Meow Maintenance Navigating Hairball Control Options for Cats
Cat Hairballs 101: How to Help
Sharing your home with a cat has many upsideshairballs are not one of them. It might come as a surprise that hairballs are not an inevitable part of a cats life. Yes, cats do a lot of grooming and ingest a lot of fur in the process. But when all is well, that hair should pass uneventfully through their digestive tract and come out in the litter box.
Lets look at why that doesnt always happen and what you can do to treat and prevent hairballs in cats.
What Does a Cat Hairball Look Like?
In its most common form, a hairball looks like a wad of fur that has a somewhat tubular shape after being forced up through the esophagus. Fresh hairballs are usually wet, but they can dry out quickly if they go unnoticed. You may at first confuse a hairball with cat poop and think that your cat went outside their litter box.
Sometimes cat hairballs arent so well-formed. For example, you might come across a looser tangle of fur mixed with some food, mucus, or fluid, which may be tinged with bile. In these cases, it can be hard to figure out if your cat is vomiting because of the hair or if the hair was just brought up with everything else.
Image credit: Roo the cat
Why Is My Cat Getting Hairballs?
All cats swallow hair as they groom themselves, but why do some have problems with hairballs while others dont?
Fur is not digestible. Its made mostly of keratin, which isnt broken down by the acids and enzymes in a cats gastrointestinal (GI) tract. And when a lot of fur is in the tract, it tends to get tangled into large clumps.
A healthy feline digestive tract is designed to handle normal amounts of fur passing through, but two types of problems lead to the development of hairballs:
Ingestion of more fur than normal, which can happen with:
Diseases and issues affecting the GI tract:
What if My Cat Is Trying to Cough up a Hairball but Cant?
Most people say the phrase cough up a hairball, but whats actually happening is retching and vomiting. Sometimes retching can sound like coughing, but the hairball is in the cats digestive system, not their respiratory tract.
If youre nearby when your cat is trying to bring up a hairball, you might notice some telltale behaviors. Many cats cry out and get restless when they feel like theyre about to vomit. Then, your cats abdomen will contract several times and youll hear them retching with the contractions.
But sometimes the hairball doesnt come up on the first try or even the second, third, or fourth. You may hear the retching and see wet spots that look like clear or brown liquid where your cat tried to bring up the hairball as they move around from spot to spot.
Most people say the phrase cough up a hairball, but whats actually happening is retching and vomiting.
If they do succeed in vomiting up the hairball, they should seem to immediately feel better and go back to their normal behaviors. This is what sets hairballs apart from other cases of cat vomiting, which usually result in persistent nausea combined with other symptoms like lethargy and a poor appetite.
Call your veterinarian for advice if your cat tries to vomit two or three times in a day, whether they bring anything up or not, or if the vomiting continues for more than a day or two. You may be dealing with a hairball that has become stuck or you may not be dealing with a hairball at all.
Treating Hairballs in Cats
Cats that only bring up a hairball once a month or so generally dont need to be seen by a veterinarian for a thorough health workup. Trying a little home treatment makes sense.
But veterinary care is essential if your cat is having hairballs more often than this or if youre seeing other symptoms, like poor appetite, weight loss, vomiting, diarrhea, or constipation.
How Vets Diagnose and Treat Hairballs in Cats
The veterinarian will first ask questions about what youve seen at home and your cats health history, and then they will give your cat a physical exam.
Testing may include skin scrapings to look for mites, ringworm cultures, cytology to rule out skin infections, abdominal X-rays or ultrasound, blood work, urinalysis, fecal examinations, a hypoallergenic food trial, or biopsies of the gastrointestinal tract or skin. These tests will help the vet diagnose whatever is causing the hairballs.
If theres an underlying health or behavioral issue, the vet will recommend treatment to address it.
Home treatment is not appropriate for cats that have frequent hairballs.
Surgery is usually needed to remove very large hairballs that are blocking a cats GI tract. The doctor will examine your cats entire digestive system for other hairballs and repair or remove any damaged tissues that are found.
Are There Home Remedies for Cat Hairballs?
Home treatment is not appropriate for cats that have frequent hairballs. An underlying health problem is usually to blame for their formation, and if it isnt treated, the cat wont get better.
But for infrequent hairball episodes, here are several safe home remedies that you can try:
Never give your cat cooking oils, butter, lard, grease, or mineral oil in an attempt to help them with hairballs. Cooking oils and fats will merely be digested and wont help. Mineral oil is very dangerous if inhaled, which can easily happen when a cat is vomiting.
How To Prevent Cat Hairballs
Once your cat is hairball-free, you can start thinking about prevention. Underlying health problems may need continued management, but you can also try these tips:
- Brush your cat more often to reduce the hair they ingest. This is especially important for long-haired cats.
- Give your cat Laxatone or another hairball-control gel two or three times per week.
- Add fiber to your cats diet through treats and nutritional supplements or by switching to a hairball control food.
Together, you and your veterinarian can come up with the best way to treat and prevent hairballs. Your cat will thank you!
