From time to time, your cat may share the joy of a hairball with you. Hairballs form from loose hair that gets swallowed. Cats are conscientious groomers, and are constantly dislodging fur from their coats. It’s only natural to swallow a few hairs! Over time, all that loose hair collects into a hairball, and is regurgitated.
An occasional hairball is perfectly normal. In fact, once the hairball is out, the problem is pretty much solved! However, if your cat is presenting you with frequent hairballs, she may need a little help in eliminating hair buildup and preventing future problems.
A little fish oil in your cat’s food can help ingested hair slide through the digestive system. Commercial hairball remedies are available, but may be more expensive. Your cat may do just as well with a dollop (no more than half a teaspoon) of butter every day for a few days. You can also give your cat a little petroleum jelly, but they may refuse to eat it. Whichever type of lubrication you choose, it will help the hair slide through your cat’s system instead of coming back up as a hairball.
Hairballs can be dangerous if they become stuck in the cat’s intestine. A cat experiencing a stuck hairball may seem tired and run down, and may lose her appetite. In extreme cases, your cat may need surgery to remove the blockage. Hairballs can also cause your cat to become constipated. Adding a little bran or roughage to your cat’s diet can help things move more regularly.
And don’t think that stopping your cat from grooming himself will stop the hairballs. Grooming is a natural behavior that is an important part of your cat’s life! It is an enjoyable activity for your cat; if you have multiple cats, it is also a social activity. If you brush your cat regularly, you can reduce the amount of loose fur, which will help lessen the frequency and size of hairballs. Grooming your cat also gives you a chance to check your cat for coat and health problems.