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Helping with Hairballs

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Hill's Pet Nutrition

Having a bad hair day?

There’s no doubt about it, there is nothing pleasant about hairballs in cats. Whether it’s the angst of watching your favourite feline hacking one up, the looming dread of getting out of bed to step on a mass of wet cat hair or being the one nominated in your household to clean them up, they are definitely something we would prefer to live without. If this is you, you are not alone. In fact, a Hill’s  study showed the top condition–reported by 35 percent of cat parents–was hairballs.

What exactly are hairballs?

Cats are very clean creatures and your kitty will spend about five hours a day grooming herself. In doing so, she’ll pick up any loose hairs from her coat. These are difficult for her to spit out, so she’ll probably just swallow them. Over the course of a year your cat could consume as much as 173g of hair. If you can’t imagine how much that is, just picture a very large salad bowl overflowing with clumps of hair. Disgusting!

Most of the time, this will cause no problems whatsoever and the hairs will just pass through the digestive tract. Sometimes, however, the hairs can remain in the stomach and form a hairball.

How does the hairball get out?

Usually, once a hairball has reached a certain size, the cat vomits it up. Look out for a sausage like ball of hair, if you’re lucky it’s on the bathroom floor. Although some cats will pass hair in their stools. Either way, it rarely causes much distress.

While every cat might have a slightly different approach, a loud cry, or sneaking away just before, you can usually tell your cat is about to cough up a hairball by the loud retching and hacking noise. Some cats may cough one up as frequently as once every week or two.

Are some cats more susceptible?

Hairballs are more likely to occur in long-haired cats, like Persians and Main Coons, just because they have more hair than their short haired companions. Compulsive groomers and cats that shed a lot may also be more susceptible, as they swallow more hair. With an increase in high density living many cats live exclusively or predominantly indoors. These cats often have more time to groom and are perfect candidates for unwanted hairballs.

Whilst your cat may not have had hairballs as a kitten, she may develop them as an adult as she becomes more skilled at grooming herself. And you may see more of them around when the weather warms up and she sheds her winter coat.

Play the grooming game

One of the best ways to help prevent hairballs is to groom your cat. Regular brushing will remove some of the loose hairs preventing them from being swallowed. Get into the habit of doing this when she’s very young, so she gets used to it, it’s a great way to spend some time bonding with her. Invest in a good grooming brush designed for the type of coat your cat has and don’t forget to step up the regularity of your brushing during Spring and Summer when she is more likely to moult heavily.

The right food can help

Always on the forefront of pet food innovation, Hill’s was the first company to introduce a product specifically designed to address hairballs in cats.

Using Natural Fibre Technology that combines with swallowed hair to safely and naturally move them through the digestive system, HIll’s Science Plan Hairball Indoor.reduces the formation of hairballs dramatically and is the ideal choice for cats – and cat parents – suffering from hairballs.

Low in fat and calories to help maintain ideal body weight, with controlled mineral levels which support urinary health and a special formulation that helps reduce stool odour it’s also perfect for cats who live indoors. And the special triangular shaped kibble makes it easier for flat faced cats to pick up and eat.

Hill’s Science Plan Hairball Indoor is available in Adult and Mature Adult formulas.

Source: Hill’s Science Plan

 

Keeping your pet’s hair-raising issue under control

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Keeping your pet’s hair-raising issue under control

The love that a pet brings into your home cannot be quantified; the cuddles, the laughs, the playtime, the companionship, and yes his fur around the house too. “For pet parents the unconditional love and bond between them and their pet is worth every white hair on their black pants or furniture. In fact, no outfit or home is really complete without it!” says Carla Bath Hill’s Pet Nutrition’s marketing manager.

When it comes to dogs, different breeds shed differently – more or less, shedding during seasonal changes, stress, hormonal changes etc. Despite your best efforts, some dogs will shed, and your pet’s hair may be left on the furniture, the floor, and your clothes.

