Hairballs and Sensitive tummies in Cats

Hairballs in Cats: Why They Happen

Cats are meticulous groomers, and while grooming is a natural behavior, it can lead to hairballs. Cats swallow hair while licking their fur, and sometimes, the hair doesn't pass through the digestive system as easily as it should. Instead, it forms a hairball in the stomach that gets vomited up.

Causes of Hairballs:

• Excessive grooming: Cats with long coats, like Persians or Maine Coons, are more prone to hairballs because their fur tends to shed more.
• Shedding season: Cats shed more during certain times of the year, often leading to an increase in hairballs.
• Stress or anxiety: Stress can cause cats to groom excessively, leading to more hair ingestion.
• Poor grooming habits: Older cats or cats with arthritis might not groom themselves as efficiently, causing hair to collect in clumps and result in hairballs.

How to Help with Hairballs:

1. Regular Grooming: Brushing your cat’s fur regularly is the most effective way to reduce hairballs. Brushing helps remove loose fur before your cat has the chance to swallow it. Long-haired cats should be brushed daily; short-haired cats benefit from brushing 2-3 times a week.
2. Hairball-Control Cat Food: Some specially formulated cat foods are designed to help reduce hairballs by promoting healthy digestion and assisting in the smooth passage of hair through the intestines. These foods often contain higher levels of fiber to aid in digestion and to help move hair through the gastrointestinal tract.
3. Hairball Treats or Supplements: There are many hairball-reducing treats and supplements available that contain ingredients like fiber, omega-3 fatty acids, and petroleum jelly (which helps lubricate the digestive tract). These treats encourage the hair to move through the cat’s digestive system and be passed more easily. Bark Out Loud Hairball Control Cat Pillows.
4. Hydration: Make sure your cat is drinking enough water, as dehydration can lead to constipation, which can exacerbate hairball issues. You can encourage your cat to drink more by providing a water fountain or adding water to their food (if they eat wet food).
5. Avoiding Over-Grooming: If your cat is grooming excessively due to stress, addressing the cause of the stress is important. Changes in routine, a new pet, or loud noises can trigger over-grooming. Providing a calm environment and regular playtime can help reduce stress.

How to Help with Sensitive Stomachs:

1. Switch to a High-Quality Diet: If your cat has a sensitive stomach, feeding them high-quality, easily digestible food can help. Look for foods with limited ingredients, no artificial preservatives, and a high percentage of animal protein. Grain-free or novel protein diets (like duck, venison, or salmon) are often gentler on sensitive stomachs.
2. Avoid Sudden Food Changes: When changing your cat’s food, do so gradually over a 7–10 day period to allow their digestive system to adjust. Start by mixing a small amount of the new food with the old food, and gradually increase the proportion of new food while decreasing the old.
3. Small, Frequent Meals: Instead of feeding one or two large meals per day, consider offering your cat smaller meals throughout the day. This can help with digestion and reduce the chances of vomiting after meals.
4. Fiber-Rich Foods: For some cats, adding fiber to their diet can improve digestion and help pass hairballs more easily. Foods that contain psyllium husk, pumpkin, or sweet potatoes are good sources of fiber.
5. Treats: If you give your cat treats or table scraps, make sure they’re not contributing to the tummy issues. Stick to treats that are gentle on the stomach, and avoid human foods that can be too rich or fatty for cats. We have formulated special treats for cats with sensitive tummies. Sensitive Gut Pillows.
6. Regular Vet Checkups: If your cat has persistent tummy issues or if vomiting or diarrhea is frequent, it’s important to visit the vet. Conditions like IBD, pancreatitis, or gastrointestinal parasites may require medical treatment.