Hairballs are not fun for you or your cats. This article covers the causes of hairballs and the ingredients that you should look for when deciding on the best cat food for cat hairballs.
How do cats get hairballs?
Hairballs form when your cat grooms its fur. The hair gets caught on your cat’s tongue and is then digested. A hairball forms when a group of these hairs form together, usually resulting in your cat throwing up a hairball. Most cat foods for hairballs break down the hair once it is digested and allows the hair to safely pass through your cats digestive system.
What ingredients should I look for when buying cat food for hairballs?
- Fiber: One of the most common and important ingredients in cat food for cat balls is Fiber. Fiber gently moves hair through the digestive tract so that it is eliminated before it can build up and cause a problem.
- We recommend finding a cat food that contains high quality protein, Vitamin A, and fatty acids which help maintain healthy skin and hair coat. Also, Chelated minerals help ensure good nutrient absorption. Increased levels of high-quality protein help to maintain good muscle tone. Probiotics help maintain a healthy digestive system.
If your cat has hairballs and is vomiting, you should check out the best cat food for hairballs and vomiting.
Should I continue to give my cat hairball medication if I am giving it cat food for hairballs?
You should consult your veterinarian, but most likely you will not need to continue giving your cat hairball medication. One possible exception might be in a long haired cat, or during times of the year when the cat is shedding excessively.
Should I give my cat more water when feeding it cat food for hairballs?
There is no need to increase the amount of water your cat drinks. We reccomend making sure your cat continues to drink a normal, healthy amount of water to wash down the high fiber food. It is important that you are giving your cat fresh water.