Featured image: iStock.com/krblokhin
WRITTEN BY
Jennifer Coates, DVMVeterinarian
Dr. Jennifer Coates is an accomplished veterinarian, writer, editor, and consultant with years of experience in the fields of veterinary...
Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control Review
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Review of Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control
According to our data, this Meow Mix recipe provides complete & balanced nutrition for all life stages. In other words, this formula is AAFCO approved.
Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control is formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for all life stages.
Review of Ingredients
In our review of Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control, we'll examine all 42 ingredients and highlight the nutritional contribution of each ingredient.
While the first few ingredients typically dominate the recipe's composition, ingredients in small quantities can still have a meaningful impact on the overall nutritional profile of the recipe.
Chicken By-Product Meal is a concentrated source of protein, containing essential amino acids and nutrients that support your cat's overall health, muscle development, and growth.
Corn gluten meal is a by-product of corn processing and is used as a source of protein. However, it's not as beneficial as meat-based proteins.
Ground whole grain corn provides carbohydrates, fiber, and essential nutrients, supporting energy production and overall health in your cat.
Brewers Rice is a highly digestible carbohydrate source that provides cats with a source of energy and supports healthy digestion.
Soybean hulls are a source of fiber, which can aid in digestion for cats.
Beef Tallow (preserved with mixed tocopherols) is a natural source of energy for your cat. It provides essential fatty acids that support skin and coat health, as well as overall well-being. The use of mixed tocopherols, a natural antioxidant, helps to maintain the freshness and quality of the tallow.
Powdered Cellulose is a form of dietary fiber that can help maintain healthy digestion and weight management in cats by providing a feeling of fullness and promoting regular bowel movements.
Animal Digest is a concentrated source of animal proteins, providing essential nutrients for your cat. It enhances the flavor of the cat food, making it more palatable and appealing to your cat's taste buds.
Soybean Oil (preserved with BHA/BHT) is a source of omega-6 fatty acids that help support your cat's skin and coat health. However, BHA and BHT are synthetic antioxidants that may have potential health concerns.
Calcium carbonate is a common ingredient in cat food, used as a source of dietary calcium to support bone health and several key metabolic functions.
Turkey By-Product Meal is a concentrated source of protein and essential nutrients, such as amino acids, that help support your cat's muscle development and overall health. Although it may not be considered as high quality as whole meat, it still provides valuable nutrition for your cat.
Salmon meal is a high-quality protein source that is rich in omega-3 fatty acids, which support your cat's healthy skin, coat, and overall well-being.
Fish meal is a highly nutritious ingredient that provides high-quality protein and Omega-3 fatty acids, essential for overall health and wellbeing of your cat.
Phosphoric acid is used in small amounts as a pH adjuster and preservative to ensure optimal shelf life and safety for your cat's food.
Potassium Chloride is a vital mineral that supports your cat's overall health by maintaining proper muscle function, nerve communication, and fluid balance in the body.
Choline chloride is an essential nutrient that aids in maintaining cellular function and overall health in cats.
Salt is added in small amounts to cat food to help maintain electrolyte balance and support healthy nerve and muscle function.
Dried Brewers Yeast is a rich source of B-vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that support your cat's overall health. It also helps maintain a healthy skin and coat, as well as promoting a strong immune system.
Vitamin E Supplement is an essential nutrient that plays a vital role in supporting your cat's immune system, skin health, and overall well-being. It also acts as a powerful antioxidant, protecting your cat's cells from damage caused by free radicals.
Niacin, also known as vitamin B3, is an essential nutrient that aids in energy metabolism and supports your cat's nervous system, skin, and coat health.
Vitamin A Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's vision, immune system, and overall health. It is crucial for maintaining a well-balanced diet and proper body function.
Thiamine mononitrate is a source of Vitamin B1, essential for energy metabolism and nervous system function in cats.
Riboflavin Supplement is a source of Vitamin B2, which supports your cat's energy production, metabolism, and overall well-being.
D-calcium pantothenate, also known as vitamin B5, is important for energy metabolism and the synthesis of important compounds in the body.
Pyridoxine hydrochloride, also known as Vitamin B6, plays a vital role in your cat's metabolism, immune system function, and nerve health, ensuring their overall well-being.
A vitamin B12 supplement is an essential nutrient for your cat, supporting their nervous system, brain function, and red blood cell production.
Menadione sodium bisulfite complex is a source of vitamin K, essential for blood clotting and bone health.
Vitamin D3 Supplement is an essential nutrient that supports your cat's bone health and immune system. It helps regulate calcium and phosphorus levels, ensuring strong bones and teeth, and plays a crucial role in maintaining overall well-being.
Folic Acid is a B vitamin that is essential for your cat's health. It plays a crucial role in DNA synthesis, cell division, and the production of red blood cells. A deficiency in folic acid can lead to anemia and other health problems, making it an important ingredient in cat food.
Biotin is a B vitamin that helps support your cat's skin and coat health, as well as their metabolism and nervous system.
