Does your cat suffer from hairballs? Hairballs in cats are actually quite common. Cats have many rough projections on their tongues that are called papillae. These papillae are used to help cats groom their fur. While the cat is grooming, it often ingests fur which gets caught in the cat's stomach or small intestines. This causes a blockage or what is more commonly known as a hairball. Even though they are common, there are ways to help your cat prevent and treat them.

What types of cats are most susceptible?

There are three different types of coats that your cat can have: short hair, medium hair, and long hair. Cats with long hair get hairballs more often. Cats with soft fur also tend to get more. The soft fur sticks to the tongue easier than coarse fur. Indoor cats are also more likely to get hairballs. Since they do not spend time exploring outdoors, they spend more time grooming.

What are the symptoms?

Vomiting is the most common symptom of a hairball. The vomit may or may not contain fur. Other symptoms include not eating as often or as much, and hiding because they do not feel well.

How can I help to prevent them?

To prevent hairballs, you need to help your cat reduce the amount of fur they ingest and help the fur that is ingested pass easily through the digestive system. The best way to reduce the amount of hair that is ingested is to thoroughly brush your cat daily. Make sure to use a good wire brush, which pick up hair that your cat would otherwise lick up. Brush your cat for 5 to 10 minutes each day, making sure that the brushing is done slowly from head to tail. Most cats love being groomed and will enjoy the daily activity.

You should also let your cat go outside and eat some grass. Grass works as a laxative that helps them pass hair through their digestive systems. It also helps them to vomit up hairballs that have already formed in their stomach or intestines.

How do I treat hairballs?

To help the ingested fur pass through the digestive system, you could give your cat an intestinal lubricant, such as Laxatone. The lubricant breaks down the cat's fur and keeps it from sticking to the lining of the stomach and intestines. To give your cat the lubricant, simply put a few drops on their nose or paw and let them lick it off. The recommended dose in cats is ½ to 1 teaspoonful for 2 to 3 days, then ¼ to ½ teaspoonful 2 to 3 times a week. If vomiting increases or continues after the treatment, bring your cat to the veterinarian for a more serious treatment.