Why Do
Cats Cough Up Hairballs?
If you've ever seen a cat cough
up a hairball, you know that it can't be a pleasant experience for
your cat. Not to mention the mess it makes all over your carpet or
floor. It's not a pretty sight and is all to common with most
cats.
The reason most cats have this
problem is that they constantly groom themselves by licking their
coat. If you've ever felt a cat tongue, you know that it has a
very rough surface. During the grooming, cat hair is collected on
the tongue and then swallowed.
Cat hair doesn't digest well and
can accumulate in the cat's stomach. Once it reaches a certain
size or irritates the stomach, out it comes. Usually in a dramatic
manner where the cat coughs, backs up, and then regurgitates both
fluid and hair.
This is part of the normal cat
behavior, with longhaired cats being more prone than shorthair
cats. It's doubtful any owner can eliminate this activity but
there are ways to keep it down to a minimum. Which is a good thing
for you and your cat.
Cat hair is a problem for both
the cat and the owner in general. I don't care how many times you
sweep your floor or vacuum the area, there is always cat hair
about. It's a constant battle with most cats and owners.
One of the easiest and best
solutions for hairball and cat hair problems is to brush you cat
on a regular basis. Most cat's enjoy the help and there are
several kinds of brushes from regular to the rubber spotted gloves
that can do a good job of removing excess cat hair.
Another method of reducing
hairballs is to insure your cat has high fiber food and access to
clean water. Fiber and water combine to make it easier for the cat
to pass hair through the digestive system. Check out the label on
your cat's food and make sure it has a good level of natural
fiber.
You can also buy food and treats
that have fiber and mild laxatives that help a cat digest the hair
better. The laxative is usually petroleum based and helps
lubricate the digestive track so the hair passes easily.
Some other natural remedies that
work well are catnip, yogurt, olive oil just to name a few. For
finicky eaters, add one of the above to their favorite food or
treats and that usually works.
If your cat throws up often, and
not always with hairballs in the mix, it might be a sign of other
problems. Older cats who suddenly vomit often can be exhibiting
signs of hyperthroid condition. It's always a good idea to get a
professional opinion from your Vet if vomiting is severe.
Cat’s can develop food allergies too. If your cat vomits shortly after eating, it may be time to check out the food. This may occur after years of eating the same food, or the first time. Even the high dollar versions can contain something that irritates your cat’s digestive system.
Any sudden change in your cat's
habits or day to day activities bears watching. Any type of
frequent vomiting, whether it's coughing up hairballs or not, is
not a good thing for your cat. If the remedies above have no
impact, by all means consult your veterinarian.
Related Articles:
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The
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should be
made under the guidance of your own veterinarian.
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