Dealing with hairballs comes with being a pet parent, however there are several things you can do to minimise these nasty surprises for you and your cat.
Feed a specially formulated food
Some diets are formulated to reduce hairball in cats like the Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control Range which is made with natural fibres to support the intestinal tract and packed with vitamin E, omega 3 and 6 and protein to support a healthier coat and reduce ingested hair. However, it should be noted that hairball control food often addresses the symtoms not the cause so chat to your vet if this may be the best option.
Daily grooming
Regular grooming will reduce the amount of time your cat needs to self clean and the amount of loose fur that they are ingesting. Depending on your cat’s coat, you will need different cat brushes or combs. Some de-shedder brushes are suitable for all cats and reduces shedding by up to 90%. These specially formulated brush reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat hair while keeping your cat’s coat dirt and debris free.
Hairball remedies
Another way to combat hairballs is through specially formulated treats or health products. They work by aiding the passing of hairballs through your cats gastrointestinal tract and, through regular use, can prevent future formation of hairballs. Also infused with omega 3, 6 and 9 fatty acids these tasty treats for your cat will support healthy skin and coat.
Aristopet Cat Laxative Paste is a safe-to-use laxative designed to help alleviate hairballs and constipation in cats and kittens. This non-toxic paste is highly digestible and extremely palatable offering your pet a tasty alternative to other unpleasant laxative formulas and will help to encourage defecation allowing your cat to quickly and easily pass buildups of hair within the digestive system.
Talk to your vet
Vets know best - they can help identify if there are underllying causes to hairballs and can also provide recommendations around diets and treatments to address hairballs. It may also help to try capture a video of your cat coughing up a hairball for you vet in case their coughing or gagging may not be hairball related.