If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably seen cat hairballs at some point. Even though they seem like just a messy part of having a cat, hairballs can sometimes be a sign of a more serious issue.
In this blog, we’ll explore what causes hairballs, the symptoms to watch out for, and the best ways to prevent them. With a few simple tips, you can help keep your furry friend happy, healthy, and hairball-free!
What Are Hairballs?
Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are clumps of fur that accumulate in a cat’s stomach. Cats groom themselves by licking their fur, and in the process, they swallow loose hairs. Most of this hair passes through their digestive system without any issues, but sometimes it collects in the stomach and forms a hairball.
When this happens, your cat will probably cough or gag to bring it up, which is not so pleasant to watch but is usually harmless. However, if this happens often or you see large hairballs, it can be a sign of excessive grooming or digestive problems.
Causes of Hairball Formation
Hairballs are a common issue for cats, and understanding what causes them can help prevent them from becoming a bigger problem. Let’s look at the following list to find out more about this:
1. Grooming Habits
Cats are naturally clean animals, and they spend a big part of their day licking themselves to keep their fur clean. Their tongues have tiny, hook-like structures that catch dirt, loose fur, and debris. When they lick their coat, they end up swallowing a lot of this loose hair. Usually, the hair passes through their digestive system and comes out in their poop. However, sometimes the hair stays in the stomach and starts to build up, forming a hairball.
2. Shedding
All cats shed, but some shed more than others. Seasonal changes, especially in spring and fall, can cause a cat to lose a lot of fur. Long-haired breeds, like Maine Coons, Persians, and Ragdolls, are especially prone to hairballs because they have more fur to shed and groom. Even short-haired cats can develop hairballs if they shed a lot. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of loose fur they swallow, but cats that shed a lot will always be at higher risk.
3. Overgrooming Due to Stress
Cats can groom a lot when they are feeling stressed or anxious. They can be stressed because of many things, like changes in their environment, new people or pets, or lack of mental stimulation. Overgrooming is a way for cats to calm themselves, but it also means they are swallowing more fur than usual. Finding the source of their stress can help reduce overgrooming and hairball formation.
4. Overgrooming Due to Skin Conditions
Excessive grooming can also be caused by skin conditions, such as allergies, flea infestations, or infections. If your cat’s skin is itchy or irritated, they may groom more to relieve the discomfort. Unfortunately, this results in them swallowing extra fur, which can form hairballs. It’s important to talk to a vet if you think a skin condition is causing your cat to overgroom.
Symptoms of Hairballs
Here’s a list of symptoms to watch out for if you think your cat has hairballs:
- Coughing or Gagging: As we mentioned above, cats may cough or gag while trying to bring up a hairball. They can also make retching sounds as they do this.
- Frequent Grooming: Excessive licking or grooming, especially in one area, can lead to the ingestion of more fur, increasing the chances of hairballs.
- Vomiting: Cats may vomit up hairballs or, in some cases, vomit without bringing up a hairball. If they vomit a lot, it can be a sign of a hairball issue.
- Changes in Appetite or Behavior: If your cat is eating less or acting more lethargic, it could be because of discomfort from hairballs.
- Constipation: A hairball that doesn’t pass can cause constipation or difficulty in bowel movements, leading to fewer bathroom visits.
- Visible Hairballs: Finding hairballs around your home, especially in spots where your cat grooms or sleeps, is a clear sign that your cat is dealing with hairballs.
Potential Complications
Hairballs are usually harmless, but they can cause problems if not managed properly. If a hairball gets stuck in your cat’s intestines, it can cause a blockage, which is very serious. Symptoms of a blockage are: vomiting, not eating, constipation, or stomach pain. If this happens, you need to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible, because it can be life-threatening. Hairballs can also cause upset stomachs, which might lead to vomiting, nausea, or discomfort. If your cat tries to vomit but can’t bring up the hairball, it can irritate their stomach and cause further digestive issues.
If your cat has trouble passing a hairball, they may feel full or nauseous, which can lead to a loss of appetite. This lack of food can weaken your cat’s immune system and cause other health problems. If hairballs happen often, they can lead to chronic vomiting, dehydration, weight loss, and even damage to your cat’s teeth and gums. This also makes it harder for your cat to absorb nutrients, which affects their overall health. Another problem is skin damage, hair thinning, or bald patches, because of excessive grooming.
Prevention Strategies
Preventing hairballs is much easier than dealing with the complications they can cause. By making a few simple changes to your cat’s routine and environment, you can help reduce the frequency of hairballs and keep your cat comfortable. Here are some things you can do:
1. Regular Grooming
One of the best ways to prevent hairballs is to regularly groom your cat. Brushing your cat’s fur helps remove loose hairs before they can be swallowed during grooming. For long-haired cats, daily brushing is ideal, but if you have a short-haired cat, you can groom it a few times a week. Regular brushing is also great because it helps keep your cat’s coat healthy and free of mats, which can be uncomfortable for them. After brushing, you can also use fragrance-free, hypoallergenic baby wipes, and wipe your cat with them, because they help remove any remaining loose fur.
2. Dietary Adjustments
Changing your cat’s diet can also help reduce hairballs. Some cat foods are specially formulated with extra fiber to help hair pass through the digestive system more easily. Fiber helps move hair through the intestines, which reduces the chance of hairballs forming. You can also add wet food to your cat’s diet because it provides more moisture, which helps digestion. Always consult your vet before making any dietary changes to make sure you’re meeting your cat’s specific needs.
3. Environmental Enrichment
Cats that are bored or stressed may groom more frequently, leading to an increased risk of hairballs. To help prevent this, make sure your cat has a lot of toys, scratching posts, and places to explore. Keeping your cat mentally and physically stimulated can reduce the need for excessive grooming.
4. Use of Hairball Remedies
There are a couple of products you can give your cat, to help reduce hairball formation. You can put petroleum jelly on your cat’s paw so when they lick it, the jelly will help the hair pass through their system. Oils are also great for this, so you can give your cat canned tuna or sardine. These remedies can be helpful, but it’s important to talk to your vet for advice on the best products for your cat.
Conclusion
Even though hairballs are a common issue for many cats, there are several strategies you can use to prevent them. Regular grooming, changes in diet, more fun activities, and using hairball treatments can help reduce hairballs and keep your cat healthy and comfortable. Watching your cat’s grooming habits and behavior can help you notice problems early, so you can fix them before they cause bigger issues. With the right care, your cat can stay healthy and avoid hairball problems.
RELATED: How to Groom a Long-Haired Cat: Expert Tips for Healthy Fur