Ferrous Sulfate is an essential source of iron for your cat, which helps support the production of red blood cells and maintains healthy energy levels. It also plays a vital role in your cat's overall health and well-being.
Zinc Oxide is a source of essential trace mineral zinc, which plays a vital role in maintaining a healthy immune system, skin and coat health, and supporting various metabolic processes in your cat's body.
Manganous oxide is a source of manganese, a trace mineral that supports various bodily functions including bone development, metabolism, and nerve function.
Copper sulfate is used in cat food as a source of copper, a vital mineral that supports various body functions including iron absorption and blood cell formation.
Calcium Iodate is an essential mineral supplement that provides your cat with the necessary iodine to support thyroid function and overall metabolic health. It helps maintain a healthy coat, skin, and immune system.
Sodium Selenite is an important source of selenium, an essential trace mineral that plays a crucial role in your cat's antioxidant defense system. Selenium helps protect your cat's cells from damage and supports a healthy immune system, thyroid function, and overall health.
Taurine is an essential amino acid that plays a crucial role in your cat's heart function, vision, and reproduction. Cats cannot synthesize taurine in sufficient amounts, making it a vital addition to their diet.
Red 40 is a widely-used artificial food colorant that adds an appealing color to your cat's food, making it visually more attractive.
Lactic Acid is a natural preservative and pH regulator used in cat food to maintain freshness and prevent spoilage. It is a safe and effective way to preserve the quality of your cat's food.
Yellow 5 is a food coloring used to enhance the visual appeal of the food. It has no nutritional benefits.
Blue 2 is a food coloring used to give cat food a visually appealing look, though it has no nutritional value.
Rosemary Extract is a natural antioxidant and preservative that helps maintain the freshness and quality of your cat's food while also providing potential anti-inflammatory benefits.
Review of Guaranteed Analysis
Crude Protein (min) of 31.00%: The crude protein content is a measure of the total amount of protein in the food. The chicken by-product meal, corn gluten meal, turkey by-product meal, salmon meal, and fish meal are likely the primary contributors to the protein content. These ingredients are protein-rich and are commonly used in pet foods to meet the protein requirements of cats.
Crude Fat (min) of 11.00%: The crude fat content indicates the amount of fat present in the food. Beef tallow and soybean oil are the main ingredients contributing to the fat content. Beef tallow is a high-quality source of animal fat, while soybean oil provides essential fatty acids. These fats are important for the cat's energy, skin, and coat health.
Crude Fiber (max) of 7.00%: Crude fiber represents the indigestible portion of the food that helps in intestinal health and digestion. Soybean hulls and powdered cellulose are likely the main contributors to the fiber content. These ingredients are used to increase the dietary fiber in the food, which can aid in the control of hairballs by helping ingested hair pass through the digestive system.
Calories of 3404.00 per kg: The caloric content is the measure of energy provided by the food. All the ingredients contribute to the overall calorie count, but the main sources of calories in pet food are typically from proteins and fats, such as the chicken by-product meal and beef tallow, respectively. Carbohydrates like whole ground corn and brewers rice also contribute to the calorie content, providing energy for the cat's daily activities.
Review of Affordability
According to our data, Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control costs approximately $2.62 per pound. The following table provides our estimate of the monthly cost to feed this recipe exclusively as your cat.
| Adult Weight | Kitten | Adult |
|---|---|---|
| 5 lbs | $10.56 | $16.50 |
| 10 lbs | $17.76 | $27.76 |
| 15 lbs | $24.08 | $37.62 |
| 20 lbs | $29.88 | $46.68 |
| 30 lbs | $40.49 | $63.27 |
| 40 lbs | $50.24 | $78.51 |
| 50 lbs | $59.40 | $92.81 |
| 60 lbs | $68.10 | $106.41 |
| 70 lbs | $76.45 | $119.45 |
| 80 lbs | $84.50 | $132.03 |
| 90 lbs | $92.30 | $144.22 |
| 100 lbs | $99.89 | $156.08 |
Estimates are based on average prices and caloric requirements.
Summary of Customer Reviews
Customers generally appreciate the effectiveness of Meow Mix Dry Cat Food Hairball Control in reducing hairballs. Positive reviews often mention that their cats, even those with long hair or advanced age, experience fewer hairball issues after switching to this formula. The taste seems to be well-received by most felines, with many cats eagerly consuming the food and some owners using it as treats.
While there are instances of cats not taking to the flavor immediately, many customers found that mixing it with other foods or gradually introducing it helped their pets adjust. Several reviews highlight the value of the product, noting the good price point and the benefits of less frequent hairball incidents. The ease of ordering and fast delivery also receive praise from satisfied customers.
In response to negative experiences, where some cats vomited or didn't enjoy the food, it's worth noting that individual cats can have unique dietary sensitivities. Therefore, what works well for one cat may not suit another. Some customers successfully donated the food to local shelters when it wasn't the right fit for their pets, ensuring it didn't go to waste.
Overall, Meow Mix Hairball Control seems to be a reliable choice for many cat owners looking to address hairball issues, and it's often recommended for its effectiveness and palatability.
