Fur Free Living Discovering the Power of Hairball Control Solutions

Hairball Control with Go! Solutions

All About Hairballs

Hairballs are a common concern for cat owners, and we know all too well that they are meticulous in their grooming habits. In fact, some cats can spend up to 25% of their awake hours grooming! This normal behaviour results in swallowing large amounts of fur each day, which can lead to those pesky hairballs². A hairball forms in the stomach from all this ingested fur and when it reaches a size too large to pass, vomiting eventually eliminates it. This action is commonly known as coughing up a hairball. The occasional hairball regurgitation is not necessarily a concern but can be a mess to clean up^2,4! For shorter haired cats, or those which do not shed as much, only a moderate amounts of hair is ingested during grooming, and most cats can pass this through their stool. This method of elimination is much preferred by owners, as it poses much less risk of accidentally stepping in it! Many owners like to take a preventative approach to reduce hairball incidences. Luckily, ongoing support in passing the hair rather than coughing it up can be provided by choosing a diet rich in fibre, especially insoluble fibre^10,11!

What is Insoluble Fibre?

There are two different types of fibre, soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre dissolves in water to form a gel-like substance, which can help cats feel full, and contains prebiotic fibre to support a healthy gut microbiome. Insoluble fibre, on the other hand, helps maintain digestive health by adding bulk to the stool, promoting regular bowel movements, and can help with constipation by keeping things moving^1,9. Some examples of high-insoluble fibre sources are beet pulp, cellulose, and miscanthus grass⁶.

Why Miscanthus Grass?

A commonly used ingredient in hairball diets is cellulose (powdered cellulose). It is made from wood pulp, a by-product of the paper industry, and it is included to supply insoluble fibre. Research has shown that cellulose is effective at controlling hairballs⁴. However, Petcureans commitment to using the best ingredient possible led us to search for a more natural and sustainable ingredient that would offer the same functionality. Enter miscanthus grass! Ever wonder why cats routinely consume grass and other plant material? In addition to providing them enrichment, consuming grasses can support hair elimination and gut motility^3,5. Our new Go! Solutions Hairball Control + Urinary Care Chicken Recipe with Grains features a unique grass called miscanthus. Miscanthus grass is fibrous in nature and features a high insoluble fibre content, making it an effective natural ingredient to help maintain healthy digestion and discourage hairball formation. Recent research shows that miscanthus grass and cellulose have comparable functions in controlling hairballs, suggesting that miscanthus is a suitable alternative^4,6. Furthermore, it is a very sustainable ingredient, as fibre is the primary product of the ingredient, not a by-product from another industry. It also requires less water during production, producing less waste^7,8. Its inclusion as an ingredient addresses the specific needs of animals prone to hairballs and aligns with our natural and sustainable approach to formulation.

Psyllium Husk

Psyllium husk can also be a valuable component of hairball diets due to its exceptional properties that aid in digestive health. It is rich in soluble fibre, which can help support regular bowel movements and help prevent the formation of hairballs in cats. Psyllium husk can also help maintain optimal moisture levels in the digestive tract, ensuring the smooth passage of food and minimizing the risk of constipation (a common issue with hairball formation)^1,8. Research demonstrates that a diet with psyllium and an 11-15% total dietary fibre content increases fecal hair excretion, indicating that psyllium combined with miscanthus will work together to support hairball control¹¹.

Summary

Combining miscanthus grass and psyllium husk offers comprehensive support for hairball control in cats. Miscanthus grass, with its high insoluble fibre content, aids in gently moving ingested hair through the digestive tract, discouraging hairballs, while psyllium husks soluble fibre content helps to eliminate hair from the GI tract and minimize the risk of constipation. By embracing these ingredients, we can help address the specific needs of hairball-prone cats naturally and sustainably.

How to Help Your Cat Pass a Hairball: 6 Vet-Approved Tips & Tricks

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

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Many cat owners think that hairballs are just a natural part of a cats life and that theres nothing that can be done about them.¹ You may be surprised to learn that cats throwing up hairballs isnt actually normal. While their vomiting an occasional hairball isnt anything to worry about, its more natural for cats to pass hairballs when they poop.

When cat hair has a chance to build up in the stomach, it will eventually become too big and need to be removed. If cats regularly pass hair in their poop, they wont need to vomit big clumps of hair.

