Managing Hairballs in Cats: Tips and Tricks

Are you a cat parent struggling with hairballs? Learn how to prevent and manage hairballs in cats with these tips.
Find out what causes them and how to alleviate your cat’s discomfort. Read the article below to find out how to manage hairballs in cats.

What are hairballs and why do they form?

It is well-known that cats are self-cleaning animals and spend 25% of their awake time grooming. But their thorough daily hygiene can cause a series of problems related to the ingestion of their own hair.

In fact, by licking its coat, the cat ingests part of its hair that remains on its tongue. In most cases, these hairs are eliminated naturally without any problems to the digestive system. In other cases, however, they remain in the stomach and create the so-called “hairballs”. This can cause discomfort and even lead to health issues if not addressed.

Symptoms of hairballs

If your cat is experiencing hairball formation, you may notice the following symptoms:

• Vomiting, gagging, retching (with no hairball production)
• Lack of appetite
• Lethargy
• Constipation
• Diarrhea

If you notice one or more symptoms from the above, we suggest contacting your trusted vet to find out the best course of action.

Preventing and Managing Hairballs

Cats with long and semi-long hair (such as the Persian and Maine Coon) are more prone to this type of issue, as are those who groom themselves very frequently.

To help prevent hairballs, regular grooming can be beneficial.
Brushing your cat’s coat regularly can help remove loose fur and reduce the amount they ingest.

Moreover, feeding your cat a high-quality diet can help prevent hairball formation.

For more nutritional and health advice

If you are a pet parent of a long haired cat, or notice any of the symptoms associated with hairballs in your feline friend, remember that prevention is always key. As a first step, remember to always visit your trusted vet, to find out the best course of action for your pet.

For more information on the ideal food for your pet and the correct amount to feed, contact your Farmina Genius Consultant or download the FarminaGenius APP. Find out how at this link.