Many cats will experience feline hairballs at some point. Long-haired cats and cats who overgroom are more likely to have this problem. Feeding cats a hairball control cat food formula can help them pass the hairball early, before it becomes too large.
While throwing up an occasional hairball is generally not serious, feline hairballs can become too large to be passed easily.
When this happens, they can become lodged in either the intestines or the esophagus, leading to serious problems that require veterinary medical assistance.
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Using Hairball Cat Food for Relief and Treatment of Feline Hairballs
Many cat food manufacturers have hairball control formulas designed to help cats pass hairballs quickly and easily.
These formulas use a combination of increased fiber, as well as fish oils and omega-6 and omega-3 acids, to unblock the digestive system.
Most manufacturers add extra vitamins and minerals since food, as well as hairballs, are passed more quickly, making it harder for cats to absorb all the nutrients from the food.
Well-known manufacturers of hairball control cat food include Purina, Science Diet, Iams, Royal Canin, Eukanuba, Pro Plan, and Authority.
Types of Fibers in Hairball Control Cat Food
Most regular cat foods have between 1 and 2% fiber.
Hairball control cat food may have as much as eight percent fiber.
A cat's digestive system is different from that of dogs and other species.
Cats react strongly to the fermentability of fiber, which differs according to the fiber source. (Fermentation is the process by which carbohydrates are broken down in the digestive tract to release their energy.)
Fiber from poorly fermentable sources, such as cellulose, is difficult for cats to digest.
That's why cats do not tolerate foods that contain large amounts of grains.
The vets at Vetinfo.com recommend products using beet pulp because it is easier to digest and better for cats.
Risks of Too Much Fiber In Cat Food
As with many things, too much of even a good thing can have bad results. The same is true of fiber.
Too much fiber in cat food can irritate the GI tract.
In addition, hairball control cat food is often lower in fat than regular formula cat food.
According to Vetinfo.com, veterinarians, this can result in indigestion or constipation.
Over the long term, fiber can draw fluid into the intestines. This has two effects.
One, as fluids are drawn away from other parts of the body, cats are at a greater risk of dehydration.
Two, with less fluid in the bladder, the concentration of urine increases.
This can lead to cystitis, an inflammation of the urinary bladder.
Cystitis is painful and can be serious, and requires veterinary medical attention.
Recommendations for Using Hairball Control Cat Foods
Before introducing a hairball control cat food, read the label carefully.
Look for products with no more than 8% fiber from non-grain sources and introduce the new formula gradually, mixing it with the cat's regular food.
Monitor the cat's reaction to the food.
If the cat develops constipation or diarrhea, cut back on the amount of the hairball control food or change to a brand with a different source of fiber.
And, if the problem continues, consult your vet.
If the cat appears to be having problems urinating, such as going frequently but only urinating a bit or urinating outside the litter box, take the cat to the vet to check for cystitis.
So, Does Hairball Cat Food Work?
The answer is yes! Most cats will react well to this type of cat food and have fewer problems with hairballs.
Once the problem is resolved, Vetinfo.com veterinarians recommend returning to normal cat food.
Hairball control cat food is used as a hairball remedy treatment. It is not a long-term substitute for regular cat food.
A.Leigh says
I bought a hairball control cat food because our usual dry food was out of stock. Our only long-hair cat has been throwing up after eating it, and the food is mostly digested.
I think he has a sensitive stomach, but he also has asthma attacks on occasion.
Could the hairball control food be making him vomit because he's got a buildup of fur in his system, or he's not used to the amount of fiber in the food?
I will be buying their regular food soon, but do you think he will adjust to the different food?
sheila ressel says
Sounds like a great option when other things don't seem to work.
Elizabeth says
I’d wondered how hairball control works!
Heather says
It's important to see how your cat reacts to new cat food. This post was super informative to us pet parents thanks for sharing.
Elizabeth says
It must be so uncomfortable for the cat!
Gerri says
Thank you for the information. Learned something new. I was thinking about using food for hairballs all the time, but now I won't. I'll just give it to them once in awhile mixed with their regular food. Thank you again.
Mernie says
My 17 yr old cat throws up a hair ball almost daily. I give her sentry brand hair ball relief a few times a week. She eats royal canin digestive dry and wet cat food rotated with blue buffalo blissful belly. She has a history of constipation and manages a daily BM on these foods. What else should I be considering?
Diane says
You are doing great! Other than what you are trying, I would suggest just keeping up with vet appointments and follow any advice they give.