Cats’ fur is finer than dogs, meaning it stays airborne for longer, often making it more noticeable than dog hair. Just as with dogs though, it really does depend on your cat and those with longer hair are prone to heavier shedding. Unlike dogs, however, cats may present you with a hairball every now and then. “When it comes to hairballs, it’s important to understand that they form as a result of your cat’s healthy grooming habits. During the efficient grooming process, tiny hook-like structures on your cat’s tongue will catch the loose, dead hairs and swallow them. Most of the hair will pass through the digestive tract problem free, however if some of the hair remains in the stomach it may clump together forming a hairball. This is when your cat will usually vomit the hairball out,” explains Dr. Guy Fyvie Hill’s veterinary advisor.  

As hair-raising as excess hair and hairballs may be there are some really simple ways pet parents can lessen the hair load in their homes. Aside from the obvious, heavy duty vacuum cleaner and lint rollers, that we know you already have, consider these top tips:

  • A good place to start is with your pet. Regular grooming and brushing can help eliminate the amount of hair that lands up in the house. Not only will they love it, but you will be getting rid of most of the hair that would have landed up on your furniture or clothes. Plus, it’s great pet and pet parent quality time.
  • A nifty trick is to wet a rubber glove and run your hand over your furniture. The static created will attract the hairs to the glove and off the furniture. To help stop hairs clinging to your furniture, you can also spray the upholstery with a mix of water and fabric conditioner and wipe off.
  • If you’ve got carpeting, sprinkle some baking soda over the carpet before you vacuum. This will help loosen the hair and deodorise the carpet.
  • Add white vinegar to your washing machine, it loosens the hair and makes it more likely to come off in the wash.
  • Wash your pet’s bedding regularly in the washing machine. Check for pet hairs sticking to the inside of the machine afterwards and run through a short rinse cycle if necessary.

Dr. Fyvie also speaks to the role your choice of pet food plays in a healthy skin and coat, shedding and even in keeping all types of furry expulsion under control:

  • For dogs, hair shedding is normal, but when it becomes excessive it can be caused by seasonal change, hormone imbalances, some illnesses, parasites and even allergies. A change to your dog’s diet can help limit hair shedding. Hill’s Science Plan Sensitive Stomach and Skin for dogs includes prebiotic fibre to support healthy digestion, high quality protein and Vitamin E and Omega 3 & 6 for skin nourishment to promote a beautiful coat and healthy gut.
  • Cats enjoy self-grooming for a large portion of the day, which can increase the chances of hairballs in your home. Hill’s Science Plan Hairball Indoor is nutritionally balanced to help avoid the formation of hairballs, and includes antioxidants, lean proteins, and Omega 3s. The natural fibre technology will help reduce hairball formation, while essential nutrients will limit shedding.

“A simple solution of changing your pet’s diet to a scientifically formulated food aimed at helping you manage their skin and coat could mean a healthier and happier life for both of you. The change can be profound” concludes Dr. Fyvie.

You can now buy your pet’s Hill’s Science Plan food from the comfort of your own home; visit www.hillspet.co.za/shop-online for a list of online retailers. Please note that the Hill’s Prescription Diet range is only available at vet clinics. Contact your vet to find out if they are offering a delivery service during the lockdown.

Source: Hill’s Pet Nutrition

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Whiskas Has Your Back This Hairball Awareness Day

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Whiskas

Do you remember the moment when Puss in Boots coughed up a hairball in Shrek 2? It was the first scene Antonio Banderas recorded as Puss in Boots and it left him temporarily voiceless, according to an interview in the New York Times.

The scene highlights the reality of hairballs for cats, as does Hairball Awareness Day, which takes place on the last Friday of April every year (it’s on 26 April this year) and is aimed at educating cat owners about their feline friends and those annoying hairballs.

Whiskas Senior Brand Manager, Nivashnee Moodley says hairballs occur because cats’ tongues have tiny hooks that capture dead and loose fur when they groom themselves. “This fur is then ingested and usually passes through the digestive system without incident.

“Sometimes, however, fur builds up in the stomach, resulting in a hairball that causes the cat to gag and cough it up. While this is a perfectly natural occurrence, if it happens too often, it may be harmful to cats and They may become tired, lose their appetite or suffer from constipation or diarrhoea. If this happens, it is best to consult a veterinarian for advice.”

