What are cat hairballs?
Cat owners will understand the odd experience of finding a hairball for the first time. Some will be disgusted and may wretch a little, others will be instantly concerned that something is wrong with their pets, both are very natural reactions. Hairballs are an odd part of owning a cat that can take some getting used to. Many people will just accept that they are something that happens, without actually knowing what they are or why they occur. In this article, we will answer the question many owners will have asked themselves, what exactly are cat hairballs? As well as this, we will answer more questions about hairballs, so you can be in the know the next time you find a furry little friend left by your feline.
What is a hairball/fur ball?
What is the cause of cat hairballs?
Hairballs/furballs are not something that just occur naturally. They are often caused by different things. The most common cause of hairballs is grooming. When your cat grooms themselves they lick at their fur with their rough tongue. The tongue of a cat is covered in backwards-slanted papillae, this is what makes a cat's tongue feel rough and coarse. When a cat grooms itself these papillae will cause some fur to go down the throat of the cat.
When a cat swallows, this fur will then go into its stomach. Keratin, which is the main structural component of a cat's hair, is indigestible. This means that hair will begin to build up in the stomach of the cat. Not all swallowed hair will create a hairball. Some hair will pass through the digestive tract and will be released in faeces.
What do cat hairballs look like?
You may have found some objects in your home, often on the floor, near your cat's water bowl, or in their bed, that you may have thought are hairballs. It is usually easy to tell when it is a hairball or not. A hairball is exactly what you think it is, a damp clump of hair, usually around the size of a 50p. Hairballs are usually round or cylindrical in shape and fresh ones will look slimy or wet. A hairball that has been sat for a while may look dryer and can be confused for hair that has been shed from your pet. If you find a hairball then you should pick it up in a piece of tissue before disposing of it in the bin. If the hairball is particularly large then you may need to keep it to show a vet, if necessary.
Are cat hairballs normal?
Many people will have heard of hairballs, but are they as normal as you may think? The truth is, hairballs are completely normal, and cats may have one or two hairballs per week. Some cats may never produce hairballs, and this can be due to a number of factors.
Are there any dangers to cats producing hairballs?
Hairballs, for the most part, are completely harmless and will just cause your cat a moment's discomfort. However, some cats may suffer from more frequent hairballs or hairballs that are larger. Larger hairballs can cause problems as they can become lodged in the throat. If a hairball becomes lodged, it can lead to your cat choking and struggling to breathe. This is more common in cats with longer, thicker fur.
Are some types of cats more prone to hairballs?
There are some breeds of cats that are more prone to hairballs, simply because of their fur. Cats with longer, thicker fur are more likely to experience hairballs than those with shorter fur. Shorter fur is easier to pass for a cat, so will usually go through their system with ease and will not clog in the stomach. Longer-haired breeds, such as Birman’s and American Bobtails, will swallow more hair when they groom themselves. As this hair is longer, it will be harder for it to pass through into the faeces. Hairballs are also more likely to occur during the shedding season. Peak shedding season will be in the spring and autumn, so you may want to keep an eye on your cat during this time, especially if they have longer fur.
What are the symptoms of cat hairballs?
There are some symptoms you can keep an eye out for if you are concerned about your cat getting a hairball. The main symptoms that you can keep an eye out for include:
Retching or gagging
Involuntary body movement
Diarrhoea
Lack of appetite
An unusual thirst
Vomiting without bringing anything up
How can I prevent hairballs for my cat?
Preventing hairballs can be difficult as you cannot simply stop your cat from grooming themselves. If you have a short-haired cat or a cat breed that is not known for malting very much, then you should be okay and hairballs should be fairly rare. If you have a breed that malts a lot with long fur, you can help to prevent hairballs by regularly grooming your pet, especially during malting season. You should also ensure that your cat has plenty of fresh water to drink so they can clear their throats if needed.
Are there other conditions that are similar to the symptoms of hairballs in cats?
If your cat is suffering from any of the symptoms mentioned above then you should not simply assume that they have a hairball. This is especially true if they are short-haired. All of the above-mentioned symptoms can also be symptoms of other conditions. If your cat has these symptoms for a sustained period then you may wish to consider getting them looked at by a vet. For convenience, using an online vet, such as PocketVet, can be a great way to get some peace of mind without needing to stress your pet out by taking them to the vet.
Sources
https://catfriendly.com/routine-care-grooming/hairballs/
https://www.petmd.com/cat/conditions/complete-cat-hairball-guide-everything-you-need-know
https://www.purina.co.uk/articles/cats/health/digestion/cat-hairballs
https://pets.webmd.com/cats/guide/what-to-do-about-hairballs-in-cats
https://www.petmd.com/cat/grooming/evr_ct_cat_hairballs
