Hairballs (Trichobezoar) in cats - a common problem

Hairballs are common in cats, especially in those with long fur. Cats groom themselves by licking their coats, and this is when they swallow loose fur. Most of this hair passes through their digestive system without any issues. However, some hair collects in their stomach, forming a hairball. Cats usually vomit these hairballs up, but sometimes they can cause bigger problems, like blockages.

What is a hairball?

A hairball, also known as a trichobezoar, is a collection of fur that builds up in a cat’s stomach. This fur is swallowed during grooming. Cats naturally shed hair, and when they clean themselves, the loose fur is swallowed. Most of this hair will pass through the stomach and intestines with no problem. But sometimes, especially during shedding season, the fur can accumulate in the stomach. When this happens, it forms a clump or “ball,” which the cat usually vomits up.

Why do cats get hairballs?

Cats get hairballs because they clean themselves by licking their fur. When they do this, they inevitably swallow loose hair. Cats with long fur, such as Persians and Maine Coons, are more likely to develop hairballs because they shed more. Older cats can also be at greater risk, as they tend to groom themselves more frequently.

Hairballs can also be a bigger issue during shedding season, as cats shed more fur during this time. When too much fur is swallowed, and it doesn’t pass naturally, it can build up into a hairball.

What does a hairball look like?

A hairball doesn't look like a ball, as the name might suggest. Instead, it usually looks like a long, cylindrical clump of fur. This is because it takes the shape of the oesophagus as the cat vomits it up. Hairballs are often moist and covered in stomach fluid. If you've never seen a hairball before, it may resemble a small, slimy sausage of fur.

How to help a cat with a hairball

If your cat is struggling with a hairball, you may notice them gagging, retching, or trying to cough something up. This is the typical way a cat gets rid of a hairball. However, if your cat can't expel the hairball, it could lead to discomfort or other health issues.

Here’s how you can help a cat with a hairball:

• Encourage hydration: Make sure your cat drinks plenty of water. Proper hydration helps with digestion and can help fur move more easily through the digestive tract.
• Brushing your cat: Regular grooming reduces the amount of loose fur that can be swallowed. Brushing your cat regularly, especially during shedding season, can prevent hairballs from forming.
• Hairball remedies: There are products designed to help hair pass through the digestive system more smoothly. These remedies often come in the form of pastes, which you can mix into your cat’s food or give directly.
• Dietary changes: A fibre-rich diet can help improve intestinal motility, which allows hair to pass through the digestive system more easily. You can find cat foods specially formulated to reduce hairballs.

How to get rid of hairballs for cats

While most hairballs are expelled naturally, some may require additional help. If your cat is frequently struggling with hairballs, there are ways to make it easier for them:

• Hairball control diets: Some commercial cat foods are designed to prevent hairballs by encouraging digestion and intestinal movement. These diets often contain extra fibre.
• Hairball treats: Special hairball treats are available, which are high in fibre and can help with digestion.
• Veterinary-recommended laxatives: Your vet may recommend a laxative or lubricant to help the hairball pass through the digestive system. These products coat the hairball, making it easier to pass.

When surgery is necessary

In rare cases, a hairball can become stuck in a cat’s intestine. This can cause a blockage, which can be life-threatening. Signs of a blockage include vomiting, retching without producing a hairball, a loss of appetite, and lethargy. If your cat displays any of these symptoms, it’s important to seek veterinary care right away.

A vet will perform a physical examination and may use diagnostic imaging, like an X-ray or ultrasound, to confirm whether the issue is due to a hairball. If a blockage is found, surgery may be necessary to remove the hairball.

How do I prevent hairballs in my cat?

Preventing hairballs is all about reducing the amount of hair your cat swallows. Here are some tips for keeping hairballs at bay:

• Brush regularly: Brushing your cat removes loose fur, so there’s less for them to swallow. Long-haired cats should be brushed regularly, especially during shedding periods.
• Provide a high-fibre diet: Adding more fibre to your cat’s diet can improve digestion and help fur move through their system more easily.
• Use hairball remedies: These come in various forms, like pastes or treats, which can help prevent hairballs from forming by promoting the natural passage of fur through the intestines.

Natural hairball prevention methods

There are natural ways to help prevent hairballs. Regular brushing and feeding your cat a high-fibre diet are the most effective methods. Some owners also give their cats fish oil, which can help with digestion and coat health. Always check with your vet before introducing any new supplements to your cat’s diet.

FAQs about hairballs