Prevent Cat Hairballs

Hairballs are clumps of indigestible fur that accumulate in cats' stomachs and small intestines as the result of them grooming their coats by licking. Swallowed hair causes inflammation of the stomach lining and stimulates the cat to gag and throw up. Hairballs that are not expelled can result in decreased appetite, constipation, or even serious bowel obstructions. Though all cats get hairballs, those with long hair tend to get them more often. Cat owners can take actions to decrease the number, size, and frequency of hairballs. Learning how to prevent cat hairballs is a positive step you can take to make your pet healthier and happier.

Steps

Preventing Hairballs by Grooming

  1. Groom even if your cat has healthy grooming habits. Your cat may be a very fastidious groomer, but this can actually lead to the increased frequency of hairballs.[1] By allowing your cat to handle all of her grooming herself, she ends up collecting all of the loose hair in her coat, which she then swallows and can eventually vomit up in the form of a hairball. By doing some of the grooming yourself, you limit the amount of loose fur your cat can swallow.
    • This is especially true of long-haired cats, which are at the greatest risk of developing hairballs. The longer fur on these breeds of cats is more likely to knot together in the stomach, leading to increased hairballs.[1]
    • Note that it’s still completely normal for even short-haired cats to get hairballs, so don’t think you can prevent them simply by adopting a shorter-haired cat.
  2. Use an appropriate brush. A rubber mitt or a brush (such as a Zoom Groom) will grip the loose fur and drag it out of the coat. Be gentle if you use a brush with metal tines since these are more likely to irritate your cat’s skin than a rubber brush. Whichever option you choose, ensure that it will reach the undercoat and not just the top layer of your cat’s coat. You should also brush in the direction of the fur growth rather than against it.[2]
    • If you have a long-haired cat, use a comb to gently remove any tangles before using the brush to avoid pulling on healthy fur and irritating your cat’s skin.[2] You can also sprinkle a tiny bit of talcum powder on a tangle to help remove it.[2]
    • Cats have unique personalities and often take to a specific type of brush. You may have to try a couple of options before your cat finds the brush she likes and with which she’ll sit through a grooming session.
  3. Wipe your cat down after brushing. Brushing can pull up a large amount of loose fur that doesn’t necessarily come off onto the brush. After a good brushing session, you should also wipe your cat’s coat down with a dry, clean cloth that will attract the remaining loose fur.[3]
  4. Brush often. Grooming your cat will be a never-ending battle, so prepare to do it often. If you own a long-haired cat, you should brush daily to reduce the risk of hairballs.[3] For short-haired cats, you should brush at least weekly and more often whenever possible.
    • Note that you should increase brushing for outdoor cats between spring and fall since they’re likely to shed more during summer months. However, indoor cats can shed constantly all year long.[4]

Preventing Hairballs by Changing Your Cat’s Diet

  1. Look for a food that offers “hairball control”. Many premium cat food manufacturers make a "hairball" control diet. This is usually a dry kibble that contains fiber.[3] The fiber attaches itself to the hair in the stomach and pulls the hair with it through the bowel to be passed. This is most effective when fed as the cat's main food.
    • These formulas also contain vitamins and nutrients to improve your cat’s coat, reducing the amount your cat will shed.[3]
    • Hairball control foods are not so useful for helping your cat pass an existing hairball. You may need to use a lubricant to help with the latter, and then continue with a hairball control diet to prevent recurrence.
  2. Let your cat snack on cat grass. Cats love to snack on plants—often ones you wish they wouldn’t. Indoor cat grass is another good source of fiber for your cat, and it’s cheap and easy to take care of.[5] Consider keeping some around for your cat to nibble at between meals.
  3. Provide plenty of fresh water. Water is highly important to your cat’s digestion, and cats can be very picky drinkers. If your cat prefers running water, then provide a circulating fountain-style dispenser or a deep, pool-style reservoir dish.[5] These options come with attachable tanks that ensure your cat has continuous access to fresh water even while you’re away.
  4. Use a hairball lubricant if hairballs persist. You can find lubricants to help prevent hairballs in a couple of different forms. You apply some brands to your cat’s food while others you apply directly to your cat’s paw for her to lick off as she grooms. Regardless of the delivery method, the lubricant will coat the fur and help it pass more easily through your cat’s digestive tract.[1]
    • You can find several brands of hairball lubricant at your local pet store. Most will suggest giving them to your cat once or twice a week, but you should always follow the manufacturer’s directions.[1] These formulations are most often petroleum based, which is safe for your cat at the suggested dosages.[1]
    • For existing hairballs, a lubricant can help your cat vomit up the hairball as well, so don’t panic if your cat produces a hairball after you’ve started using the product. After the existing hairball is up, the product should help prevent future ones.
    • A small amount of vegetable oil on dry cat food can help as well, but it may not work as effectively as a petroleum-based lubricant. Check with your vet for the proper amount for your cat.
    • If you are using a lubricant and your cat stops eating, seems unwell, or strains in her litter box, then seek veterinary attention for the cat.

