Hairballs in Cats: Causes, Risks, and Prevention Methods

Hairballs are a common issue in cats, formed as a result of frequent grooming, during which they ingest loose fur. In this article, we’ll explore the reasons of hairballs, the potential health risks they pose, signs of intestinal blockages, and effective ways to prevent them.

Cats and Hairballs

Why Do Hairballs Form in Cats?

Cats are meticulous animals. They groom themselves by licking, and their rough tongues easily pick up loose fur. Long-haired cats and cats during shedding seasons tend to ingest more fur. While most swallowed fur passes through the digestive system and exits via feces, some can accumulate in the stomach or intestines, forming a hairball.

Health Risks of Hairballs for Your Cat

Typically, cats can expel hairballs by vomiting. However, in some cases, these hairballs can cause blockages in the digestive system. Cats that frequently vomit hairballs or strain during defecation may exhibit warning signs.

Lola and Grass

Intestinal Blockage Due to Hairballs

An intestinal blockage from a hairball can exert serious pressure on your cat’s digestive system, requiring urgent veterinary intervention. Here are some symptoms to look out for if a hairball causes a blockage:

Vomiting: Frequent vomiting, especially after eating or drinking.

Loss of Appetite and Weight Loss: If your usually hungry cat suddenly avoids food, this might indicate a hairball-related blockage.

Constipation or Difficulty Defecating: Hairballs may obstruct the digestive system, disrupting normal bowel movements.

Lethargy: Decreased energy, excessive sleeping, or reluctance to play.

Abdominal Pain and Discomfort: If your cat reacts when its belly is touched or seems restless, it may be experiencing abdominal pain.

If you observe any of these signs in your cat, consult a veterinarian without delay.

Surgical Intervention

If a hairball cannot be naturally expelled and poses a serious health risk, your veterinarian may recommend surgery to remove the blockage. Post-surgery, your cat may need time to recover with special care to restore digestive health.

Preventing Hairballs in Cats

Here are effective methods to prevent hairball formation in your cat:

1.        Regular Brushing

Brushing your cat regularly removes loose fur, reducing the amount they ingest. For long-haired cats, daily brushing is ideal; for short-haired cats, a few times a week is sufficient. During shedding seasons, increase brushing frequency. We're quite lucky in this regard because both Lola and Loki love being brushed. We generally brush them twice a week, and when they see the brush, they get so excited they don’t know what to do with themselves.

Lola and Loki Waiting To Be Brushed

2.        Cat Grass

Cat grass is beneficial for aiding digestion and helping cats naturally expel hairballs. In our home, we rely on cat grass because Lola, who obsessively grooms herself, has a particular need for it. If our cat grass runs out or dries up, Lola will try to eat any green or even dried items (such as straw or other plants) she can find, which poses a risk. Therefore, we always keep fresh cat grass available.

Loki Eating Plants

3.        Malt Paste and Other Products

Malt paste, often recommended by veterinarians, acts as a lubricant in the intestines, helping hair pass through naturally. Administering malt paste a few times a week can significantly help prevent hairballs. Though Lola and Loki don’t show as much interest in malt paste as they do in cat grass, it’s helpful when cat grass isn’t available.

Lola Eating Her Malt

4.        Hairball-Control Cat Food

Some cat foods are specially formulated with fibers that aid in the elimination of hairballs. These foods help keep your cat’s digestive system healthy and ease digestion. Following our vet’s advice, we use hairball-control food periodically a few times a year. You can consult your veterinarian to consider a similar approach.

Loki and His Food

5.        Increasing Water Intake

Boosting your cat’s water consumption supports intestinal activity, aiding in the natural passage of fur. Keeping their water fresh, using a water fountain, or adding a small amount of water to their food can encourage hydration.

6.        Balanced and Nutritious Diet

A diet rich in vitamins, minerals, and fatty acids promotes healthy fur, making it stronger and less prone to shedding. This reduces the amount of hair your cat ingests.

Conclusion

To help your cat lead a healthy life, it’s important to prevent hairball formation through regular grooming and a proper diet. By monitoring your cat’s behavior and acting quickly if symptoms appear, you can manage hairball issues effectively. Remember that a surgical intervention might be necessary if an intestinal blockage occurs. A consistent grooming routine, balanced diet, and regular veterinary check-ups can significantly reduce hairball problems and keep your cat healthy.