Hairball in cat
If there is one thing cats are known for – it is being clean! Cats lick their fur clean – up to several times a day – which means they swallow some hair. Usually the hair passes straight through the intestines without any problems or they throw up a hairball every now and then. In more rare cases, hairballs in the cat's stomach and intestines can create a blockage that has slightly more serious consequences. You don't need to worry if your cat throws up hairballs occasionally as this is especially common in cat breeds with a lot of fur. Read more about hairball in cat – what to do if it creates a blockage – and how to reduce hairballs in cats our vet blog!
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What is a hairball and what does it look like?
A hairball is a collection of cat fur in the stomach or intestines of the cat. This is something that the cat has ingested through its daily grooming. If you have ever witnessed a cat having a hairball in its vomit – you will see that it is oblong in shape – almost like a large snail. The hairball often comes up together with some liquid or the last thing it ate. The reason why the cat vomits up hairballs – is because the keratin in the fur is not broken down in the intestinal tract and must therefore either be passed out through vomit or in the stool.
Reasons why the cat throws up hairballs
Grooming and washing with the tongue is a big part of what is on the daily agenda of the kitty. When the cat washes itself with its rough tongue - the fur will shine while stimulating the production of secretions in the skin that keep the fur water-repellent. The tongue has small barbs that make it easier to remove loose hair from the fur - but this also makes it more difficult to get the hair off the tongue. The cat may also find it necessary to groom other feline companions and thus ingest extra loose fur from other feline friends. If your four-legged friend has a chronic intestinal disease that causes the intestinal tract to not function properly - this can lead to an increased risk when the cat forms hairballs or that hairballs form more often. Increased hairball formation can also occur in cases where the cat has an allergy that leads to skin problems or general problems that require increased grooming of the fur.
Are cat hairballs dangerous?
If the collection of hair manages to get through one of the ends intact – that is via vomiting or feces – a hairball in a cat is rarely dangerous. However, if your cat is unlucky enough to get a blockage due to the compact fur collection – you must contact your veterinarian for help in unclogging it or having it surgically removed. You should also contact your veterinarian if your cat vomits hairballs very often. If you live in Larvik – you are always welcome in our A-Vet veterinary clinic for advice and treatment!
Symptoms that your cat has a hairball that is stuck
Symptoms of a stuck hairball – such as vomiting or constipation – can resemble other conditions, so it’s best to contact a veterinarian so they can help you assess the situation for proper treatment.
The symptoms that the cat has a hairball that is stuck can be that the cat:
- Throw up
- Attempts to vomit or vomit
- Has changed behavior or general condition
- Has decreased appetite
- Has changed breathing pattern or frequency
- Haven't had a bowel movement
Hairball treatment and prevention for your cat's well-being
Daily grooming
A nice way to reduce hairballs in your cat is to lend a helping hand with grooming. This is especially important for long-haired cats such as Norwegian Forest Cats, Persians, Ragdolls or Maine Coons – so it may be a good idea to get your cat used to being brushed from a young age. Brushing your cat regularly to remove loose hair – this will reduce the amount of fur it swallows during cat bathing.
Cat food against hairballs
There are many different ones types of cat food that your cat can eat. If you have a long-haired cat – it may be a good idea to choose a food that prevents the development of hairballs. This is usually cat food with a higher fiber content that helps the hair pass through the intestines. There are also supplements on the market against hairballs.
Catnip against hairballs
Many swear by planting cat grass to help your cat get the hairballs out. Cats don't have the necessary enzymes in their digestive system to break down all the grass they eat. This can cause the cat to throw up the hairballs in their stomach. Cat grass also contains some fiber, which helps promote the cat's digestive system and reduces the risk of constipation.
