✂️What to Do When Your Cat Is Coughing Up Hairballs

✂️What to Do When Your Cat Is Coughing Up Hairballs

Meta Title: How to Help Your Cat with Hairballs | Cat Care Tips
Meta Description: Learn why cats cough up hairballs and how to help reduce them with practical grooming, diet, and lifestyle tips.

🐱 Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Hairballs (also called trichobezoars) are clumps of undigested hair that build up in a cat’s stomach. Cats are naturally clean animals, and they groom themselves by licking their fur. In the process, they swallow loose hairs. Most of this hair passes through the digestive tract and exits in the litter box. But sometimes, hair stays in the stomach and forms a ball that your cat eventually coughs up.

Occasional hairballs are completely normal, especially for long-haired breeds. However, frequent hairballs could signal an underlying issue.

🐾 Common Signs of Hairballs

  • Gagging or retching

  • Vomiting a tube-shaped wad of fur

  • Constipation or lack of appetite

  • Frequent hacking without producing anything

If your cat is coughing without releasing a hairball or seems distressed, it’s best to consult a vet.

✂️ How to Reduce Hairballs: Practical Tips

1. Brush Your Cat Regularly
Frequent grooming helps remove loose fur before your cat swallows it. Use a quality cat brush — daily for long-haired cats, and a few times a week for short-haired breeds.

2. Add Fiber to Their Diet
A fiber-rich diet helps move hair through the digestive system. Some pet foods are specially formulated for hairball control. You can also add pumpkin puree or fiber supplements (with vet approval).

3. Provide Hairball Control Treats
Many brands offer tasty treats that include lubricants or mild laxatives to help fur pass naturally through the gut.

4. Keep Your Cat Hydrated
Proper hydration supports healthy digestion. Consider using a cat water fountain to encourage more drinking.

5. Minimize Stress and Boredom
Stress can lead to over-grooming. Provide toys, climbing spaces, and playtime to keep your cat engaged and calm.

🧼 Bonus Tip: Clean Up with Ease

Hairballs are messy! Keep pet-safe cleaning supplies nearby, and consider using washable cat mats where your feline friend likes to rest.

🚨 When to Call the Vet

If your cat experiences any of the following, contact your veterinarian:

  • Persistent vomiting

  • Signs of pain or discomfort

  • Loss of appetite or lethargy

  • Blood in vomit or stool

Hairballs shouldn't be a frequent or painful event. If they are, it’s time for a professional check-up.

🐾 Final Thoughts

Hairballs are a natural part of being a cat — but they don’t have to be a regular problem. With the right care, grooming, and diet, you can help your cat stay healthy, happy, and hairball-free.

 

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