Cats normally pass hairballs on their own. If the hairball doesn’t pass normally they need an extra push. There are basically two ways to help your cat pass a hairball. One is a natural remedy and other one is surgery.
How Does a Cat Get a Hairball Stuck?
Most cats like to groom themselves very often. Cat hairballs are found in almost every cat at some point in their lives. Some cats are more likely to groom themselves more than other breeds. Big cats like Persian cats or similar groom themselves more than the other cats as their fur is bigger and thicker. Big cats grow hairballs more than the small cats.
What Are the Symptoms of Cat Hairball?
Cats are generally very energetic. They need very minimal care. They are more likely to make a fuss all the time. When they grow hairballs in them, they don’t seem to be that much energy. They lack energy or show lethargic movement. Sometimes they start eating grass or nibbling on it. They also constipate if they grow hairballs in them. If symptoms like these last for two to three days then they should be checked by the nearest veteran. Some common symptoms that your cat has a hairball stuck:
- Vomiting
- Gaging
- Retching
- Hacking without producing a hairball
- Lethargy
- Diarrhea
- Constipation
- Changes in bowel movement
- Swollen abdomen
- Inability to defecate
- Loss of appetite
How to Stop a Cat From Growing a Hairball?
Prevention is better than cure. If your cat doesn’t grow a hairball or less likely to grow a hairball then there will be no hassle at all. So it’s better to do certain things to keep your cat from swallowing hair. Following are some home remedies you can do it stop cat from growing hairball:
Brush Brush Brush:
Brush your cat very often so that the extra hair will be fallen off on its own. Try to brush your cat at least once a week and you will notice the change.
Lots and Lots of Water:
A hydrated cat will easily pass swallowed hair automatically. If the cat is hydrated that means it’s lubricated enough to pass hair from its digestive system. If the swallowed hair cannot clog in its stomach then there will be no hairball.
A Good Diet is the Key:
Cats have problems digesting carbohydrates. There are some high quality foods in the market those help to prevent this issue. They are designed to intake high protein. So keep your cat low in carbs and add more protein to its everyday meal. They must stay grain-free. Poor nutrition will grow problems like a hairball and other health issues.
Supplement for Extra Care:
Provide your cat with supplements. Supplements will help to improve its digestive system. Supplements that contain psyllium seed are of great help to pass hairball instead of regurgitating it.
Catnip or Cat Grass:
Catnip or Cat grass contains extra fiber for your cat which helps them expel the hairball.
Can Cats Poop Out Hairballs?
Yes, but sometimes they need extra push. Cats groom themselves by licking their body made of fur which causes them to swallow loose hair. The swallowed hair normally goes right through its gastrointestinal tract and comes out with stool. Sometimes the cat cannot pass hair from its digestive system on its own. The hair collected in the cat’s stomach forms into hairballs. So the hairball gets stuck in the cat’s tummy.
Can a Cat Die From a Hairball Stuck?
A hairball once a week can be normal. Occasionally cats’ tend to vomit a hairball out on its own. But if the number increases then it can be dangerous to the cat’s health. If the cat is having hairballs several times a week then it’s an alarming sign. Having them daily is very dangerous and they should be taken to the veteran immediately. Hairballs can block the throat of the cat. It also may block its stomach or intestines. Which may lead to death. If there’s a blockage then the cat must go under surgery.
What Are the Ways to Help the Cat Pass a Hairball?
There are generally two ways to help your cat to pass a hairball suggested by the veterans. The first way is to follow natural hairball remedies. This way the cat will be able to pass its hairball without any physical pain or hazard. This remedy has no side effects. Another way is to remove it surgically. Which is definitely painful and less preferable by the veterans. It’s better to try natural hairball remedies at home so that the cat won’t have to go under scissors.
What Are the Natural or Home Remedies for Passing Cat Hairballs?
Butter
Cats normally vomit hairballs that grow in their stomach. If the hairball doesn’t pass by its digest system automatically then some home remedies for hairball should be followed. Natural home hairball remedy for cats is the best to follow to pass hairball from its stomach. Give the cat butter with its regular food. It will help the hairball to pass naturally.
Oil
Another best natural hairball remedy for cats is to give oil with its regular food. It will help the cat to lubricate the hairball and pass naturally. Veterans suggest giving one to three spoon olive oil with its regular food. It will help to pass the hairball and keep fur soft and shiny.
Gels
Another natural hairball remedy is to give them hairball gels. It will lubricate the cat’s stools and swallowed fur. Gels can also help regulate the feline’s digestive tract.
Hairball Treats
There are some treats for cats to help pass a hairball. These can be found easily in the local store or online shops.
Final Verdict
Hairball is a common issue for cat which is why we cover some common symptoms and necessary measures to get rid of this. This could be an embarrassing things for the pet owners specially for the cat and we hope, this won’t be a big deal for you from now. Among the above measures, what are you taking to help your cat pass a hairball?