Whiskas is crazy about cats and their general wellbeing. That’s why it has identified five easy ways for cat owners to help prevent hairballs:

Grooming

Brush your cat regularly. Not only does it help remove loose fur and stimulate blood circulation, but it is also a great way for owners to bond with their feline friends.

Lubricating oil

Adding fish, corn or olive oil to a cat’s diet helps lubricate the digestive system, which keeps things moving along smoothly and reduces the potential build-up of hairballs.

Playtime

Cats love to play. Playing can distract them from excessive grooming as a result of boredom or anxiety. Owners can up the game by making their own toy – a simple string with a feather attached to the end will do – or buying one of the many fine toys on offer in retail outlets to keep their kitties entertained.

Diet

Moodley says owners can consider feeding their cats Whiskas Hairball Control dry food which gives them a healthy coat and aids their digestion. “The specialised food contains more oil and is high in fibre, thereby helping to prevent hairballs forming from the outset.”

Source: WHISKAS®

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How And Why Do Cats Clean Themselves? A Guide To Grooming, Licking, Biting, And Self-Bathing

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How And Why Do Cats Clean Themselves? A Guide To Grooming, Licking, Biting, And Self-Bathing

Image: Pixabay

Can cats clean themselves? Why is your kitty constantly licking itself? Why do felines bite their fur?

When it comes to hygiene, feline furballs of all breeds and ages can be seen licking, biting, and grooming themselves on daily basis.

The act of cleaning is not only a hygiene practice, but also a bonding experience for cats when they clean each other.

Mothers lick their kittens in order to clean them as well as to provide a sense of comfort. Cats that are close to their owners might lick their pet parents. Many felines living under the same roof will lick each other, thus expressing affection.

But how do cats clean themselves? The cleaning process features the tongue, front paws, and teeth. Their barbed and bristled tongues are suited for catching any dirt, debris, and fallen hair. They also wet their paws with saliva and use them as a washcloth substitute.

Moreover, they use their teeth when cleaning themselves. Their incisor teeth come in handy for nibbling through tangled hair and through foreign particles stuck to their fur.

So, that’s the basic how, why and what of cat cleaning themselves. They do groom themselves a variety of ways, they can groom each other, and oh, they’ll probably make sure to do it in front of you because, well, they’re cats.

But what about things we have to help them with?

What Can’t Cats Clean?

Don’t get us wrong. Out of all popular domesticated animals, including dogs, cats are most definitely the cleanest. However, there are certain things which they simply can’t deal with, no matter how determined.

Hairballs

As your cat is trying to untangle its matted fur, it’s also shedding it. Furthermore, it’s also swallowing hairballs, which lead to vomiting, gastrointestinal issues, and other problems.

On top of that, the cat hair falling from your pet’s body isn’t 100% clean just because your cat has licked it. It’s still carrying allergen agents, dust, oils, and debris.

Make sure to brush or use a deshedding tool regularly on your kitty to help make sure she doesn’t suffer from hairballs.

Parasites

No matter how thoroughly your furball is nibbling through its fur, it can never fully get rid of ticks, fleas, and other parasites.

As clean as cats are, they can easily contract worms and other internal parasites. Your furry pal’s inborn instincts for hygiene won’t tell it that it’s not supposed to wander around a dirty spot, sniff infected feces, or eat an infected rodent.

Dental Problems

Cats can’t brush their teeth. They will eat grass when they want to induce vomiting in order to clean their stomach. However, they won’t do anything to clean their pearly whites, since the natural eating process usually helps keep them clean. If you’ve got an inside cat that doesn’t eat dry food, consider getting some dental chews or feed dry food once in awhile to help clean the teeth.

Getting rid of tartar build-up, bad breath, tooth decay, gum disease, and food leftovers aren’t your furball’s priority. And even if you’re the proud owner of an overall healthy breed, your pet is still prone to suffering from dental problems.

