Reducing the Risk of Cat Hairballs

Hairballs, it’s a natural part of being a cat owner. We all know cats love grooming themselves and they shed—a lot! Sometimes that shedding can cause the dreaded hairball. While it may seem like an unavoidable consequence of owning a cat, there are some things you can do to help your kitty manage their fur and reduce the risk of hairballs.

What is a Hairball?

A hairball is a clump of fur that forms in the stomach when your cat grooms itself and swallows too much fur. The fur collects in the stomach and then makes its way back up through their digestive system before finally being vomited up on your carpet or furniture. Gross, right? Don’t worry though, this is totally normal for cats and nothing to be alarmed about unless it becomes frequent or severe. 

How Can I Help My Cat Avoid Hairballs?

The best thing you can do to help your cat avoid hairballs is to brush them regularly (or at least as often as they will tolerate). Brushing helps remove excess fur from their coat before it has a chance for them to swallow it during grooming. You can also invest in specialized food that contains extra fiber which helps move excess fur through their digestive tract quickly so they don’t have time to build up into full-on balls of fur. 

What if My Cat Has Very Frequent Hairballs?

If you notice that your cat is having more than one or two hairballs per week, then it could be time for a trip to the vet. This could be an indication that something else is going on with your kitty such as an underlying health issue or sensitivity issue with the food they are eating. It’s important to rule out any medical issues before trying other remedies so always consult with your vet first if you’re concerned about your cats excessive hairball production.

Hairballs are just one of those things every cat owner has had to deal with at some point or another but don’t fear! With regular brushing and specialized food, you can help reduce the frequency of those pesky little balls of fur making an appearance in your home. And if all else fails, there’s always the option of taking them into the vet if they seem particularly prone to developing hairballs or vomiting them up frequently. So take heart—you CAN get through this! Your carpets will thank you later!