2024.09.09 Hairballs in Cats

Hairball Management

September 9, 2024 Dr. Katy Miller, DVM, CVFT, CVNAN, CPFFCP, PCQI, PAS

Ever heard of feline trichobezoars? Do not worry. Though it sounds like an alien invasion, it is just the scientific name for hairballs in cats. Cats are meticulous groomers, using their rough tongues to remove loose fur and debris from their coats. However, this constant self-cleaning can lead to a common feline woe: hairballs.

The tiny, backward-facing hooks on a cat's tongue (papillae/barbs) effectively grab loose hair, but some may be swallowed inadvertently as the cat grooms. The ingested hair accumulates in the stomach, forming a hairball often too large to pass through the digestive tract.1 As the cat continues grooming, the hairball grows, and the cat's body instinctively tries to expel it. This can lead to coughing and gagging and can ultimately lead to vomiting up the hairball. Alternatively, hair is made from an insoluble protein, keratin, that is indigestible, the hairball may pass through the intestinal tract undigested.2,3 Passage into the small intestine may cause partial or complete intestinal obstruction, leading to vomiting and abdominal discomfort, or it may pass through and exit with the feces.

Hairballs may be a natural occurrence, but they can be managed with nutrition playing an important role in improving skin and coat quality, thereby reducing the amount of hair ingested and looking at ways to move hair through the digestive system. Let’s look at how:

Improve Skin and Coat Quality

Dietary Protein:

Omega-3 and Omega-6 Fatty Acids:

Move Hair Through

Dietary Fiber:

Hydration:

Supplementation:

Some Additional Tips:

Hairballs are a natural consequence of a cat's grooming habits, but excessive hairball formation can sometimes indicate underlying health issues like allergies that can lead to increased shedding and contribute to poor skin and coat health. Poor nutrition is another cause of increased hairballs. If a cat's diet is not sufficient, their skin and coat health may decline, leading to excessive shedding and, in turn, more hairballs. Consulting a veterinarian if a cat seems to be experiencing hairballs more frequently than usual is always recommended. By incorporating a fiber-rich diet, promoting healthy skin and coats, and ensuring proper hydration, a cat can naturally manage hairballs and reduce their frequency.

References

  1. Barnette, C. Trichobezoars (hairballs) in cats. VCA. Retrieved on July 28, 2024. https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/trichobezoars-in-cats
  2. Grazziotin, A, Pimentel, FA, De Jong, EV, Brandelli, A. 2006. Nutritional improvement of feather protein by treatment with microbial keratinase. Anim. Feed Sci. Technol. 126(1-2):135-144. Doi:10.1016/j.anifeedsci.2005.06.002
  3. Marshall, RC, Orwin, DF, Gillespie, JM. 1991. Structure and biochemistry of mammalian hard keratin. Electron Micro. Rev. 4(1):47-83. Doi:10.1016/0892-0354(91)90016-6
  4. Trüeb, RM, 2020. Nutritional disorders of the hair and their management. Nutrition for healthy hair: Guide to understanding and proper practice. Nutr. Healthy Hair. pp. 111-223. Doi:10.1007/978-3-030-59920-1_5
  5. Saseendran, A, Sherin, GK., Banakar, PS, Rajkumar, G, Jayaprakash, G, Sheethal, C. 2016) Skin disease in companion animals: A nutritional impact. Indian J. Nat. Sci. (IJONS). 6(36):1-11. https://tnsroindia.org.in/JOURNAL/issue36/ISSUE%2036%20FULL%20TEXT.pdf
  6. Saker, KE. 2006. Nutrition and immune function. Vet. Clin. Sm. Anim. Pract. 36(6): 1199-1224. Doi:10.1016/j.cvsm.2006.09.001
  7. Norsworthy, GD. (Ed.). 2018. The Feline Patient. John Wiley & Sons. 16:33-34. https://citeseerx.ist.psu.edu/document?repid=rep1&type=pdf&doi=e3c40e87768f2ebe0496544cfa040048c1d7906c
  8. Park, HJ, Park, JS, Hayek, MG, Reinhart, GA, Chew, BP. 2011. Dietary fish oil and flaxseed oil suppress inflammation and immunity in cats. Vet. Immunol. Immunopathol. 141(3-4):301- Doi:10.1016/j.vetimm.2011.02.024
  9. Burron, S, Richards, T, Krebs, G, Trevizan, L, Rankovic, A, Hartwig, S, Pearson, W, Ma, DWL, Shoveller, AK. 2024. The balance of n-6 and n-3 fatty acids in canine, feline and equine nutrition: exploring sources and the significance of alpha-linolenic acid. J. Anim. Sci. 102:skae143. Doi:10.1093/jas/skae143

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About the Author

Dr. Katy Miller works as the Director of Veterinary Services at BSM Partners. She earned her veterinary degree at Ross University and completed her clinical year at Louisiana State University. She previously served for 11 years as the Director of Dog and Cat Health and Nutrition for Mud Bay where she earned multiple certifications and specialized in pet food nutriton, prior to which she practiced general and emergency medicine for seven years. She is also a competitive three-day eventer, licensed falconer, and claims only two (Golden and Mini Doxie) of their nine dogs.

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