How Do You Manage Hairballs in Cats?

Are Hairballs in Cats a Health Issue?

It depends. Hairballs in cats are a natural–albeit not fun–way for a cat to rid herself of hair that gets stuck in her stomach and are normal on occasion. But if they occur frequently or if you see or hear your cat retching, vomiting, or coughing without the eventual appearance of a hairball, you should talk to your veterinarian. Other signs that hairballs might be a health issue you should discuss with your vet include constipation, an extraordinary amount of hair in stools, a loss of appetite, and lethargy. Additionally, if you start to see the number of hairballs increase, or you see your cat grooming more often than usual, it might be a sign of a larger skin condition that you should speak to your vet about.

If your cat is having trouble with hairballs, your vet might want to do blood tests to make sure your cat's liver and kidneys are performing as they should. The vet might also recommend an ultrasound or take x-rays to make sure there are no blockages that could harm your cat. Vet Jeff Johansson, writing for Asheville Veterinary Specialists, details how a cat brought in with an elevated respiratory rate, loss of appetite, and increased salivation was suffering from a hairball firmly lodged in his esophagus, which was only discovered after x-rays. Johansson and his team were able to push the hairball back into the stomach, where it eventually passed naturally. In less severe cases, a laxative might work to pass the hairball, but laxatives should only be administered under the direction of a vet. In more severe cases, surgery might be the only way to remove a particularly stubborn mass of hair.

How Can You Manage & Prevent Hairballs?

There are three ways you can help minimize hairballs in your cat. First, you should groom your cat to reduce shedding. Regular brushing sessions will keep your cat from ingesting loose hair through self-grooming. Your brushing won't keep your cat from self-grooming, but will reduce the amount of hair she ingests. Grooming sessions with you also have the added benefit of being a bonding activity with your furry friend!

Second, there are products on the market such as shampoo and wet wipes that claim to prevent hairballs by controlling shedding. As with any product, however, check with your vet before you begin a regular regime to make sure it's well-suited for your kitty.

Last–but certainly not least!–know that food choice is very important in reducing hairballs. A hairball control cat food includes added natural fiber amongst its balanced nutrition to help move hair naturally through your cat's digestive system while also nourishing your cat's skin and coat to reduce shedding. Hill's® Science Diet® includes the following choices for cats with hairball issues:

• Science Diet® Adult Hairball Control. For cats ages 1 to 6.
• Science Diet® Adult Hairball Control Light. For cats ages 1 to 6 that struggle to maintain an optimal weight.
• Science Diet® Adult Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entré or Science Diet® Ocean Fish Entré. Two canned food choices for kitties who prefer canned food or who are on a blended wet-dry food routine.
• Science Diet® Adult 7+ Hairball Control. For older cats who struggle with hairballs.
• Science Diet® Adult Urinary Hairball Control. Supports the health of the whole urinary system.
• Science Diet® Adult Urinary Hairball Control Cat Food. A canned food version that, like the dry version, supports the health of the whole urinary system.

Your cat–and you–don't have to suffer from frequent hairballs. By brushing your cat and choosing to feed her a high-quality food that will keep her coat healthy while also keeping the hair moving naturally through her digestive system, you can say goodbye to hairballs.