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Cat Hairballssymptoms, prevention and remediesCat hairballs are not fun. And unfortunately, because of their grooming habits, most cats suffer from hairballs. Cats are very clean animals and constantly groom themselves. They lick their fur to remove loose hairs and maintain their coats in top condition. Indeed, cats clean themselves several times a day: Just after awakening, before going to sleep, and right after eating (I joke with my sister that our cats always end up smelling like tuna). During their grooming, cats ingest fur – sometimes in large quantities - and this intake can cause hairball buildup. Hairballs can upset the cat’s stomach, which in turn can result in vomiting spells and other serious problems. Cat owners are well acquainted with the symptoms and consequences of hairballs. They’re familiar with the dry coughs, and their cats arching their backs, and the wrenching sounds their cats make just before they vomit a ball of fur. If you saw the movie Shrek II, you probably remember Puss in Boots’ hairball scene. SymptomsThere are obvious signs, such as your cat coughing and hacking constantly. Many of us have seen cats go through a vomiting-a-hairball episode. And who can forget that awful sight of hair and vomit on the floor or on your carpet. A cat hairball is not a pretty sight.Another, less-obvious symptom is constipation. Many cats develop constipation as a result of accumulated fur balls in their gastrointestinal tract. Cat hairballs are not only uncomfortable for you cat, but also they can create more serious problems such as breathing complications, loss of appetite and, as previously mentioned, constipation. So what can you do to prevent and/or alleviate hairballs? Here are some suggestions: Preventing hairballsIt has been said that prevention is the best medicine. Even though it’s very difficult to completely eliminate hairball buildup, you can still reduce it. One of the best ways to prevent or reduce hairballs is to brush your cat on a regular basis. Brushing your kitty will not only be a pleasant experience for him or her, but also it will be a nice bonding opportunity. Since you will be removing the extra loose hairs your cat will ingest less hair during her grooming sessions, and this in turn will lower the chances of hairball buildup. Cat hairball remediesIf your cat develops a hairball problem regardless of your brushing him or her regularly, then you will have to use other means to alleviate the problem. Among the most popular hairball remedies are petroleum-based gels such as Petromalt and Laxatone. Do talk to a veterinarian before using these types of remedies and use them only as directed.Another option you can try to prevent and/or alleviate hairballs is to provide your cat with a fiber-rich diet. You can find both dry and canned food that includes fiber. Fiber will help your cat to avoid elimination problems. By the way, reducing the amount of dry food can also help with any constipation problem your cat may have. One of my cats was constipated, so I took him to the vet and she recommended I gradually reduce my cat’s intake of dry food. Another alternative she suggested was to give my cat dry food that contained less “fillers”. She recommended Orijen, which is a low-carb, high-protein, grain-free dry food. Note: Make sure you consult your vet before changing your cat’s diet. Abruptly changing your cat’s diet might make him or her sick. Finally, there are also homemade remedies that you can use to fight hairballs. One of such remedies is butter, of which you can give your cat a small quantity a few times a week. Another hairball remedy is canned pumpkin, which you can mix with your cat’s food. Personally, I’ve never tried these remedies but I’ve heard that some cat owners have found them helpful. Just to be on the safe side, consult your veterinarian before using them.
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