How to Aid Your Cat in Expelling a Hairball

Hairballs are a common issue among cats, but ideally, your cat should only bring up one per week. If your cat appears to be struggling with a hairball, you can attempt home remedies such as hairball paste or petroleum jelly. However, if your cat shows signs of digestive blockage, it's best to seek advice from a veterinarian. Additionally, cats with asthma may mimic the symptoms of hairball expulsion, so if you suspect this, consulting a vet for a proper diagnosis is crucial.

Administer hairball paste to your feline to facilitate the movement of the hairball. This specialized paste serves as a lubricant, designed specifically for cats. Simply apply a small amount to your cat's paw, and it will ingest it through licking.

• Apply a thin strip of paste to your cat's fur. If your cat removes it from its front paw, try gently smearing it beneath the front elbow.
• Hairball pastes come in appealing flavors like salmon, making it easy for your cat to enjoy. You might even offer it on a plate for direct consumption.
• In most instances, multiple applications of hairball paste are necessary. Administer the paste to your cat twice daily for 3 to 5 days until the hairball is expelled.

Utilize a ¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5 mL) of petroleum jelly for a cost-effective alternative. This household remedy functions as a mild laxative for your cat, aiding in the movement of the hairball. Apply the jelly to a paw for consumption, ensuring it is rubbed in to prevent shaking off.

• If your cat shakes off the jelly, attempt to apply it in a spot that's less accessible for removal, such as beneath the front leg.

Offer your cat 4-6 hairball remedy treats as a preventative measure against future hairballs. Various brands of dry hairball remedy treats are available at pet stores. While these treats may aid in hairball expulsion, they are most effective for preventing future occurrences. Adhere to the package instructions regarding dosage.

• These treats offer a convenient solution without the mess of paste or gel. Cats typically consume them eagerly.
• Continue offering the hairball remedy treats to your cat after the hairball has passed to prevent future occurrences.

Consider switching to hairball control cat food for a long-term resolution. Altering your cat's diet may alleviate the current hairball issue and prevent future occurrences. Look for formulations labeled as 'hairball control.'

• These foods employ various strategies to address hairballs, such as increasing fiber content or incorporating omega-3 fatty acids.

Incorporate a dollop of canned pumpkin into your cat's meal.

Pumpkin is rich in fiber, aiding in the passage of hairballs. Mix it thoroughly with canned food to make it more appealing to your cat.

• You can also try other fiber sources such as wheatgrass powder, coconut fiber powder, or psyllium seed husk powder. Add about a ¹⁄₂ teaspoon (2.5 mL) to your cat's wet food.

Add a ¹⁄₄ teaspoon (1.2 mL) of olive oil to your cat's meal. Mix it into wet or dry cat food. Olive oil acts as a gentle laxative, aiding in the movement of hairballs.

• While you can use this remedy occasionally, avoid using it weekly. Cats prefer fat sources from meat.

Monitor for a decrease in appetite. If your cat suddenly loses interest in food, pay close attention, especially if it persists for more than a day. This could indicate an underlying issue requiring veterinary attention.

• A loss of appetite may suggest a potential blockage in your cat's digestive tract due to a hairball.

Observe if your cat coughs without expelling a hairball. Continuous coughing without any output may indicate a blockage in your cat's digestive system. Take note, especially if your cat coughs repeatedly in a single day.

• Check if your cat is defecating. If not, it could signal a blockage requiring immediate veterinary care.
• Alternatively, your cat may experience diarrhea due to the obstruction.

Assess your cat's abdomen and energy levels. Gently feel your cat's stomach; if it feels unusually firm, it could signal a blockage. Additionally, observe your cat's activity levels; if it appears excessively lethargic, lacking in energy, it may indicate an issue.

Consult a veterinarian if your cat displays multiple symptoms. Severe blockages may necessitate professional intervention as home remedies might not suffice. Untreated blockages can pose serious risks, potentially leading to fatal consequences due to impaired digestion.

• Moreover, the underlying issue may not be a hairball, requiring a proper diagnosis by a vet.

Prepare for a physical examination. The vet will conduct a hands-on assessment, palpating the cat's abdomen to detect any abnormalities. Additionally, they will visually inspect the cat for any visible signs of distress.

• During this evaluation, expect the vet to inquire about the cat's medical history and recent symptoms.

Anticipate diagnostic procedures. Your veterinarian may recommend blood tests, X-rays, or an ultrasound to evaluate your cat's condition. These tests aid in identifying the presence and location of any blockages, facilitating appropriate treatment decisions.

Prepare for the possibility of your cat staying at the veterinary clinic for a few days. If a blockage is detected, the vet may opt to keep your cat under observation. During this time, they will administer a laxative to help alleviate the blockage while closely monitoring your cat's digestive progress.

• If the blockage isn't severe enough to require hospitalization, your vet will suggest home remedies like mineral oil.

Discuss the potential need for surgical intervention. In cases where a hairball causes a blockage, surgical removal might be necessary. Your vet will advise you on whether surgery is warranted based on the severity of your cat's condition.

Observe your cat's coughing behavior. Cats with asthma often exhibit a distinctive posture while coughing, characterized by crouching down and extending their neck forward. Pay attention to whether your cat adopts this position during episodes of coughing.

• If your cat frequently assumes this posture without producing any results, it could indicate asthma.

Listen for coughing sounds rather than hacking. While similar to hacking, cat coughing typically involves more wheezing and may manifest as either a 'dry' or 'wet' cough. Your cat may also appear to be expelling mucus during coughing episodes.

• During coughing spells, your cat may protrude its tongue.

Be alert to indications that your cat may be experiencing respiratory difficulties. Your cat might appear to become easily fatigued and exhibit wheezing-like breathing, especially after exertion.

• If your cat is struggling to breathe, it may resort to mouth breathing.

Commit to daily grooming sessions until your cat's fur is manageable, especially if it suffers from hairballs. Hairballs are often preventable! Your cat develops hairballs by ingesting loose fur during grooming. By removing this loose fur through brushing, you can prevent your cat from ingesting it. If your cat is currently dealing with hairballs or has had them recently, groom it daily until the brush collects minimal fur. Adjust your grooming frequency based on your cat's coat length.

• Excessive shedding may contribute to your cat's hairball problem.
• Even cats with short hair require regular grooming!

Dedicate time to combing and brushing long-haired cats every day to reduce hairball formation. Begin by combing through the fur and then use a brush. This routine not only prevents hairballs but also maintains your cat's fur in good condition. Shower your cat with affection during grooming sessions and offer treats to make the experience enjoyable.

• Remember to clean your comb and brush after each grooming session.

Brush short-haired cats twice weekly to manage their coats and prevent hairballs. Despite having short hair, these cats still shed and require regular grooming. This practice not only prevents hairballs but also enhances the shine of their coat. Show your cat affection while grooming and reward it with treats for cooperation.

• Ensure to clean your brush after every grooming session.

• Some cats prone to hairballs may excessively groom themselves. Consider offering toys and engaging them in playtime, as they might simply be seeking stimulation.