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The day is 24 hours for all living things. In the case of cats, these 24 hours are, under normal conditions, a succession of stereotyped processes. Cats feed, go to the toilet, sleep, play and do not forget to take time for their own care in all this intensity. Cleaning sessions, in which cats take care of themselves, are indispensable for their daily routine.
It is both a healthy and beneficial process on the basis of which they routinely clean themselves. As a matter of fact, the fact that a cat stops cleaning itself or persistently licks a specific area on its body can be an indication that it is exposed to stress. Cats cleaning themselves inevitably also has some negative repercussions. Hairballs can cause congestion in the digestive systems, and in such a case, various health problems may arise. In this article, you can find information about hairballs in cats and the steps to take to prevent hairballs.
Why Do Hairballs Occur?
Hairballs are formed as a result of cats swallowing their hair while cleaning themselves with the effect of their tongue structure. While they are cleaning themselves, structures called papillae, which are in the form of reverse hooks in their tongues, catch the shed and about to fall out hairs and send them to the digestive system. Most of the fluff swallowed during cleaning passes through the digestive system without any problems. However, as a result of some of the swallowed hair remaining in the stomach, it is possible to combine with the newly swallowed hair and take the form of a ball. Cats vomit to remove the hairballs accumulated in the stomach, and when they vomit, these hairballs have the appearance of a thin tube rather than a round one, as these hairballs come from the stomach to the esophagus and then to the mouth.
It is known that the incidence of hairballs is higher in cats such as the long-haired Blonde Cat Breed.
What Symptoms Do Hairballs Cause?
Unfortunately, the risk of ingested hair causing blockages in the gastrointestinal tract exists in both long-haired and short-haired cats. In case of persistent complaints such as vomiting, retching, weakness, diarrhea, significant decrease in appetite, swelling in the abdomen, stopping self-cleaning and constipation, veterinarians should be contacted without delay.
Hairballs are basically a natural result of cats cleaning themselves and may not always cause serious health problems. However, careful observation of cats and consultation with veterinarians should not be neglected if the symptoms we have just detailed are observed.
What Can Be Done to Prevent Hairballs?
While there is no 100% effective, surefire way to prevent hairballs in cats, it may be possible to reduce the risk of hairballs causing a blockage in the digestive tract.
They Need To Be Scanned Regularly
Cats can shed in all four seasons. The continuity of their molt requires them to be brushed regularly. Since the shed or about to shed hair on the fur can be removed during combing, cats are provided to swallow less hair while cleaning themselves. Brushing and combing every day is one of the most practical ways to improve skin health, minimize the risk of hairball formation, and strengthen the bond between cat and human.
They should be allowed to move and drink water
The digestive systems of cats that are active during the day also work harder. The ideal functioning of the digestive system helps the swallowed hairs to go out of the body naturally and not to accumulate in the digestive system. In addition to encouraging their movement, cats also need to make sure they are drinking enough water. Not drinking enough water can cause dehydration, which can cause the digestive system to work slower than normal. To support the water consumption of cats, it should be ensured that their water is always clean and fresh.
Get Help From Hairball Preventing Malts
By using malts that are formulated to naturally remove ingested hair from the body, the chances of hairballs blocking the digestive system can be reduced. The formula of each malt and therefore the usage recommendation is not the same. For the preferred cat malt, the usage recommendations in the product descriptions should be complied with.
In recent years, the use of laxatives has become widespread in order to expel the hair accumulated in the digestive system of cats out of the body with feces. However, laxative-effective drugs should not be used unless there is a veterinarian’s recommendation. Laxatives used frequently or not recommended by specialist veterinarians can disrupt the natural cycle of the digestive system.
