Hairballs are an issue that every cat parent knows well. Contrary to popular belief, it’s not ‘normal’ for kitties to purge hairballs on a regular basis. If your cat is coughing these up frequently, read below for some easy tips to stop the hairballs in your home.
When cats groom themselves they ingest hair from their coat. This fur is sent through their digestive tract just like the food they eat. When a feline’s digestive tract is ‘clogged‘ the hair and other substances will be regurgitated back up in the form of a hairball. Cat parents and many veterinarians tend to treat the symptoms of hairballs with gels, treats and foods – however, they rarely address the actual underlying problem.
How To Stop The Hairballs – Addressing The Problem
- Feed A Moisture Rich Diet. Cats were not designed to eat dry pieces of kibble that are high in carbohydrates, yet 96% of cat parents feed this to their fur-babies. Carbohydrates cannot be easily broken down in a cat’s body, so the excess ends up getting stuck. We can’t stop the hairballs if we continue to clog the digestive tract with dry carbs. Feeding a moisture-rich diet that’s high in protein and low in starch and carbs flows gently through the digestive system and is often enough to stop the frequency of hairballs alone.
- Brush Your Cat Frequently. Grooming your kitties is important, especially during the changing of seasons when they blow their undercoats. This also helps strengthen the bond between you and your cat. Spending a few minutes brushing your kitty each day will help cut back on the amount of hair she ingests, thus helping to prevent hairballs.
- Give Your Kitty Digestive Enzymes. Digestive enzymes may sound like a big word, but they are a crucial part of life. All living beings need digestive enzymes in order to survive. They break down everything that we ingest and tell the substance where to go in the body. Our bodies make a certain portion of these enzymes for us, but our cats often need outside support. By adding in a simple enzyme supplement, you’ll be helping your kitty to better digest the food and hair they ingest. This will significantly cut back on hairballs while making your cat an overall healthier mammal.
Digestive Enzymes for Hairball Control
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