Cats swallow a lot of hair due to frequent licking. If the hairballs cannot be excreted through vomiting or defecation, it may cause hairball syndrome, leading to problems such as loss of appetite, constipation and even intestinal obstruction. This article combines veterinary advice and maintenance experience to comprehensively analyze the coping strategies from emergency treatment, daily prevention to the timing of medical treatment.
1. Hazards and symptoms of hairball retention
Hairballs are clumps of hair accumulated in the cat's stomach. Long-term retention can cause the following problems:
1. Intestinal obstruction: Hairballs that are too large may block the digestive tract, causing severe abdominal pain, vomiting, and difficulty in defecation. In severe cases, surgery is required to remove them;
2. Malnutrition: Hairballs hinder nutrient absorption, causing cats to become thin and their hair to become rough;
3. Secondary diseases: Long-term stimulation may cause gastritis, enteritis, and even life-threatening.
Dangerous signals: Frequent retching without vomiting hairballs; lethargy and refusal to eat for more than 24 hours; hard and swollen abdomen and complete cessation of defecation.
2. Emergency treatment: 4 ways to help cats expel hairballs
1. Feed cat grass to stimulate vomiting
Cat grass (such as wheat grass and oat grass) is rich in cellulose, which can stimulate the stomach wall to induce vomiting and directly expel hairballs.
Operation: Plant cat grass to 7-8 cm high and cut it into pieces for feeding, 1-2 times a day, 5-10 grams each time.
Note: Some cats may refuse to eat, so gastrointestinal reactions need to be observed. If vomiting occurs frequently, use of the product should be discontinued.
2. Use hairball remover to soften hairballs
Hairball remover promotes excretion by lubricating the intestines and softening hairballs. It is suitable for cats that are not sensitive to cat grass.
Recommended ingredients: Choose cat grass hairball remover containing natural plant oil (such as fish oil, olive oil) and dietary fiber (barley malt), and avoid inferior hairball remover containing mineral oil.
Usage: Adjust the dosage according to body weight (generally feed 5 cm per 2.5 kg), 3 times a week in the shedding season and once a week in the non-shedding season.
3. Replenish water and lubricants
A small amount of olive oil or coconut oil (3-5 ml per 2.5 kg body weight) can temporarily lubricate the intestines, but no more than 2 times a month to avoid nutrient absorption disorders;
Increase drinking water: Provide mobile water dispensers or warm water to promote intestinal peristalsis.
4. Fasting observation and medical treatment
Fasting for 6 hours: Stop feeding to reduce the burden on the stomach and intestines, and only provide a small amount of warm water; Seek medical attention immediately: If the symptoms do not improve within 48 hours, or if blood in the stool or high fever occurs, B-ultrasound or X-ray examination is required to confirm the obstruction, and surgical removal of the hairball is required if necessary.
3. Daily prevention: 3 measures to reduce hairball formation
1. Daily combing to reduce hair intake:
Use a silicone comb for short-haired cats and a row comb or detangling comb for long-haired cats, focusing on cleaning the abdomen, armpits and other areas prone to tangles;
Frequency: 3 times a week for short-haired cats, 1 time a day for long-haired cats, and increase to 2 times a day during the shedding season.
2. Dietary adjustment to promote intestinal health:
• High-fiber food: Add pumpkin puree (5 grams each time) or alfalfa powder to enhance intestinal peristalsis;
• Fish oil and lecithin: Reduce non-seasonal hair loss and improve hair quality.
3. Environmental cleaning and behavior management:
• Cleaning floating hair: Use a vacuum cleaner to clean regularly to reduce cats from accidentally eating hair in the environment;
• Reduce stress: Avoid frequent changes in the environment, and provide cat scratching boards and toys to distract cats from licking hair.
4. Common misunderstandings and precautions
1. Myth 1: Hairless cats do not need hair removal care: Hairless cats may accidentally eat the hair of humans or other pets, and they still need to check their intestinal health regularly.
2. Myth 2: Frequent feeding of hair removal cream: Excessive use may cause diarrhea or dependence, and healthy cats can prevent it through combing and diet adjustment.
3. Ingredient safety: Avoid hair removal products containing mineral oil and artificial fragrances, and choose pet-specific brands with "Xiao" certification.
When the hairballs in the cat's stomach cannot be discharged, emergency treatment and long-term prevention are combined. Daily frequent combing and scientific feeding of hair removal products are the core. If persistent vomiting or constipation occurs, be sure to seek medical attention in time. Through careful care, the risk of hairball disease can be greatly reduced and the intestinal health of cats can be protected!