Most cat owners have to face the unsavory prospect of hairballs at some point in their relationship with their cat. Hairballs are usually clumps of ingested hair that are either coughed up, or are passed through a cat’s digestive system into their stool. Hairballs are especially common among long-haired cats, since they usually ingest a much larger quantity of fur when grooming. Indoor cats are also susceptible to hairballs, since they tend to groom more frequently than outdoor cats.
Hairballs may actually present a significant danger to your cat’s health. A large hairball may result in intestinal blockage, which can lead to serious health complications in a cat. If this occurs, it is usually necessary for the cat to undergo expensive veterinary procedures before the blockage is removed.
There are several simple preventive methods you can follow to help control your cat’s hairballs. One method is fairly obvious: groom your cat on a regular basis. Thoroughly brushing your cat’s fur usually only requires about a five minute investment in time, and can be very useful in decreasing hairballs. A grooming brush for your cat is usually available in the pet care section of pet supply stores, and will most likely be relatively inexpensive. The best method to use is to start with brushing your cat’s head, and move backwards towards the tail. Aside from preventing hairballs, regularly grooming your cat is a great way to ensure that your cat’s skin remains in good condition.
Another preventive method you can use is to purchase a hairball control product. These products are usually made with vegetable fiber, and may help hairballs to have an easier time passing through a cat’s digestive system. The method with which these products are used is relatively varied, with some of them being powder additives that you can mix with canned cat food. Vegetable fiber also provides some additional health benefits for cats, though should only be used by following the directions on the label.
Some pet stores even offer certain type of cat “laxatives”. These products vary in ingredients, though most are designed to soften your cat’s stools. Some may contain artificial ingredients, while some are marketed as being “all natural”. As with any feline medication, it is best to use caution when using laxatives on your cat. If you have any doubts about how a laxative will affect your cat’s health, it is best to consult your veterinarian.
Providing clean, fresh water is also a simple and effective way to help control hairballs. If your cat is constantly hydrated, they will have a much easier time digesting hairballs. Water is extremely important for a cat’s overall good health, and should always be changed on a daily basis.
These are just a few of the methods you can use to help prevent hairballs in your cat. Most cats shed on a regular basis, and managing hairballs is simply another part of caring for your cat. With a bit of prevention, you can ensure that your cat will be relatively hairball-free.