There’s nothing worse than seeing and hearing your cat hack up a hairball. Unfortunately, it’s an all too common experience for many cat owners. We love our kitties like family but fur balls aren’t the best part of pet parenting.
Since April 26th is Hairball Awareness Day, it’s a perfect time to get all the facts about hairballs and learn how to support your cat's health to minimize and prevent hairballs.
Cat Grooming Leads to Hairballs
Cats have always been known as careful and fastidious groomers. Yet all of that constant licking and cleaning leads to the ingestion of fur and formation of hairballs. Next thing you know there’s a mess for you to clean up on your carpet, couch or floor. We’ve all been there before, right?
Regurgitated hairballs are an unpleasant but typically harmless problem. However, repeated vomiting, reduced appetite or lethargy are signs of a more significant problem. Contact your vet right away if you notice any of those symptoms.
Comb Your Cat to Reduce Fur Ingestion
Now, you can’t stop your cat from constantly grooming. It’s simply in their nature. Yet, you can do your part to prevent hairballs and save yourself the hassle of cleaning up.
One way to limit hairball formation? Do a little grooming of your own. By combing your cat on a routine basis, you’ll collect loose fur and prevent it from being swallowed. Keep in mind that long-haired cats like Persians require more grooming than short-haired breeds.
Make Time for Toys
Playtime is another way to help reduce the occurrence of hairballs. How so? Regular activity helps bolster your kitty’s digestive system to keep it running like a well-oiled machine. Stimulation from playing and exercise allows swallowed hair to more easily move through the GI tract before a hairball is formed.
Use VetriScience’s Hairball Supplements
You can actually give your cat a supplement to help reduce the occurrence of hairballs. VetriScience’s Hairball supplement is formulated to support skin, coat and digestive wellness and help limit the formation of hairballs.
Our Hairball supplement contains Lecithin and Zinc to promote nail, hair and skin health and limit excessive shedding, which are key factors in hairball formation. It also supports digestive health with ingredients like Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Biotin and Cranberry powder.
If your kitty needs additional support, our vet-exclusive Feline Furball Pro is an advanced formula that supports optimal skin and coat health. Feline Furball Pro helps eliminate hairballs with probiotics, antioxidants and natural enzymes. This supplement is available exclusively through our veterinarian partners.
Hairball and Feline Furball Pro are formulated without mineral oil and herbals, which can be disruptive to your cat’s digestive system.
Take advantage of these simple tips to help your cat feel better and prevent hairballs from ending up on your floor. You can thank us later!