5 Ways to Get Rid of Hairballs for Good!
Hairballs are not a fun experience for you (the hairball janitor) or your kitty. Hairballs are something that naturally occurs in cats from time to time, typically after a thorough self-grooming session! While hairballs are normal, if they occur too frequently, it may indicate underlying issues such as gastrointestinal problems or nutritional deficiencies that contribute to their formation. If left unsolved for too long, hairballs can cause severe, and sometimes life-threatening problems. So let's dive into how to prevent them from forming and help eliminate them if present.
Is my cat vomiting or having a hairball?
Hairballs are, you guessed it, clumps of hair and liquid that build up in the digestive system and cannot pass through the intestines, so they are expelled through vomiting. In contrast, regular vomiting usually does not contain much hair.
If what your cat is throwing up is not filled with hair, you may have other issues that may need to be addressed by a vet, or a diet change if GI issues are to blame for chronic vomiting.
If your pet is experiencing a sudden onset of vomiting that is not chronic, it's important to be concerned and have them checked by a veterinarian right away. This is especially true if the vomiting occurs daily and has started suddenly, as it may indicate an emergency due to accidental ingestion of something harmful or another underlying condition that mey need attention!
So how can I help prevent hairballs?
There are a couple of options to help prevent hairball buildup, and I will give you 3 of the best preventatives that will also aid in elimination if that is your current struggle.
-Your cat may be dehydrated. Try some wet food.
Ensure that you are feeding your cat wet food, as it's essential for cats to help them stay hydrated. Cats get most of their moisture from their food, and if that isn’t available, they can very easily become dehydrated, aiding in the inability to flush out hair in the digestive tract. It can also cause further issues like chronic kidney disease. You can read more about that below.
READ MORE: Cat Wet Food: Necessary or Not?
READ MORE: Kidneys and Food Quality: Tips to Avoid CKD
-Your cat may need a water fountain.
Another way to help your kitty stay hydrated and avoid hairballs is to get them a water fountain. It may seem unimportant and mostly for aesthetic purposes, or something to make an owner's life a bit easier. But it has a much more important role. Cats have evolved to prefer running water over stagnant water, as moving water doesn’t contain bacteria. Therefore, fountains entice cats to drink much more than a standard bowl.
Check out my favorite cat water fountain by PIXI. This fountain has several fun and practical features. Inside, it contains a standard carbon filter that removes heavy metals found in tap water, similar to a fish tank filter. The bowl is made of stainless steel, which helps inhibit bacterial growth that could make your cat sick and prevents chin acne. Additionally, the fountain has a low water indicator that alerts you when it needs to be refilled, and it lights up at night, making it easy for your kitty to find. And it's also so adorable when it lights up on the nose!
-Do the grooming for your cat.
Cats may seem pretty independent, especially when it comes to grooming themselves. However, brushing your kitty will help them out significantly by ridding them of excess hair that they don't have to ingest. Especially for those of you owners with long-haired cats, it's a must.
Many people don't enjoy grooming their cats because the cats often seem to despise the process. However, it's important to remember that cats dislike what's uncomfortable. This discomfort often comes from the use of painful tools, like slicker brushes, which can irritate their skin. It's not a pleasant experience for a cat when their skin feels like it's being damaged or torn by those brushes!
Instead, opt for a hand glove brush that will just feel like being petted to your cat. The rubber gloves also help stick to loose hair for easier removal. Similar function as a slicker without the painful pokes. You can also give your cat a self-grooming brush to give your cat an option to help themselves while also feeling good! Though this may not be a reason to never groom your kitty, it's just another helpful option to aid you in grooming! (Check out this fun self-groomer below that's also a cat scratcher and toy in one!)
-Maybe it's time for some natural supplements.
Dogs and cats can become deficient in a variety of things that, unfortunately, we owners may not always realize. For cats that have constant hairballs, a nutrient of concern is fiber. Cats that lack soluble and insoluble fiber in their diet have a much harder time passing hairballs, as soluble fiber feeds good gut bacteria, and insoluble fiber keeps things flowing smoothly in the intestines, creating healthy bowel movements. Without it, things can become backed up and vomited out.
Pumpkin is a great natural source of fiber, both soluble and insoluble, for optimal gut function. I would check out the Weruva Pumpkin Puree Pouches for Dogs and Cats. Great quality ingredients and non-GMO, Weruva is a favorite at my store where I work! This pouch comes in just plain pumpkin or mixed with chicken/turmeric/coconut oil options as well for picky eaters or if you would like benefits from other ingredients. Coconut oil is said to be an amazing digestive lubricant to help pass hairballs as an alternative to purchasing harmful petrolatum jelly treatments, which can be harmful for a cat's gut in the long run. Also check out Tiki Cat Tummy Topper, similar in ingredients and quality to Weruva, non-GMO and whole ingredients, another staple at my store!
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-Buy a food/treat that is made to help with hairballs.
Many brands of food are formulated with extra fiber to help your kitty with hairballs. Some of my favorite brands for quality, as well as decent fiber percent, are listed below ↓
Wellness Core Indoor Kitten Dry- Indoor formula is another formula made to help with hairballs. Fun fact!
Wellness Core is a great brand that is grain-free, which is ideal for cats, and has great whole ingredient quality with little to no fillers to ensure your cat gets all its needed nutrients for optimal efficiency. Wellness Core is also high in protein for muscle maintenance and provides your cat with energy.
SolidGold Indoor Dry Cat Food Adult
SolidGold Indoor Wet Food Adult
SolidGold, known for its quality and being grain-free, is another excellent option for sensitive-stomached kitties that need whole ingredient food minus the fillers.
As you can see, I haven’t forgotten about treats! These 3 options above are some of the best quality treats for hairball control. Good, grain-free, and natural ingredients to help pass and control hairballs. The Churu treat is especially helpful with kitties who may be picky, as well as adding in some extra hydration. It may be a bit pricier, though. The other two treat options are not overly expensive.
I hope these remedies and food options will give you a good start into where to begin with helping your cat live its best hairball-free life! 🖤
