Diets for Cats with Hairball Issues

Why cats get hairballs

Cats are way into looking good. They spend up to half of their waking hours grooming themselves. In the process, they inadvertently swallow a lot of their own fur — some of which comes back up later. Longhaired cats, and cats who are extra-active groomers, tend to have more hairballs.

It’s normal for your feline to cough up a hairball fairly often. But too many can lead to problems including:

• Loss of appetite
• Constipation
• Vomiting of hair and mucus
• Blocked digestion

How can food help?

First, be sure to brush your cat frequently, which helps get rid of loose fur. Give your kitty plenty of interaction — sometimes cats over-groom out of boredom. If your cat’s skin seems itchy or irritated, consult your vet for advice.

Beyond these measures, a cat food made specifically to cut down on hairballs may help. Hairball control cat food is higher in fiber, which helps your cat’s digestion. The food also contains certain fats for coat health and to help reduce shedding.