Cats and Hairballs

How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats Naturally

Managing hairballs doesn't need to be a full-time job. But if you’re a cat parent, you’ve probably dealt with them. While long-haired cats may get hairballs more regularly, short-haired and medium-haired cats are also susceptible.

The reason: If cats don’t digest their individual hairs properly from their frequent and meticulous grooming sessions, hairballs form, and then get hacked up to the soundtrack of that cat hairball sound. How can you prevent hairballs in your cat kid naturally? Read on for some tips.

Establish a grooming routine

• Brush your cat — daily if they’re long-haired and weekly if they’re short- or medium-haired. Regularly brushing can reduce the amount of hair they’re ingesting when grooming.
• If necessary, give them a bath with a cat-safe degreasing shampoo, and no more than every six weeks.
• Consider taking them to a professional groomer. They can help tame the mane on long-haired cats, including Persians and Maine Coons, and even give you cat brushing tips.

Modify their diet

• If your cat kid gets frequent hairballs, include some more fiber in their diet, which will help boost their digestive system. Try a dollop of pumpkin or a side of mashed sweet potatoes with their food, or even switch to a high-fiber cat food.
• Add a few drops of olive oil to their meals. Not only is olive oil packed with vitamins and minerals, it also helps soften and lubricate their hair so they’re not as likely to ingest as many hairs during their grooming sessions.
• Always have fresh, clean water accessible to them — the extra hydration helps their digestion and creates a healthier coat.