Hairballs are formed when cats groom themselves. Their tongues have hook-like features that trap loose hair much like a hairbrush. In the process, they end up swallowing much of the hair, which ends up in their digestive tract. Periodically, your cat may vomit up a long narrow hairball to get rid of the excess hair. In most cases, cats can eliminate the hair naturally, but sometimes it gets stuck, requiring a visit to a veterinary hospital.

Signs That Hairballs Are Causing a Problem for Your Cat

If your cat is hacking, coughing, or gagging but no hairball is coming out, it might be trapped in their throat. There are hairball gels and special treats you can buy that are formulated to eliminate hairballs in your cat’s system.

Under more serious circumstances, your cat may experience weight loss, unusually lethargic behavior, constipation, diarrhea, and a swollen belly. Take them to a veterinary hospital to ascertain if hairballs or another condition is the cause of the problem.

Preventing Hairballs

Luckily, there are ways to prevent hairballs from causing health issues in the future. Start by brushing your cat’s fur every day. Many cats enjoy this bonding time and it will prevent them from needing to self-groom as much. If you have a long-haired cat, consider taking them to a professional groomer, who can remove mats and tangles without hurting them.

Feed your cat food formulated to reduce hairballs. Look for these specialized foods, which contain additional fiber and supplements to make your cat’s coat healthier and reduce shedding. You can also periodically give your cat a hairball-prevention treat. This will help your cat pass the accumulated hair in the stool. If your pet is a friend of catnip, it will also help them eliminate hair naturally.

If you have concerns about your feline’s health, ask the knowledgeable and compassionate veterinarians at A-4 Animal Hospital in Lincoln, NE, for assistance. In addition to performing checkups and administring vaccines, they also perform animal dentistry and surgery. If your pet is too scared or incapacitated to come to the office, the doctors at A-4 will make a house call. Call 402-475-2282 to make an appointment or visit the website for more information on this veterinary hospital and its offerings.