Avoid Hairballs In Cats: 6 Crucial Tips
Cats spend much of the day grooming. This habit has its advantages and disadvantages. Even if they are very clean, they can swallow hair that they pick up with their rough tongue. In this article, we’re going to explain how to avoid hairballs in cats.
Hairballs in cats, a threat to their health
You see your cat licking its legs and every part of its body all the time … and after a while you hear it coughing several times until it spits out a ball of hair or vomits. This is a very uncomfortable thing to avoid.
In addition , one must bear in mind that the accumulation of hair in the cat’s stomach can cause various complaints, such as constipation, listlessness, bloated stomach, fatigue or loss of appetite.
The hairballs are more common in long-haired breeds such as Angora, Persian, Maine Coon, or the Birman cat. When they clean themselves, they pick up hair and swallow it, which later leads to gagging and even a risk of suffocation.
It should also be noted that the frequency of hairballs increases when the coat changes in spring and autumn. This is why you need to help your cat so this doesn’t become a problem.
Tips for Avoiding Hairballs in Cats
Of course, you want to help your pet if they are struggling with a hairball in their throat. So it is important to know what to do then. However, the best way is to avoid the formation of such bumps. We have a few tips for you:
1. Daily brushing against hairballs
If your cat is of a long haired breed, such as the Norwegian Forest Cat or the Himalayan, it is recommended that it be brushed every day. In pet shops there are special brushes, also in the shape of a glove, to make the procedure more pleasant.
If your pet cannot be brushed, take the opportunity to stroke it and remove any loose hair.
2. Give her food with fiber
Ask your veterinarian about the best foods with a good dose of fiber. This will help the intestines get rid of the accumulated hair. One of the most high fiber foods is malt.
You can mix it with the usual food (for example pie) or use it on her legs … she will have to lick them to clean herself!
3. Use a natural lubricant.
Natural oils, including olive oil, are very good for cat hairballs as they become lubricants when their needs get done. If your cat is eating dry food, add a few drops of oil. Otherwise, you can give her a little perk up so she can take it in while cleaning.
4. Don’t forget the water
Another good quality lubricant is fresh water. It is very important that your cat drink enough fluids. In addition, when you drink, the hairballs are carried from the throat to the stomach and the animal is less likely to choke them up again.
5. Spread barley grass at home
Check with your veterinarian to see if this option is appropriate. Some plants, such as barley, valerian, or catnip, can be used for colon cleansing in cats. Be very careful, however, as many houseplants are poisonous to pets. Make sure you buy the right one!
6. Play more
Some cats spend all day grooming because they are bored. Others have a passion for hygiene. To avoid both, it is advisable to play more with your pet. In addition, the exercise helps with digestion and you improve their mood!
If none of the above hairball reduction techniques are successful in cats, you should consult your veterinarian. He will help you identify the problem and solve it.
