How to Prevent Hairballs in Your Cat

Cats are well-known for their shiny coats, which they diligently clean everyday. However, since they clean themselves with their tongues, they tend to ingest their shed fur. Fur cannot be digested and to get it out, the cats need to spit it out. While a majority of the fur is spitted out in the form of a fur ball, the pieces that remain in the body can cause serious health problems.

Here are some tips to prevent hairballs from developing in your cat's fur.

Regular Brushing

If your cat always has problems with hairballs, you can reduce it through the help of regular brushing. By brushing, you can take out their loose fur and reduce the possibility of it getting in your cat's tummy.

Hydrating Your Cat

Your cat must regularly drink water to keep their intestinal tract lubricated. Place water trays for your cats to use in key points in the house and keep track of their water intake. Especially in our humid climate, it is important to make sure that your furball drinks lots of water.

Use Hairball Prevention Products

If brushing does not work, seek the help of your veterinarian about using anti-hairball products.

Anti-hairball products are natural laxative and will help lubricate your cat's intestine to make it easier for the fur to get out of their body. Veterinarians will also help you determine how often you need to use the product. Ideally, these products should not be used more than twice in one week because it can disable the body to absorb vitamins.

When your vet recommends this to your cat, try it first by putting a short ribbon in your finger. Offer your finger to your cat and see if they will like it. If they do not like it, you can put your finger in their mouth and slide it on the roof of their mouth. You can also put the product in their fur and let them lick it clean.

If you are considering this method, the PetAg Hairball Natural Solution are products you should look for.

Hairball Prevention Foods

Aside from anti-hairball products you can administer to your cats, you can also feed them special cat food that can prevent hairballs. This is a good alternative if your cats do not like anti-hairball products.

Ask your veterinarian for advice and ask if there are alternatives, which they can recommend. Do not change your cat's diet without asking your veterinarian in advance because it can cause dangerous health risks to your cat.

Some hairball prevention foods you can try out are VitaKraft Cat Grass and the Hills Science Diet Feline Adult Hairball Control Dry Cat Food 

Last But Not Least

Hairballs are a natural occurrence for any pet. However, if they are having problems with it and you notice that your cat is grooming itself more than usual, there is a problem.

Seek your veterinarian's advice immediately and let your vet check up your cat. Follow your vet's advice on what to do and help your cat as much as you could.

Pets cannot directly say what they are feeling so you do need to pay close attention to see if they are uncomfortable in any way.