How to Stop Your Cat From Having Furballs
Cats are notorious groomers--they are constantly licking and chewing themselves to keep their coats clean and tangle free. All the licked fur has to go somewhere, and unfortunately, it usually ends up on your carpet or couch in the form of a hairball. Hairballs are cylindrical-shaped balls of hair that your cat brings up from her stomach, likely from hair she has groomed off of herself. Some long-haired cats never get hairballs, while many short-haired cats will--it all depends on the kitty. There are a few ways to prevent these nasty balls of fur from bothering your cat and ruining your rug.
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Instructions
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Brush your cat. By eliminating the excess fur that will be digested by your cat, you can lower the frequency with which your cat will have hairballs. Therefore, brush or comb your cat as often as she will let you. Be sure that the tool you are using not only gets the hair on the surface, but the undercoat as well. You will save her from having to lick that hair, and you'll prevent a few future hairballs.
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Administer treats and paste that are intended to prevent hairballs. Hairball paste or gel is designed to lubricate the inside of the cat, allowing the hair to leave the body when the cat passes stool instead of causing the cat to vomit. A few treats available at pet stores have a hairball remedy located inside of them. Some remedies, such as the gel Laxatone, come in different flavors, and you may have to try a few before you find the flavor your cat finds the most palatable. Administer the gel directly into the cat's mouth, if you are able, or apply a small amount to the fur on his foot so that he will have to lick it off.
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Feed your cat food designed to prevent hairballs. These foods will typically contain high amounts of fiber, which is used to help the hair pass through your cat's intestinal tract, then out through its bottom. Hairball foods usually contain fiber in the form of powdered cellulose or beet pulp, and you can buy these types of foods at the pet store. More fiber typically means more trips to the litter box; therefore, you will likely have to clean the box more often. If you notice that your cat is having diarrhea, stop feeding her that particular diet, as it could be a sign that her system can't tolerate the amount of fiber in the food.
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Tips & Warnings
While hairballs are mostly just a nuisance, they can cause serious problems if your cat is unable to bring them up. Hairballs can actually cause stomach or intestinal blockages that need to be surgically removed. If you notice that your cat is hacking without bringing anything up for 24 hours, if her appetite has decreased or if she is unable to defecate, contact her veterinarian immediately.
