If you think hairballs are just part of life with cats, think again! Frequent hairballs can signal serious health issues like digestive problems, excessive grooming due to stress or allergies, or even conditions like inflammatory bowel disease (IBD) and pancreatitis.
In this episode of Muddy Paws & Hairballs, veterinarian Dr. Linda Atkins breaks down the truth about cat hairballs, why they happen, and how to prevent them.
Key Takeaways:
✔️ Healthy cats should have hairballs "seasonally", approximately four hairballs per year—weekly or monthly hairballs are a red flag.
✔️ Excessive grooming is often triggered by stress, food allergies, skin irritation, or parasites.
✔️ Digestive motility issues, like IBD, pancreatitis, or even constipation, can cause hairballs to form instead of passing through.
✔️ Brushing your cat regularly removes loose fur before they swallow it—the #1 way to prevent hairballs!
✔️ Wet cat food and fresh water improve digestive health and help move swallowed fur through the system.
✔️ Long-haired cat breeds (Persians, Maine Coons, Ragdolls) require extra grooming to prevent hairballs and matting.
✔️ Hairball-related coughing? It might not be hairballs at all—feline asthma or heart disease could be the real culprit.
✔️ Training pets early to accept brushing makes future grooming stress-free.
✔️ Thinking of adopting a cat? Know what you’re signing up for—long-haired cats need lifelong grooming commitment!
Don’t Ignore the Signs!
Frequent hairballs, vomiting, or excessive grooming are NOT normal cat behavior. If your cat is hacking up hairballs more than a few times a year, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health concerns.
🎧 Listen now and learn how to keep your cat’s digestion, coat, and health in top shape!
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