They Can’t Thoroughly Clean Their Fur

Regardless of the effort your precious pet is putting into licking itself, it can never fully clean its fur. Grooming the cat manually is a must for every single pet parent out there. It doesn’t matter if you own a long or shorthaired cat.

Some breeds will need weekly brushing, whereas others will need it on a daily basis.

Moreover, all cat breeds require bathing. It’s a well-known fact that most felines out there aren’t big fans of the water and they act aggressively during bath time, but it doesn’t mean that you shouldn’t bathe your pet. Not all cats hate water. Some simply dislike it, while others get petrified in the bathtub. Of course, some even enjoy it, such as the Turkish Van cat.

Regardless of your feline furball’s breed, age, and fur coat, you should groom it manually. Don’t rely on its own self-cleaning techniques, otherwise you’ll compromise its physical health.

Source: Catological

Hairballs: The Trouble With Fur

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Image: Pixabay

Dealing with hairballs

Almost all cat owners have seen a hairball or heard the disturbing sound of their cat trying to cough one up. Hairballs are easy to recognise as they take the distinctive form of cylindrical (tube shaped) masses of hair. Sometimes a hairball will be accompanied by bile or food particles. Hairballs form in your cat’s stomach from hair that they’ve swallowed, while grooming. Cats are unable to spit the hair out because their tongues are covered with hundreds of small backward pointing barbs. These barbs don’t allow hair to move forward out of your cat’s mouth. Another reason why they occur is because cats are unable to excrete hair.

Build-up

Usually swallowing hair isn’t a problem for cats, but sometimes the hair will build up in the stomach and form a hairball. Longhaired breeds are particularly susceptible to them. If your cat gets the occasional hairball you needn’t worry. However if she is getting them regularly or seems to be having serious problems with one, you should talk to your vet.

Problems

Hairballs can cause problems if they harden in the stomach and the cat is unable to pass it. Signs that your cat may be having trouble with a hairball include:

  • constipation
  • hard stool with signs of hair
  • coughing or heaving particularly after eating
  • lack of interest in food

Prevention

The best thing you can do to stop hairballs forming is to groom your cat regularly. With longhaired breeds this is a must. Brushing your cat will remove dead hair from her coat making it much less likely for her to swallow loose hair.

Most cats love being brushed, so this is an excellent opportunity to bond with your cat. Be extra diligent with brushing in the springtime when your cat is shedding its winter coat.

There are also some methods you can use to supplement brushing. For example, there are a variety of hairball control foods or supplements that can help.

These work by making it easier for your cat to simply pass hair through their body as part of digestion. Talk to your vet and he or she will be able to recommend the best solution for you.

Source: Hills

Having a Hairy Time with Hairballs?

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Image: Pixabay

We have you covered:

As your fur child throws itself into a session of serious grooming or is nursing that bad habit of constantly licking itself, you know the chances are pretty high that they’ll eventually be delivering you a present of fuzzy tufts.  Hairballs are a reality for most cat owners as their feline friends, are by nature, accustomed to constantly sprucing up their appearance, however dogs with medium to long coats can also develop hairballs just as frequently.

Hairballs, otherwise known as tricholiths or trichobezoars, are clumps of entangled hair that is difficult to digest, thereby becoming wedged in a pet’s stomach, oesophagus or intestine.

If you would like to get better acquainted with the causes, symptoms and remedies for managing these hairy occurrences in your beloved pet, then read on…

Causes of Hairballs in Pets

Your furry companion’s grooming habits are the primary reason why they develop hairballs in the first place.

Cats are known to spend up to 50% of their time awake grooming. This is instinctive behaviour and they do it for several reasons. They groom to remove food and odors from their fur so they are not potential targets for predators. They groom to cool themselves down. Licking their fur distributes natural oils evenly around their coats which also seals in the heat. It is also thought that cat saliva contains certain enzymes that turn it into a natural antibiotic. By licking wounds, it may be guarding against infection. Cats groom to relax and take comfort in the ritual of cleaning head to tail. As the book by Jake M. Lewis states: When in Doubt Wash: A Mother Cat’s Advice to her kitten. A cat’s tongue is covered with tiny, bristle-like hairs and provides stimulation to the skin and increases blood flow when they lick and groom.

