This article was co-authored by Melissa Nelson, DVM, PhD. Dr. Nelson is a Veterinarian who specializes in Companion and Large Animal Medicine in Minnesota, where she has over 18 years of experience as a veterinarian in a rural clinic. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from the University of Minnesota in 1998.
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If your cat is frequently vomiting hairballs, you should set up an appointment with your veterinarian. Once your vet examines your cat, you can work together to find a solution for treating hairballs. Feeding your cat a cat food formulated for hairballs can help some cats, while others might get relief from a grain-free diet.
Steps
Treating Hairballs Safely
Visit your vet. Before you choose a hairball remedy for your cat, you should make an appointment with your vet. Cats that vomit frequently may have underlying health problems that must also be addressed, like inflammatory bowel disease.- Be prepared to talk with your vet about your cat's medical history and diet.
- Make sure you talk to your vet about any symptoms associated with vomiting, such as gastrointestinal distress.
- Some other health issues that may cause hairballs include: Bacterial infections, dietary issues, intestinal parasites, pancreatitis, stomach or intestinal foreign bodies, toxin ingestion, and viral infections.
Reconsider petroleum-based products. There are many gels, pastes, and supplements marketed for removing hairballs. Petroleum-based products, like those containing mineral oil, should only be used after a discussion with your vet. These products can cause inflammation of your cat's liver, spleen, and internal lymph nodes.Advertisement
Understand that all cats are unique. There are multiple options for addressing hairballs in cats. Not every solution will work for every cat. If you try one method without results, be open to another solution. Make sure you work collaboratively with your vet to figure out what works for your cat.- Your vet may suggest making dietary changes, testing for allergies, doing blood work, and possibly doing radiographs in an attempt to identify the problem and find a solution.
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Changing Your Cat's Diet
Consider a hairball formula. Many commercial cat foods contain ingredients to help hair pass through your cat's digestive system. Some other ingredients in these formulas can help strengthen the skin and/or hair to reduce shedding or itching, which tends to make cats lick more. These hairball control diets can be effective in some cats, but they are not guaranteed to solve every cat's hairball problem. You can purchase hairball care foods at your grocery, vet, or pet store.[1]
Try a grain-free hairball formula. In the wild, cats hardly consume any grains at all. Some veterinarians and cat owners think a grain-free diet is the solution for cats who frequently vomit hairballs. This may especially be the case for cats that have a grain allergy or intolerance.[2] Try a hairball formula that is free from all grains including wheat, rice, and corn.[3]- Food intolerances can sometimes lead to skin problems in cats. This may increase shedding and/or licking, which causes more hairballs.
Choose a hairball formula that is high in fiber. Giving your cat formula that contains vegetable fiber can help move the hair balls out of their system and allow them to digest the contents of their stomach more efficiently. Most commercial cat foods only have a fiber content of one to two percent. Opt for a hairball formula that contains between five and eight percent fiber.[4]
Consider a hairball formula that contains beets and cellulose. A hairball formula that contains beet pulp and cellulose might help eliminate your cat's hairball problem. When combined, these two ingredients can effectively eliminate hair from your cat's digestive tract.
Keep your cat hydrated. It is important that your cat stays hydrated while you are changing its diet. This is especially important if you are feeding your cat a high-fiber food. Your cat's body will need more fluid than normal as the digestive tract processes the additional fiber. Make sure your cat has access to clean, cool water around the clock.[5]Advertisement
Expert Q&A
Tips
- For detailed instructions on deciding how you might be able to help a cat when it's coughing up a hairball, see How to Help a Cat Cough Up a Hairball.Thanks
References
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/cat/grooming/evr_ct_cat_hairballs
- ↑ https://www.petcarerx.com/article/is-grain-free-cat-food-a-good-choice/1581
- ↑ http://www.petmd.com/cat/grooming/evr_ct_cat_hairballs?page=2
- ↑ https://www.vetinfo.com/hairball-control-cat-food.html
- ↑ http://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/dehydration-cats#1
About this article
If you’re looking for a hairball formula for your cat, you should first consult your vet to make sure there aren't any underlying health conditions causing its hairballs. Once your vet has ruled out other conditions, look for a cat food free from grains, including wheat, rice, and corn, since a grain intolerance may be the cause of your cat’s hairballs. You should also look for a formula that has 5 to 8 percent fiber, which will help move the hair balls out of your cat’s system. If you can find a formula containing beets and cellulose, you should get it, since that will also help eliminate hair from your cat’s digestive track. For more tips from our Veterinary co-author, including how to reduce hairballs by keeping your cat hydrated, read on!
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