Written by: Rachel Holly
Vet Reviewed by: Kevin Smith, DVM, Richmond Road Vet Clinic
Tackling a Hairy Situation
It’s a pleasure only cat owners have the privilege to enjoy- cleaning up a slimy glob of gooey hair that their cat has expelled on their recently cleaned carpet. While hairballs are a natural byproduct of feline grooming habits and usually harmless, understanding their causes and prevention strategies will help you maintain your cat’s health. It’s important to know that on occasions, a hairball can present a health risk. So let’s look at how to determine when there’s no cause for concern and when there might be a bigger problem at play.
What is a Hairball?
You guessed it, it’s a ball of hair. Not actually a ball, really. Hairballs usually emerge elongated and tubular as they come up through the esophagus. They are often accompanied by vomit or bile. How does that hair end up there in the first place? Mostly from prodigious grooming. Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits but the downside of this is the ingestion of hair. When a cat licks himself, loose hairs attach to tiny projections on the tongue called papillae. This hair is swallowed and, thankfully, passes safely through the digestive tract and out in the feces. Some hair however, remains in the stomach and will be vomited up occasionally as the endearing glob of goo.
Are Hairballs Dangerous?
Usually they’re not, but it is possible for hairballs to be a problem. A blockage can occur if the hair clump becomes stuck within the stomach and cannot pass upward through vomiting or downward through the intestines. Also, hair can become lodged in the lower digestive tract. In both scenarios, the blockage can be life-threatening and veterinarian intervention is needed. While hydration and laxatives can remedy the problem, surgery could be necessary if other treatments don’t dislodge the obstruction.
When Should I Be Concerned?
If your cat is having coughing, gagging, or retching but no hairballs are coming up it’s cause for concern. Watch out for constipation; it could be caused by a hairball clogging the colon. Be aware of what’s normal for your cat. Some cats rarely have hairballs: other produce them frequently- both are normal for that particular cat. It’s a change in their usual hairball production that is something to keep an eye on.
Are Some Cats At Risk More Than Others?
Long-haired cat breeds, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are definitely more likely to have hairballs. Also, some cats can become obsessive groomers and therefore take in more hair. Cats that are experiencing allergies or skin issues will likely be licking the affected areas more. Also, seasonal shedding mean more hair ingestion is likely to occur.
Can You Prevent Hairballs?
While you can’t entirely prevent hairballs from forming, there are a few ways to lessen their frequency and hopeful keep any serious complication from occurring. First, a daily brushing or combing can significantly reduce the hair that your cat swallows. If you have a long hair breed who is difficult to brush, a once or twice yearly trip to a groomer to have the hair cut shorter may be necessary.
Make sure your cat stays hydrated. Fresh drinking water is essential for good overall health, but it also aids in flushing the swallowed hair on through the digestive tract,
Many over-the-counter hairball remedy products are on the market. Usually they come in the form of a laxative paste or gel that can be given alone or included in food. Also anti-hairball treats are available. Hairball reducing diets are an option as well but consult with your vet before changing your cat’s diet. What may work for other cats may not be appropriate for yours. Talk to your vet about your cat’s hairball issue. They may have a suggestion as to which of these products would work best.
While there is no way to eliminate hairballs entirely, most hairballs are simply a mess to clean up and present little threat to your cat’s health. Still, it’s important to know that they can be a problem. By understanding what’s normal for your cat, and with proper grooming, dietary management, and veterinary care, you can reduce the chances of a hairy situation becoming a health emergency.
