Have you ever been walking through the house and heard your pet cat making an awful sound like they are vomiting and then find the most disgusting ball of hair that your cat just coughed up? While they may be a disgusting thing to find lying around your house, there is no need to be too alarmed. Many times hairballs are a natural side-effect of grooming habits, and, for the most part, they are nothing to worry about. Once you have figured out that these things that your cat is coughing up are hairballs, there are a few things that you can do to help prevent your cat from having hairballs.
Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?
People often wonder why cats get hairballs. Cats keep themselves clean by licking with a tongue that has specially designed barbs that act like a comb or brush. These barbs help detangle fur that is matted and, unfortunately, grab loose hair along the way.
This results in the cat swallowing some of the hairs, which in turn creates the dreaded hairball. It does not happen right away, and typically the loose hair just passes through the intestinal tract and is voided along with stool. Sometimes too much hair is swallowed, and it collects in the stomach, causing a blockage that makes your cat feel very sick. It is because of said blockage that the cat may feel the need to vomit. Usually, once the hairball is cleared, your cat will return to normal and seem like nothing ever happened.
Why Does My Cat Get Hairballs?
Cats clean larger prey by licking or pulling the fur away from the skin and typically do not try to swallow them whole. A trait mostly observed among the big cats like lions and tigers but is shared by domestic cats as well. Obviously, this will result in the cat swallowing an excessive amount of hair that the stomach just cannot digest.
Even a well-fed cat will hunt, so you should not be worried that you are doing something wrong or not feeding enough as it is the feline's nature stemming from thousands of years of living in the wild.
How to tell if your cat may have a hairball
The most obvious sign that your cat has an issue with hairballs is finding the physical hairball itself, but sometimes the signs can be more subtle, and veterinary medicine and a visit may be needed. These are some common signs that your cat may have hairballs.
Cats are prone to fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can become life-threatening very quickly within just a few days. It is a result of the cat not eating, which causes their body to try to utilize its own fat for energy, but cats do not convert fat very well as they are strict carnivores and need a high protein diet to function. The lack of energy from not eating presents in the cat feeling lethargic.
Cats are prone to fatty liver disease (hepatic lipidosis), which can become life-threatening very quickly within just a few days. It is a result of the cat not eating, which causes their body to try to utilize its own fat for energy, but cats do not convert fat very well as they are strict carnivores and need a high protein diet to function. The lack of energy from not eating presents in the cat feeling lethargic.
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Do hairballs have a health risk?
Most of the time, hairballs are innocent and are expected, especially in long hair cats. Sometimes hairballs are forgotten about even though they can lead to some pretty serious situations if they are ignored. These are some health risks that you have encountered in your cat who has chronic hairballs.
Fatty liver disease is life-threatening and needs veterinary intervention immediately to help reverse the effects of the disease. If it allowed continue without medication, the cat would become severely dehydrated the liver will shut down, resulting in severe illness and ultimately death.
FAQs about Hairballs in Cats
Is it normal for cats to get hairballs?
Yes, any cat that grooms itself regularly may have to eventually deal with the occasional hairball. Even though they can be disgusting, it is completely natural for a cat to get hairballs.
Do cats in the wild get hairballs?
There is not a whole lot of literature on the subject, but it suffices to say that any cat that must groom itself may have an issue with hairballs. Feral cats especially may have to confront this issue as they are forced to hunt things like mice, rats, squirrels, and rabbits, which have excessive hair and can cause hairballs to form.
Are there things you can do to prevent hairballs?
There are many things that you can do to help prevent hairballs in cats or at least decrease the number of hairballs that you see.
How do you know to let the hairball pass naturally or intervene?
The best way to know that your cat has passed a hairball is to physically see the hairball. If you notice that your cat is trying to cough up a hairball, it is best to observe them to see if anything is produced. It may take several minutes and a few retches to finally vomit up the hairball. If your cat does not clear after a few tries and still seems like they are having issues trying to pass the hairball, then it may be necessary to take action.
How can you safely intervene?
The safest and most recommended thing to do is to take your cat to a veterinarian. They are better prepared to deal with hairballs and can prescribe medicines that can safely help your cat pass the hairball.
If it is an emergency situation, like your cat has a hairball stuck in their airway, you can try to remove the hairball yourself by reaching in and swiping your finger to remove it. veterinary assistance is still the best and safest option.
Why Do Cats Get hairballs: Final Thoughts
Hairballs can be quite a nuisance and sometimes dangerous, but there are things that can be done to help prevent them or at least reduce their frequency. Consult your veterinarian so they can help you figure out what best cat food or supplement may better help keep your cat happy and healthy for many years to come.
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