Preventing Obsessive Grooming

  1. Monitor your cat for obsessive grooming. If your cat obsessively grooms, she will groom to the point of damaging her coat. Her barbed tongue breaks the hair shafts, causing her to swallow healthy hair that has been barbered and broken off in addition to the loose fur.[3] Check your cat for bald patches. Typically affected areas include the tummy, the back of the hind legs, and the flanks. You should not be able to see the skin, so if these areas lack fur and you can see the skin, the cat is likely to be obsessive-compulsive about grooming.
  2. Check for fleas. One of the reasons your cat may obsessively groom is due to fleas.[6] This is because some cats are over sensitive to flea bites and have an allergic reaction to the presence of flea saliva. This creates an intense itch sensation on the skin, which triggers the grooming behavior. If you find fleas, apply an appropriate flea treatment (such as Frontline) as directed.
    • These treatments often last for a month or more. You should apply to all pets in the house that can harbor fleas to prevent the resurgence of fleas after the treatment application.
  3. Provide new toys and more playtime. Some cats obsessively groom due to simple boredom. Try engaging your cat with more playtime than usual and some new toys. Anytime you notice your cat grooming for excessive periods of time, distract her from the behavior with playtime.[3]
  4. Have your veterinarian test your cat for allergies. Just like humans, cats can have allergies that lead to itchiness and therefore excessive grooming. Allergies can range from pollen allergies to food allergies.[6] If your cat obsessively licks her back or abdomen, allergies have a higher chance of being the culprit.[6] See your veterinarian and discuss the symptoms.
    • Your veterinarian may place your cat on a monitored hypoallergenic diet to test for a food allergy. Follow your vet’s instructions to ensure that your cat maintains a well-balanced diet.
  5. Take environmental changes into account. Some cats over groom because of stress.[6] Anything from stray cats in the yard to moving to the arrival of a new pet or baby can cause stress in your cat. Give your cat time to adjust, and try using a synthetic feline pheromones (such as Feliway), which can have a calming effect.
  6. See your veterinarian. Obsessive grooming can also be the result of medical conditions such as neurological disorders.[6] If other steps haven’t stopped your cat from over grooming, then you should see your veterinarian to rule out more serious conditions.
    • If your cat has episodes of retching without producing the hairball, then you should also seek assistance from your vet. This can be a sign that a hairball has past into your cat’s intestine—which can create a dangerous blockage—or it can also be a sign of a respiratory ailment such as asthma.[1]

Tips

  • Try adding a bit of canned pumpkin to your cat's food several times a week. The fiber in the pumpkin will help cats easily eliminate hairballs.
  • Do not panic if your cat gags and passes a hairball. This is very common in all cats at one time or another.
  • When using hairball prevention methods, do not get frustrated if they do not work immediately. It will take a few days or weeks for your cat's system to adjust.

Warnings

  • If your cat continues to gag and vomit even after you have learned how to prevent cat hairballs, take your pet to your veterinarian. If these symptoms persist or are constant, they can be the sign of other gastrointestinal problems.
  • Do not allow your cat to become overweight. Heavier cats are more likely to get hairballs. They are also more likely to be less active, which makes hairballs sit in their stomachs longer.

Things You'll Need

  • Cat brush
  • Quality dry cat food
  • Cat lubricant
  • Cat toys

Related Articles

Sources and Citations

  1. ↑ 1.0 1.1 1.2 1.3 1.4 1.5 http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_information/CW_Hair.cfm
  2. ↑ 2.0 2.1 2.2 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/cat-brushing-skin-care
  3. ↑ 3.0 3.1 3.2 3.3 3.4 3.5 https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/hairballs
  4. ↑ https://www.aspca.org/pet-care/cat-care/shedding
  5. ↑ 5.0 5.1 http://www.drsfostersmith.com/pic/article.cfm?aid=407
  6. ↑ 6.0 6.1 6.2 6.3 6.4 http://www.vet.cornell.edu/fhc/health_information/CW_lick.cfm
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