You may have seen or heard your cat hacking, or going into what seems like a mini asthma wheezing, oh my God is he dying, type of attack.
He is likely trying to cough out a hairball.
Grooming your cat effectively is essential to maintaining their coat and overall health. Regular grooming can also help prevent hairballs, which occur when cats ingest loose fur while grooming themselves.
Here are some tips for effective grooming and hairball prevention:
1. Monitor Your Cat's Grooming Habits:
Keep an eye on your cat's grooming behavior. If you notice excessive grooming or grooming patterns change, it could indicate an underlying health issue. Consult your vet if you have concerns. If you'd recently changed his diet, monitor if it's causing over shedding or overgrooming.
2. Regular Brushing:
Regular brushing is the key to preventing hairballs. Long-haired cats may require daily brushing, while short-haired cats can be brushed every few days or weekly. Use a brush that is appropriate for your cat's coat type. For long-haired cats, a slicker brush or a comb with long teeth can help remove tangles & mats. For short-haired cats, a soft-bristle brush or a rubber grooming mitt works well. Avoid brushes with painful needle like bristles. Be patient and gentle while grooming your cat, especially if they are not used to it. Start with short sessions & gradually increase the duration as your cat becomes more comfortable. Brushing is also a way to bond with your cat & you can keep an eye out for fleas, ticks & any signs of skin issues.
A bath now and then doesn't hurt either. A good scrub will get rid of loose fur.
Personal Recommendations: Fine Teeth Comb, Grooming Glove, Furminator (undercoat remover)
3. Provide a Healthy Diet:
Feeding your cat a high-quality diet can also contribute to reducing hairballs. Good nutrition leads to a healthier coat & less shedding means fewer hairballs. If the hairball issues are frequent, there are specialized cat foods designed to help prevent hairballs. These foods usually contain added fibers that aid in pushing the hair through the digestive system.
4. Hairball Remedies:
There are hairball remedies sold in that help prevent hairballs from forming. It helps to assist passage of swallowed fur through the gut to avoid the formation of hairballs, by coating the swallowed hair & stool, allowing it to pass through the digestive system. Read carefully before purchase as some remedies have added laxatives. (Personal Recommendation: Vetiq Defurr-UM). If in doubt, consult your vet before use, especially for cats with digestive or health issues. You can also try adding pumpkin into his diet.
5. Provide Plenty of Water:
Encourage your cat to drink more water as it helps lubricate their digestive tract & can aid in passing hair more easily. A dehydrated cat may also pass out harder stools. Provide fresh water in several areas so your pet always has easy access to water. This will also hydrate the skin & keep fur in better condition so it does not break and shed as easily.
6. Keep Your Home Clean:
Regularly vacuum & clean your home to reduce loose cat hair on surfaces, making it less likely for your cat to ingest loose fur while grooming, or when licking dirt stuck to their paws. Wash or clean your cat’s beds & baskets regularly to get rid of unwanted fur.
You can find an Infographic below for your easy reference.
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