In this article, we look at six ways that you can help your cat pass a hairball when they poop, along with tips to help prevent hairballs in the future.

How to Help Your Cat Pass a Hairball

1. Change Their Feeding Schedule

Many cat owners feed their cats two large meals a day. This may not help their digestive systems work regularly. Feeding them smaller meals more frequently throughout the day can help the fur in their stomach be pushed into the intestines.

Take your cats daily food allotment and divide it into four to eight small meals throughout the day. Not only can this keep their digestive system working to remove more hair, but it can also help your cat maintain their weight, feel more satisfied, and have more energy. It has been shown that cats prefer to eat little and often, as this mimics feeding habits in the natural environment.

2. Change Their Food

Switch your cat to a food that is made for hairball control or digestive health. These foods have ingredients in them to help the hair move from the stomach through the digestive tract, so your cat can pass it when they poop. Regularly eating these foods can keep cats from vomiting hairballs regularly. Be sure to transition your cat to a new food properly to avoid stomach issues.

3. Add More Fiber

Adding more fiber to your cats diet will help them have an easier time passing hair through their intestines. Talk to your vet about which fiber supplements will be best to add to your cats food. You can also use canned pumpkin. One teaspoon a day can help give them the fiber that they need to pass the hair easily. Just make sure the pumpkin that you use is plain, pure pumpkin and not pumpkin pie filling, which has added sugar and spices that may be harmful to your cat.

4. Use a Hairball Lubricant

Hairball lubricant is a paste or gel that comes in enticing flavors. It lubricates the inside of the cats intestines to get the hair moving. Just put a dab of the lubricant on your cats paw, and they will lick it off. Talk to your vet before starting this routine to make sure its the best solution.

5. Give Your Cat Hairball Control Treats

Hairball control treats give your cat the ingredients necessary to pass hairballs without you having to change their regular food or use a messy gel. Even after your cat has passed the hairball, you can continue giving them these treats to prevent hairball buildup in the future.

6. Use Olive Oil or Fish Oil

Adding fish oil to your cats food can help them pass a hairball naturally. A teaspoon of oil every week should be enough to keep things moving. It also helps with coat conditions.

Preventing and Minimizing Hairballs in Cats

Now that you know how to help your cat pass hairballs, there are a few things that you can do to minimize them and prevent them from occurring. Its impossible to stop hairballs completely because cats swallow hair every time they groom themselves. But with these tips, you can slow their frequency and make them easier for your cat to deal with.

Brush your cat regularly. Your cat may self-groom every day, but the less hair they swallow means less of it will wind up in their stomach. Ideally, you should brush your cat weekly. Brushing daily is even better. The goal is to remove as much loose hair as you can. A bonus is that less hair winds up around your house, too.

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Increase your cats water intake. This is especially helpful if your cat only eats dry kibble. Cats dont normally drink as much water as they should. In addition to offering your cat a fresh, clean water source each day, try to encourage them to drink more. Use a water fountain that might interest them more than a regular bowl of water. You can also add water or broth to their food to give them more moisture. The proper amount of hydration will keep their digestive systems working well.

Conclusion

Hairballs dont have to be a regular part of your cats life. We hope that youve learned a few tips and tricks that you can start doing today to help your cat pass hairballs and be more comfortable. By following our suggestions for preventing hairballs, you can keep them from returning frequently. Remember to always monitor your cat for signs of changes in behavior. There could be a medical reason your cat is vomiting hairballs more frequently. If you notice anything strange, contact your vet right away. Be sure to talk to your vet before you make any changes to your cats diet too.

Featured Image Credit: Suzanne Tucker, Shutterstock

Hairball Control + Urinary Care Chicken Dry Cat Food with Grains

Ingredients

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de-boned chicken, white rice, oatmeal, dehydrated chicken, ground miscanthus grass, peas, whole dried egg, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), salmon... meal, natural flavour, salt, psyllium husk, phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, sodium bisulfate, de-boned salmon, choline chloride, marine microalgae oil, chicory root, taurine, L-tryptophan, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulphate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulphate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), cranberries, L-lysine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary

