Are your cats coughing up hairballs on a regular basis? Hairballs are a part of life for most cats – particularly for long haired cats – but there are a number of ways that you can help to prevent hairballs from becoming a problem.
Groom Your Cat
Your cat develops hairballs when he ingests some hair while grooming himself. You can help minimize the amount of hair that your cat ingests by grooming him regularly. Make a point of grooming your cat once a day. This simple act can help to bring hairballs under control.
If your cat won’t tolerate being brushed, see if you can pat him and remove some hair that way. You might also try using one of the pet grooming wipes available to help keep his coat slick and remove hair at the same time.
Feed Hairball Treatment
There are many hairball treatments – generally gels or liquids – that you can pour onto your cat’s food to help prevent him from developing hairballs. You may have to try a few different types before you find one that works for your cat. Check with your vet to see if he or she recommends a particular hairball treatment.
Feed Hairball Preventative Food
Did you know that the food that you feed your cat can help to prevent hairballs? The next time that you’re shopping for cat food, look for a dry food formula which is intended to prevent hairballs. Just be sure that you gradually switch your cat over to this new food, otherwise you might risk digestive upset in your cat.
Give Your Cat Hairball Preventative Treats
There are even cat treats which are designed to prevent hairballs. These treats generally contain a small amount of hairball gel, and this may be an easier way to get your cat to eat the treatment than simply putting the gel on top of your cat’s food is.
If hairballs become a significant problem for your cat, ask your vet about the issue.
