How To Prevent Cat Hairballs

Cat breeds with long fur tend to develop hairballs than those with short hair. Hairballs in cats shouldn't be taken for granted for it poses many serious problems if left untreated. If your furry friend cannot rid itself of a cat hairball through defecating or vomiting, she might suffer from a blockage in her digestive system. Severe cases of cat hairballs are life-threatening and need to be removed though surgery. Among the common signs if your cat has hairballs is the loss of appetite or if she is having erratic bowel movements. A cat with dreaded hairballs usually suffers from constipation.

Though there is no exact cat hairball treatment to cure common cat hairballs, there are many preventative ways that can be done before doing any costly surgery. Remember that the formation of hairballs in a cat's stomach is caused by a behavioral problem. Often times, cats that develop hairballs are either compulsive, bored or stressed out. You can prevent your cat from ingesting her fur by redirecting her energy and attention to fun activities such as playing in the park or giving her cat treats and toys.

Here are some simple cat hairball treatment tips to control or minimize the chance of getting cat hairballs:

1. Regular cat grooming is an effective way to prevent cat hairballs. Comb your cat's fur as often as possible to get rid of dead hair. By doing this step, you will lessen the instances of too much ingestion of hair. After brushing, wipe your cat's fur using a moist, clean towel to remove excess dead fur.

2. If cat hairballs continue to bother your pet's life, use a special lubricant to help your cat digest the offending cat hairballs through her digestive system.

3. Buy special hairball treats for your feline friend. Nowadays, you can purchase a wide variety of edible cat treats with particular components that are designed to break up cat hairballs. Many of these cat treats consist of mineral oil.

4. If your feline shows problematic behaviors like retching or lack of bowel movements, bring her to the vet as soon as possible. She needs to undergo a thorough medical examination to determine the best possible treatment method to get rid of dreaded cat hairballs.