Hairballs are no doubt a major topic of concern for many cat owners. Though all cats can and will likely get hairballs, long-haired cats or those who groom themselves excessively may be more prone to them. There's no way to entirely remove hairballs from your cat's life as they're part of a natural process. Cats spend a great deal of their time grooming themselves and, in the process, they end up swallowing some amount of hair. This hair can build up in the stomach over time and, if not eliminated, your cat may cough or gag in attempt to bring it up. Regular grooming can help to reduce the amount of hair that ends up in your cat's stomach. However, if this is not enough, a special diet can also help.
pecial diets intended to control hairballs usually involve some fiber blend that helps to move hair through the digestive track. Further, diet can play an important role in your cat's skin and coat health. A high-quality diet can help to maintain the health of your cat's coat and reduce shedding, thus also reducing the amount of hairballs. Even if your cat is overweight and you'd prefer that he be on a weight loss or weight management diet, there are hairball management formulas that will suit his needs. If you're concerned about hairballs, talk with your veterinarian about diet and hairball management. |