How to help a cat cough up a hairball
If your cat has been hacking up hairballs, it’s important to help them get rid of them as soon as possible. Otherwise, the hairballs can cause blockages in their digestive system.
There are a few things you can do to help your cat cough up hairballs:
-Give them plenty of fluids to drink, like water or milk. This will help lubricate their digestive system and make it easier for the hairballs to pass through.
-Add some wet food to their diet. This will also help add moisture to their system and make it easier for the hairballs to pass through.
-Massage their throat and chest. This will help loosen up the hairballs so that they can be coughed up more easily.
What is a hairball?
A hairball is a small, round, often spherical mass of hair that forms in the stomachs of animals when they groom themselves. Hairballs are most commonly found in cats, but can also be found in other animals such as dogs, rabbits, and guinea pigs. While not dangerous, hairballs can be a nuisance and may cause vomiting or digestive issues.
Why do cats cough up hairballs?
There are a few reasons why cats may cough up hairballs. One reason is that they groom themselves frequently and ingest a lot of hair. In some cases, the hair can build up in their stomach and cause an obstruction. Another reason is that cats have shorter intestines than dogs and other animals, which means that hair can more easily become stuck in their digestive system.
While hairballs are generally not harmful, they can be a nuisance for you and your cat. If your cat is coughing up hairballs frequently, there are a few things you can do to help them out.
First, make sure that they are eating a healthy diet. A good diet will help to reduce the amount of hair that they ingest while grooming. You can also try giving them supplements that help to lubricate their digestive system, such as pumpkin seed oil or olive oil. Finally, you can brush them regularly to help remove loose hair before it has a chance to be ingested.
How can you help a cat cough up a hairball?
There are a few things you can do to help your cat cough up a hairball.
First, make sure they have plenty of water to drink. You can also supplement their diet with additional wetfood!
Next, you can try giving them a small amount of olive oil – this will help lubricate their throat and stomach.
Finally, you can gently massage their throat and chest to help loosen the hairball.
If your cat is having trouble coughing up a hairball, or if they seem to be in pain, please consult your veterinarian.
What to do if your cat refuses to cough up a hairball
If you are still having issues aiding your cat and can tell he is distress then I advise you to speak with your vet to get some additional assistance!
Your vet may be able to recommend some additional resources or get your food on a hairball assisted diet (prescritiption cat food) Which can make it easier for your cat to pass hairballs in the future!
Conclusion
Hairballs are a thing with any cat!
Its just one of the joys of having a kitty!
If you do your best to take preventative measure though you can reduce the risk! Keep your cat brushed, ensure proper hydration, and switch to a hairball diet if your cat seems to get them too frequently!
With any luck you can help your kitty, and you, keep hairballs to a minimum.