairball is vomited up it may weaken the cat for a few days, but fur balls can be very problematic once they reach the intestines, where they can cause constipation and intestinal blockages.

I really. hate. hairballs!

photo: © iStockphoto | thepropshoppe

Veterinary treatment for hairballs in cats

Cat hairball treatment by a veterinarian may need an operation (an expensive veterinary bill) to remove a more serious blockage. At the very least, your vet will probably need to prescribe a laxative.

So it's important for cats' health to prevent cat hairballs if you can.

Preventing hairballs

These are a common problem in long-haired cats. The best prevention for hairballs in cats is undoubtedly to groom them regularly.

Long-haired felines need brushing daily (both to prevent hairballs and to keep their coats in good condition), but short-haired ones can be groomed less frequently – once a week is probably enough.

Cats will of course groom themselves more frequently if they're dirty, so keeping them as clean as possible is important. Keeping them indoors can help.

Cat hairball remedies and medicines

You can buy over-the-counter proprietary medicines for hairballs – mild malt-flavored lubricating cat laxatives that contain white soft paraffin and cod liver oil.

These can be given to cats prone to hairballs when they're moulting (but do check with your vet, before buying it, that the medicine is suitable for your pet).

Another cat hairball remedy (an old breeder's trick) is to use a small dab of petroleum jelly. Dab it on the cat's nose or paws, where it will get licked off and act as a mild laxative.

Cat food for hairballs

A number of cat food manufacturers now make special 'hairball formula' cat food.

These contain natural fiber, which aids digestion and keeps hairballs moving through the intestines. It also helps to prevent the formation of new fur balls, as the fiber mixes with the hair in the stomach and stops it from matting.

Hairball foods are also said to improve the quality of the coat, reducing shedding and therefore the amount of hair removed by grooming.

Prevention is better than cure

Hairballs in cats are common, unpleasant for the cat, and can result in big veterinary bills. In felines prone to hairballs, prevention is always better than cure.

Similar pages on cat health:

• Cat vomiting
• Constipation in cats
• Diarrhea in cats

***************


Return to Cat Illnesses from Hairballs in Cats

Return to Life with Siamese Cats Home Page
from Hairballs in Cats