Why do cats get hairballs?
Should a Hairball Care formula be fed exclusively?
Most cats spend a considerable amount of time grooming their coat. As they do so, the hair is swallowed and may build up over time in their stomach. If the hairball doesn't pass through the stomach, the cat will attempt to eliminate it by coughing or gagging to bring it back up through the mouth.
Many cats have a hairball at some point in their life, but some cats, such as long-haired cats and cats who groom excessively, are especially prone to hairballs. For cats who are prone to hairballs, frequent brushing can help reduce the amount of hair that is ingested, thereby reducing the risk of hairball formation. Feeding a special diet designed to decrease the likelihood of developing a hairball may also help.
Should a Hairball Care formula be fed exclusively?
Yes. Mixing other foods with Hairball diets may compromise the effectiveness of this diet by diluting the nutrients that help reduce the risk of hairball formation. Switching between Hairball diets and another type of cat food may also decrease the benefit of feeding this diet.
How can nutrition help?
Diet can be important in minimising the discomfort from hairballs for several reasons.
The special fibre combination of powdered cellulose and beet pulp helps move hair through the digestive tract. Iams® research has shown that cats fed our Iams® Hairball diet pass 80% more hair in their faeces than cats fed Iams Adult chicken. By helping the ingested hair to be passed from the digestive tract, our Hairball diet helps to reduce the opportunities for hairballs to form. Our fibre blend also includes a moderately fermentable fibre source to help promote intestinal health.
High-quality, animal-based protein and fat provide important nutrients for skin and coat health. Maintaining a healthy skin and coat may also reduce the risks of excessive shedding, ingestion of hair from grooming and, consequently, hairball formation.
