Preventing Hairball Problems

This is the third in our series of posts on the topic of Fur Balls in Cats.  If you missed the first two, you can read them here. 

Preventing Hairball Problems?

As with all pet health issues, the best medicine is always prevention. You can reduce or even prevent hairballs with daily grooming.  A daily brushing (or combing) will remove a lot of hair and will reduce the amount of hair your cat actually ingests. 

A High Fiber Diet

You can now buy cat food especially designed to help fur balls, particularly for indoor cats. These foods are high in fiber and may say ‘reduces hair/fur ball's’. The high fiber diet will help your cat pass the hair through its system instead of getting stuck either in the gut or intestine, which it often does with a lower fiber diet. This stops the hairball from actually forming and is highly recommended for all house cats.  Many high fiber cat foods and treats include pumpkin, which is a natural ingredient that adds beneficial fiber to a cat’s diet.

Fleas, Ticks and Other Skin Conditions

If your cat has fleas, ticks or other parasites on his skin, he’ll be more prone to excessive grooming, which can lead to excessive hair in his stomach, gut and intestines.  Be sure your cat is free of these parasites.  Your vet will prescribe an appropriate program of treatment to assure that fleas and ticks aren’t contributing to fur ball problems. 

If Your Cat Can’t Regurgitate

If your cat is having problems regurgitating a fur ball then take your cat to the vet. They can either prescribe or recommend a medicine.  The medicine will usually come in cat friendly flavors and will lubricate your cat’s stomach and intestines. This makes it easier for the hair or hairball to pass from the stomach into your cats litter tray.

Take Fur balls Seriously.

A large hairball can be very uncomfortable for cats and can cause serious medical conditions. A hairball that can’t be regurgitated will continue to grow within the stomach. Large fur balls become painful and cause blisters and ulcers. Hairball pain can also cause cat depression and anxiety.  A hairball that can’t be regurgitated can lead to stomach and bowl conditions causing your cat much pain and stress.  He’s counting on you to keep him healthy, so if you think your cat has a problem with hairballs, contact your vet right away.

For the 1st blog on hairballs Click Here.
For the 2nd blog on hairballs Click Here.

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Bewaggle is a pet services company located in DeLand, Florida. We offer pet sitting, dog walking, puppy training, basic obedience training, and more, in the convenience of the customer's home.  Every Bewaggle employee is bonded, insured, professionally trained and has undergone a background check.  Be wise... Bewaggle!