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Considering the sounds your cat might make when spitting up hairballs, you may wonder whether you need to take them to a vet hospital. In most cases, that’s unnecessary, but it’s understandable if you want to learn more about them. That way, you can help your cat avoid having to cough them up.

Answers About Your Cat’s Hairballs

1. Why do cats form hairballs?

Your cat’s tongue uses papillae, or tiny hook-like growths, to remove dead or loose hair, which they then swallow. Usually, the hair passes completely through the digestive system, but sometimes, it remains in the stomach. If enough hair accumulates and forms a hairball, your cat pushes it through their esophagus and onto the floor.

2. Which cats are most likely to develop hairballs?

Long-haired breeds, like Persians, Angoras, Norwegian Forests, Maine coons, and others create hairballs easily because they have so much hair. However, older cats are more likely to form hairballs than kittens since they’ve had time to perfect their self-grooming skills. Warmer weather also causes cats to shed their coats, leading to more loose hair to lick up.

3. When should I worry?

If your cat has been coughing and gagging for longer than usual with no sign of a hairball, it could mean there's something wrong with the esophagus, such as a blockage or swollen tissue. When combined with constipation, diarrhea, and an uncharacteristic lack of energy and appetite, take your cat to a vet hospital. Even if your cat doesn’t have a problem coughing up hairballs, visit a veterinarian for pet wellness testing if it happens frequently.

4. How can I prevent hairballs?

vet hospitalFeed your cat grain-free food, or have them try food fortified with enough fiber to help the hair stay healthy, reduce shedding, and pass the hair through the digestive tract when it does get inside. There are also laxatives designed to push the hair through the digestive tract so that your cat doesn’t need to vomit it. However, check with a professional at a vet hospital before giving your cat medication or a new diet. Otherwise, get into the habit of regularly brushing or combing your cat yourself, and distract them with something else if they try to self-groom.

 

If you’re worried about your cat’s hairballs, visit Alexandria Pike Animal Hospital in Newport, KY — a vet hospital with compassionate veterinarians and state-of-the-art equipment. In addition to treating your cat for any problems, they offer free animal vaccinations for the cat’s entire life, provided you pay a one-time fee and bring the cat to the pet hospital annually for checkups at regular price. Make an appointment today by calling (859) 781-1800. Explore their services online.

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