Feline Hairballs: A Hairy Mess

You just sat down on the couch for a Netflix marathon when you hear it…the hacking, gagging noise from the next room. No doubt about it, feline hairballs come with the turf of cat ownership.

But what exactly is a hairball?

GAK! What’s With the Hairball?

As one might guess, a hairball or trichobezoar (the fancy word for hairball) is a wad of undigested fur along with bile or stomach fluids.

When they aren’t napping, our feline friends spend much of the time grooming themselves. In the process, fur gets ingested and passes through the digestive tract. Hairballs should be an occasional issue – although they may be more of a problem for certain long haired breeds like Maine Coons and Persians.

Interesting fact: hairballs were once thought to be an antidote for epilepsy and poisoning. In the Middle Ages, they were even set in gold and worn as a talisman (not exactly the anniversary present you had in mind!).

The Problem With Feline Hairballs

Although hairballs do happen, they should be a rare or infrequent occurrence among healthy cats. Unfortunately, the view that hairballs are just inherent to being a cat can cause a pet owner to overlook signs of a health problem. For example, heartworm disease and allergies can also manifest in a hacking cough that can be mistaken for a hairball.

Excessive grooming along with changes in appetite, behavior, or energy can often be cause for concern. Chronic pain, for example, will often cause a pet to lick, chew, or bite at the skin and coat. Although rare, hairballs can also develop into serious gastrointestinal obstructions.

If your feline has been struggling with changes in appetite, a coat and skin condition, or is experiencing an increase in hairballs, please contact us.

Feline Hairball Prevention

Now that we’ve covered some of the health issues associated with hairballs, here’s the part you’ve been waiting for – how to prevent them!

While there’s no foolproof way to keep your cat free of hairballs, there are many daily care changes you can make to reduce their occurrence:

• Feed your cat a high quality pet food or ask us about a nutritional consultation.
• Brush your cat each day.  
• Consider professional grooming for breeds with thick and/or long coats.
• Invest in a water fountain type dispenser to keep your cat well-hydrated.
• Consider adding an over-the-counter hairball deterrent to your cat’s food (ask us for recommendations).

Life is messy – feline hairballs make it messier. To keep your kitty hairball-free, maintain a focus on overall health and wellness. This includes annual examinations, a nutritious diet, weight management, and consistent grooming.