So with all these good reasons to groom, cats accumulate a lot of hair in their systems.

Canines however may engage in excessive grooming rituals during winter months when their skin becomes dry and irritated or if they develop skin problems such as allergies, ticks and fleas. Shedding season can also contribute to the occurrence of hairballs if they are left to tend to their own grooming devices. Luckily, during this process, much of the dead hair caught on the surface of the tongue is easily passed on as fecal matter. However, some stubborn hair left behind in the stomach may be expelled in the form of hairballs through the oesophagus.

Risks associated with hairballs depend on the amount of and duration the hair has been present in the gastrointestinal tract. Pets with a healthy elimination rate will easily expel moderate amounts of hair, however those with slower rates of elimination or those that are sick or weak, will endure problems even if small quantities of hair are ingested. If the hair has settled in your pet’s stomach for some time, chances are that the hairball has grown hard and large, thereby causing an obstruction in the stomach.

Symptoms

The physical symptoms such as gagging, vomiting and retching which occur when your pet ejects a hairball can be upsetting for a pet parent to watch but it’s important that you monitor this process closely to check if it has caused any blockages.

A veterinarian should be contacted immediately if a potential obstruction overlaps with the following symptoms:

  • loss of appetite
  • persistent vomiting without the ejection of hairballs
  • weakness and lethargy
  • diarrhea
  • constipation
  • bloated stomach (regarding more severe cases)

Treatment

In most cases, hairballs that are moderate in size can be ejected via the mouth and should not warrant a cause for concern for pet parents. However, if these hairballs grow too big and become unable to pass through the intestines, this could subsequently be cause for alarm. In the incident that a hairball causes an obstruction within the digestive system, a veterinarian may prescribe laxatives to your furry friend to resolve the issue. However, if the obstruction is severe enough in nature and has the potential to lead to further complications, then surgery may be the way forward.

Management

It is not possible to completely prevent hairballs, yet pet owners can take some simple steps to minimize the occurrence thereof:

  • Regular Grooming: By ensuring your loyal buddy is well-groomed with routine combing or brushing sessions, you will not only reduce the chances of hairballs developing but you can consider this special bonding time with your treasured fur baby. Grooming frequency should increase as your pet’s shedding rate increases. You can also wipe them down with a damp cloth to rid any excess hair. Throw the loose hairs away in a closed bin so they are inaccessible to your pet.
  • Feed your pet a healthy diet: A diet naturally high in fibre and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, enhances the quality of your pet’s coat and can also assist in reducing the chances of developing hairballs.
  • Speak to your veterinarian about giving your pet mild laxatives that can contribute to smoothly guiding a hairball through the digestive tract. Note: The use of laxatives for pets should only be used under a professional veterinarian’s supervision.
  • Any excessive grooming behaviour on your pet’s part should be monitored closely to find out the actual causes thereof. If your pet has been chewing at or licking their skin more than usual, it could be possible that they are suffering from allergies, in which case your vet can best prescribe something to treat the irritation.
  • Protect your pet from ticks or fleas to avoid them having to gnaw and lick in response to the related aggravation. Ticks and fleas should be treated immediately to prevent further problems from unfolding. read about Flea and Tick Prevention in Dogs
  • Keep your pet hydrated. Hydration is the key to a healthy gut so ensure your pet has constant access to water. This will also support easier elimination in your fur ball friend.
  • Ensure your pet is stimulated: Some pets gnaw and lick themselves relentlessly merely out of boredom or anxiety so ensure you keep them occupied and happy with toy puzzles, chew toys, regular walks and spending enough quality time with them.

Written for inFURmation
by Taliah Williamson

 

Disclaimer: The information produced by Infurmation is provided for general and educational purposes only and does not constitute any legal, medical or other professional advice on any subject matter. These statements are not intended to diagnose, treat or cure any disease. Always seek the advice of your vet or other qualified health care provider prior to starting any new diet or treatment and with any questions you may have regarding a medical condition. If you suspect that your pet has a medical problem, promptly contact your health care provider.