Hairballs in cats can be more common than you may think. It is also true that it is possible to scare your cat by watching how it struggles until it expels the hairball.
Because hairballs are a common problem in the world of cat lovers, We wanted to share everything you need to know about hairballs in cats. Why they happen, how to eliminate them, and any potential problems that may arise from not vomiting them.
What are hairballs?
Hairballs are hairs that accumulate when a cat grooms itself. They then form a ball. If you are a cat lover you may already know that cats spend most of their day grooming and cleaning themselves.
Its tongue is full of small thorns, and it makes it difficult for the feline to swallow when it cleans hairs that have been released as a result of molting.
What is the reason hairballs can occur in cats?
Cats shed their hair at least twice a year. This is done to adjust to the changing temperatures, depending on the season. People also often ask why does my cat cry when I leave the room?
This is in addition to the fact that cats don’t stop cleaning their hair. Each time they do this, they slowly eat a little bit of hair.
If enough hair is accumulated, the cat will remove it from its body in one of two ways.
- You can also go through your feces.
- Or, throwing up
It is unpleasant for both the cat and you to vomit a hairball. The cat will vomit hair from its mouth and start to cough. The cough will be followed by the arcades until finally, you will see the hairball.
The hairball is similar to normal cat feces. They have the same shape as normal cat feces but they are softened and often accompany vomiting.
If this happens, you can clean the cat well and don’t scold them. It is enough that they have vomited.
There are possible complications to not vomiting hairballs
What happens if my cat doesn’t vomit hairballs anymore? Do you think your cat may have a serious medical condition? Hairballs can be a problem in cats if they aren’t expelled.
You may be asking yourself, “Do my cats throw up hairballs?” You may not have ever heard of him.
These are the possible problems that hairballs can cause for your cat:
- Insatiable appetite
- Apathy and decay
- Constipation
- Intestinal obstruction
Hairballs can cause the most severe symptoms in cats, including intestinal obstruction. Intestinal obstruction causes the cat to die. Why? What if the cat is not alerted to the obstruction?
If you notice or experience any of these symptoms in any case, it’s best to visit the veterinarian immediately.
How can I help my cat eliminate hairballs?
Many products can eliminate hairballs from cats and keep them away from the vet. As you are a pet owner so you will need to keep yourself updated regarding pets health.
Hairballs require a balanced diet and special feed
It is important to eat a balanced diet with sufficient levels of fiber. This will help you naturally expel hairballs. Many brands use cat food that is specifically designed to eliminate hairballs.
Malt for cats
It has a consistency that is similar to toothpaste. This product improves the cat’s digestive system and intestinal tract in such a manner that it can go to the litter box to get rid of any hairs it may have swallowed.
There are many types of cat malt available.
Cat grooming
Brushing your cat, especially in periods of greater hair loss is important to prevent hairballs. If it’s a long-haired cat I won’t tell you. In this case, Experts recommend that you brush it at least once per day.
We brush it so that any hairs left behind are removed and the cat does not swallow them.
Plants to purge
You can also purge your cat with specific plants (yes, vomiting). These plants include grass and mint, as well as catnip, thyme, and valerian.
You need not be concerned about your cat’s health if it eats them. Now that you have all information about hairballs for cats, pay attention to yours.
These tips will help you avoid trips to the veterinarian by dealing with hairballs.
Also, find other health-related articles here.
