Katie, CVT, DN-CET, HABc, CPCN
Mar 7, 20202 min
Updated: Jan 18
It's common knowledge that cats have hairballs, especially those with long fur: But proper nutrition can help!
Hairballs are generally not an immediate cause for concern, but if your cat is getting them weekly... It may be something that needs to be addressed.
Usually, I'll see pet owners and even veterinarians reach for some miracle hairball gel, and specialized treats or food to feed the cat... So the hair moves through easier.
While many products are available and said to alleviate hairballs, I want to put some perspective out there...
Before you reach for the hairball gels, or special food/ treats:
Be aware they contain some pretty toxic ingredients!!
Things like:
Petroleum
Mineral oil
Artificial colors
Wheat gluten
Sodium benzoate
Hydrogenated oils
Malt syrup
Artificial flavors
Soy protein....
I could keep going.. But you get the picture.
*These were all common denominators in only 5 products I looked at.
A cat could be excessively shedding, maybe even itching and therefore grooming for frequently, taking in that extra fur.
This tells us there could be multiple things going on:
Nutritional deficiencies
Poor digestion
Underlying stress or anxiety contributing to over-grooming and vomiting
Chronic dehydration
*Aside from medical conditions, which should be checked for as needed with your veterinarian (especially true for older cats).
Now, If we narrow down a cause through taking a full history and analysis of the cat's health and behavior, we can take care of these pesky hairballs... at the source!
Well, that depends on the cause.
Our goal may be to:
Reduce shedding (through nutrition & regular brushing/ grooming)
Improve digestive health
Boost skin and coat condition
Promote better hydration
Alleviate anxiety
All of this starts with proper nutritional support.
And let me just say:
It does not include any petroleum, dangerous preservatives, hydrogenated soybean oil, or wheat gluten.
Switching to a more nutritious food, addressing underlying anxiety or medical conditions, and adding in supportive supplements- can make all the difference!
You can also run certain tests to see if your cat has any deficiencies, or imbalances in gut health!
When we support the body appropriately, it can reach it's full potential with less imbalance!
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