de-boned chicken, white rice, oatmeal, dehydrated chicken, ground miscanthus grass, peas, whole dried egg, chicken fat (preserved with mixed tocopherols), salmon meal, natural flavour, salt, psyllium husk, phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, potassium chloride, DL-methionine, sodium bisulfate, de-boned salmon, choline chloride, marine microalgae oil, chicory root, taurine, L-tryptophan, vitamins (vitamin E supplement, niacin, thiamine mononitrate, vitamin A supplement, biotin, d-calcium pantothenate, beta-carotene, riboflavin, pyridoxine hydrochloride, vitamin B12 supplement, folic acid, vitamin D3 supplement), minerals (zinc proteinate, ferrous sulphate, zinc oxide, iron proteinate, copper sulphate, copper proteinate, manganese proteinate, manganous oxide, sodium selenite, calcium iodate), cranberries, L-lysine, yucca schidigera extract, dried rosemary

Cat Hairball Control

Your kitty is a cuddly little fur ball. And to keep him clean and cuddle-ready, his pretty coat requires both love and attention. He knows it and so do you. Like any vain kitty, he's got his cat grooming routine down to a science. He's very good at cleaning himself and, when not curled up taking a good nap, he spends many waking hours making sure his fur looks just right. But there are those times when kitty may need a little help. The constant licking and grooming can cause hairballs, which are an accumulation of hair in the digestive system, that result in kitty hurling or vomiting up a fur ball. For those moments, there are a few ways to step in and help him out a bit:Simply brushing your kitty using a cat brush like, the FURminator can help reduce the chances of fur build-up. Regular brushing diminishes shedding by up to 90%. This brush is designed to go deep beneath the topcoat and gently remove under coat and loose hair. There's also JW Pet Gripsoft Cat Comb which features a rubber sheathed handle so you can comfortably stroke and brush. Not only will this cat comb help prevent matting and formation of hairballs it's also a great way to bond with your kitty. Pair it with the Grip Soft Cat Slicker Brush for maximum effectiveness. There are also vitamin and supplements that are also useful in helping with this furry dilemma. Vets Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid Cat Supplement is a veterinarian recommended formula packed with herbs like slippery elm bark, psyllium seed and marshmallow to provide natural hairball relief.There are fun tasty treats that can work wonders including Feline Greenies SmartBites Hairball Control Chicken Flavor Cat Treats. The best part is that you only have to give your furry friend a handful or two in his bowl and these yummy snacks begin to work their magic while he chomps away. Plus, they're not only made with real chicken protein, they also contain plant-based fiber that helps to minimize hairball formation and promote digestive health. Cat food blends that are specially made for hairball control may prove to be an ideal way to get a leg up on hairballs. Recipes like Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball Chicken & Brown Rice Recipe Mature Dry Cat Food contain a unique blend of natural fiber sources to help control hairballs. And Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight & Hairball Care Dry Cat Food contains natural fiber from oats to help avoid hairballs forming in the digestive tract and features fresh chicken is the first ingredient.Whether its cat food, treats or grooming products shop Chewy today for the best hairball treatments and hairball remedies around.

Related Categories: Cat Vitamins & Supplements, Vet Recommended Cat Diets, Cat Skin & Coat Care, Weight Loss Cat Food, Cat Hip and Joint Care, Cat Digestive and Urinary Health, Cat Anxiety & Stress Relief, Cat Eye Drops, Cat Ear Care, Cat Wound Care & First Aid, Cat Dewormer, Cat Test Kits, Cat Healthcare

What is the best cat hairball control treatment?

The best cat hairball control treatment will be easy to administer and effective for your cat. There are many cat hairball products to choose from, including cat hairball treats, cat food formulas for hairball control, and hairball remedies and supplements. Some people have success feeding their cats a hairball control diet, while others find they need to administer a hairball medicine like Laxatone to keep hairballs at bay. Hairball relief supplements and digestive aids can play an important role in hairball control, as well. Talk to your vet about good options for your cat and experiment to see which work best.

How do I stop my cat from getting hairballs?

Stop your cat from getting hairballs by talking to your vet about appropriate hairball care solutions. Some felines need little to no cat hairball help, while others may need a combination of interventions to avoid hairball issues. A hairball control diet combined with supplements or occasional cat hairball remedies as needed provides excellent control for many, but you may need to try a few things to find what works best for you.