Cat Vomiting Hairballs Every Few Days? Vets Reveal Tips to Reduce Throwing Up: "Switch to These 2 Types" of Food

Are Hairballs a Red Flag for Your Cat's Health?

If you've had a cat for a while, you've probably discovered a clump of sticky fur on the floor (or worse, on your bed or in your shoes). While this sight is common for cat owners, it's not actually normal and can be a sign of health issues. Frequent hairballs in cats can often be improved with appropriate dietary adjustments. Like diarrhea, throwing up hairballs can happen occasionally, but frequent occurrences need special attention. The most common causes are either gastrointestinal dysfunction or excessive licking and shedding due to skin conditions.

Veterinarians recommend that if you find your cat throwing up hairballs more than once a month, it's best to take them to the vet for a detailed check-up. For healthy cats that occasionally throw up hairballs, here are two major dietary improvement options:

Understanding Hairballs

Hairballs are not actually round; they are generally cylindrical in shape due to being squeezed through the esophagus. They consist of hair, partially digested food, and stomach acids. While all cats can get hairballs, long-haired breeds may experience them more often.

Causes of Hairballs

• Overgrooming: This can be due to stress, anxiety, stomach pain, joint pain, or skin issues.
• Inadequate Grooming: If a cat isn't grooming enough, or if there is too much dead fur, hairballs can result. Regular brushing can help.
• Underlying Health Issues: Allergies, anxiety, or digestive problems can also lead to hairballs.

The Danger of Hairballs

Most ingested hair passes through a cat's GI tract, but if too much hair accumulates in the stomach, it may not pass easily into the intestines. Hairballs can cause intestinal obstruction, which may require emergency surgery. Signs of a potential blockage include lethargy, inappetence, constipation, and diarrhea. Frequent coughing can sometimes be mistaken as gagging related to hairballs, but it may indicate asthma or other respiratory issues.

Dietary Improvements to Help Reduce Hairballs

Here are some general recommendations. Consult with your veterinarian for specific advice tailored to your cat's needs.

1. Fiber-Rich Diet: Increasing fiber intake can help move hair through the digestive tract.
2. Specialized Hairball Formulas: Some cat foods are designed to reduce shedding and improve coat health.

If you have concerns about your cat's hairballs, consult with your veterinarian to support their overall health.

Transitioning to a Hypoallergenic Diet for Your Cat

Many hairball issues in cats are actually related to food allergies or intestinal inflammation. When a cat has gastroenteritis, it becomes difficult for them to digest swallowed hair, leading to hairballs accumulating in the stomach. When choosing a hypoallergenic food, keep the following key points in mind:

• Select a "Single Protein" Formula: Opt for cat food that contains only one primary source of protein. This helps in identifying and eliminating potential allergens.
• Choose a Protein Source Your Cat Has Never Eaten: Novel proteins like rabbit, venison, or duck can be good choices, as they minimize the risk of allergic reactions.
• Look for Labels Indicating "Hypoallergenic" or "Limited Ingredients": These diets are formulated to reduce the risk of adverse food reactions by minimizing the number of ingredients.
• Continuously Feed the Same Food for at Least 8 Weeks, Without Giving Other Treats: An elimination diet, where all other foods are removed, should be maintained for 8-10 weeks to see if symptoms improve.
• If the Effect Is Not Ideal, It Is Recommended to Consult a Veterinarian to Switch to a Prescription Diet: A vet can help identify the root cause of your cat's sensitive stomach and recommend an individualized plan.

Switching to a single protein diet or a limited ingredient diet can reduce digestive upset and improve overall gut health. Research has shown that single protein diets can positively impact cats with food allergies.

Common signs of food sensitivity include vomiting, diarrhea, flatulence, itchy skin, hair loss, or reddened skin. If these symptoms persist, consulting with a veterinarian is crucial.

Boosting Fiber Intake for Cats to Combat Hairballs

Moderately increasing fiber intake can help cats improve hairball issues. When purchasing high-fiber cat food, consider the following suggestions:

High-Fiber Cat Food Recommendations

• Dry Food: Choose products with a crude fiber content of 8%-10%.
• Wet Food: Opt for items with a fiber content of about 2%-4%.

Additional Fiber Sources

You can supplement your cat's diet with natural fiber sources:

• Pumpkin Puree: Add an appropriate amount of pumpkin puree to their regular food.
• Unflavored Psyllium: Mix unflavored psyllium into their meals.

Is Your Cat Suffering from Hairballs? Here's How to Help!

Dealing with hairballs is a common challenge for cat owners. Fortunately, there are several strategies you can use to minimize this issue and keep your feline friend happy and healthy.

Dietary Adjustments

One of the most effective ways to manage hairballs is through dietary adjustments:

• High-Quality Diet: Choose a high-quality cat food that supports overall health and digestion. Look for formulas with high protein content and essential nutrients.
• Fiber-Rich Foods: Incorporate fiber into your cat's diet to help move hair through their digestive system. Pumpkin is a great source of fiber.
• Hairball-Specific Foods: Consider cat food brands specifically designed to reduce hairballs. These often include increased fiber, oils, and other beneficial ingredients.
• Omega Fatty Acids: Include omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support healthy skin and coat, reducing shedding.
• Hydration: Ensure your cat stays well-hydrated. Wet food or adding water to kibble can help.

Treats and Hairball Pastes

In addition to the main diet, you can use treats and hairball pastes:

• Hairball Treats: Look for treats designed to help with hairball control.
• Hairball Paste: Use hairball paste, mixing it with food or applying it to the cat's paws. Remember that treats should not exceed 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake.

Grooming

Regular grooming is essential to prevent hairballs:

• Regular Brushing: Brush your cat regularly to remove loose and dead hair, reducing the amount they ingest.

Other Tips

Here are some additional tips to help manage hairballs:

• Supplements: Consider supplements like prebiotics to support gut health.
• Hydration: Provide plenty of fresh water to keep your cat hydrated.
• Veterinary Check-ups: Regular vet visits can help identify and address any underlying health issues.

By making these adjustments to your cat's diet and grooming routine, you can help them get rid of those annoying hairball problems!