3 Ways To Prevent Hairballs In Cats

Posted on 26 April 2023
By Dr. Jill Tack
Posted in cats, Common Dog & Cat Health Issues, Dog & Cat Feeding Tips, Dog & Cat Supplements, Dog & Cat Wellness, Raw Dog & Cat Food Diet Tips
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Did you know that your cat vomiting hairballs should not be a recurring happening? Learn all about what you can do for your cat's hairballs from their diet to brushing in our blog.

Do All Cats Get Hairballs?

Did you know that your cat vomiting hairballs should not be a recurring happening? While our feline friends have evolved throughout the last 6 million years, over time coughing up hairballs has become a part of their grooming process.

What Are Hairballs & Why Do Cats Have Them?

A hairball is a small collection of hair that collects in the cat’s stomach. When cats groom themselves, the barbs on their tongues catch loose or dead hair, which they swallow. Much of this hair passes straight through them and out the other end but if some of it gets lodged in the stomach, the cat will vomit it out to remove it from their system.

Are Hairballs A Serious Medical Condition?

If your cat has chronic vomiting, it is always best to visit your vet to rule out any serious medical conditions. Including but not limited to:

Kidney Disease
Cancer
Pancreatitis
Gallbladder Issues
Stomach Ulcers

If your cat is medically cleared but is still vomiting hairballs, The Pet Beastro has your answers for all things hairball-related!

How Do I Get Rid Of My Cat's Hairballs?

There are three easy but important things you can do to help your kitty lessen and even prevent hairballs.

1. A Healthy Diet Can Prevent Hairballs In Cats

Poor nutrition is the source of many health complaints, which can be a factor in why your kitty might be vomiting hairballs. Inflammatory and indigestible ingredients lack the nutrition that helps keep our cat's digestive system working optimally. Raw cat food is a great option to help reduce hairballs and increase their water intake naturally. Here are a few cat food options we recommend:

Feeding food with quality ingredients can improve your cat’s coat, leading to less brittle hair and dander and, ultimately, fewer hairballs!

2. Proper Nutrition That Helps Cat Digestion

In addition to a healthy diet, certain supplements can be added to your cat’s daily routine to help improve digestion and skin and coat health to prevent hairballs from happening!

Below are some great options you can find at The Pet Beastro:

Marshmallow: This liquid herbal tincture made out of marshmallow root is referred to as a mucilaginous herb which means it has a slippery effect while soothing mucous membranes. If your cat is addicted to high-carb, high-grain food, then there is most likely some inflammation within the intestinal tract which isn’t allowing for proper digestion of the food you are feeding. Marshmallow root tincture will decrease inflammation and help move the hairball through the system and out with stool.

Digestive enzymes: There are quite a few options for enzymes. Total-Zymes blend 16 different enzymes to help the digestive system break down the hairball in the gut. Flora4 Sprouted Seeds is a supplement of various seeds that provide “live” nutrients to your pet. These seeds provide probiotics & prebiotics, enzymes, omega, and 26 vitamins and minerals. Microflora Plus is another great option for your kitty that also contains probiotics & prebiotics, enzymes, and herbs to help soothe the digestive tract should there be any upset.

Goat milk: This fan-favorite raw pet food supplement can add moisture to your kitty’s diet while providing probiotics and enzymes. Goat milk also helps keep the skin and coat healthy, which can aid in preventing hairballs.

3. Regular Brushing Can Help Prevent Hairballs Too

Providing grooming support and daily brushing on your kitty can also assist in preventing hairballs, as that will help them ingest less hair. Check out some items we recommend to assist in grooming your kitty:

Stop by our retail location in Madison Heights, Michigan, just north of Detroit, which is open Monday through Saturday, 10:00 am - 8:00 pm, and Sundays from 10:00 am - 6:00 pm, or visit our 24/7 natural pet food treats, toys, and supplies store online. Please message us on Instagram, Facebook, or TikTok for further information! We are more than happy to answer your hairball questions!