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You love your cat. But the sight of watching your cat gag and cough up a hairball is anything but pleasant. Moreover, cat hairball can also cause intestinal blockages, which can lead to serious health issues for your cat.
Cat furball is common, but its seriousness varies from cat to cat. Long-haired breeds, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are more susceptible to developing hairballs. Besides, hairballs are more common in cats who shed excessively or groom themselves obsessively because they swallow a lot of fur.
In fact, you may have noticed that your cat didn't have hairballs when it was younger but developed the habit as it grew older. Cats become better groomers and even better at getting rid of fur from their coats with their tongues, resulting in more hairballs for you to clean up. It is this grooming behavior that is linked with the intake of fur.
Diet can be important in hairball relief for several reasons. The fiber combination of powdered cellulose and beet pulp in IAMS™ hairball formulas help move hair through the digestive tract. IAMS research has shown that cats fed IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Hairball Care pass 80% more hair in their feces than cats fed a leading premium dry cat food. By helping ingested hair to be passed from the digestive tract, IAMS hairball formulas help reduce the opportunities for hairballs to form. This fiber blend also includes a moderately fermentable component to promote intestinal health. High-quality, animal-based protein and fat, found in IAMS hairball formulas, provide important nutrients for skin and coat health. Maintaining skin and coat health may reduce the risk of excessive shedding, ingestion of hair from grooming, and, consequently, hairball formation.
It's important to treat your cat's lack of appetite, as even a short period of time without food can have a significant influence on your cat's health. A decrease in appetite could suggest that your cat's hairballs have caused an intestinal blockage. It can also be an indication of a range of other issues. But regardless of the underlying cause, it is a problem that must be addressed as soon as possible.
Fatigue and lethargy are also common signs of a range of health problems in cats. They can, however, arise in conjunction with intestinal clogs. If your cat appears lethargic or weak, it may have a hairball blockage and require medical attention.
Keep a watch on your cat's litter box if they are vomiting hairballs frequently. Hairballs and constipation are both signs of a hazardous blockage that should be treated by an emergency veterinarian. Constipation in cats can be fatal on its own. Therefore, this is an issue that needs to be addressed correctly to ensure your cat is healthy.
This could indicate that something is extremely wrong with your cat's digestive system, especially if it happens frequently. Cats with frequent diarrhea can quickly get dehydrated, so make sure they're getting enough water. Try boosting their liquid intake with wet food until you can get them to the vet.
If your cat is getting constant hairballs, then you should take your cat for regular grooming. The best way to overcome cat hairball issues is by brushing or combing their fur regularly. This way, less fur will wind up in their stomach as hairballs. It will also be a fun way for you to bond with your cat.
Hairball formula or cat food is another remedy to prevent cat hairball. Hairball-reduction cat diets are now available from any pet food company. These high-fiber compositions are meant to promote the health of your cat's coat, reduce shedding, and help hairballs move through the digestive tract in cats.
There are several cat hairball treatment products available on the market today. The best thing about them is that most of those laxatives are mild that aid in the easy passage of hairballs through the digestive tract.
It is natural for a cat to throw up occasional hairballs. But you should only start to be concerned if your cat is coughing out a hairball every few weeks or for more than 48 hours at a stretch. This is a symptom of too much hair ending up in the gut.
No matter how long their coat is, cats should only produce one hairball every week. Schedule an appointment with the veterinarian if your cat is vomiting hairballs more regularly or not eating.
You should feed your cat lots of prebiotics and natural fibers in its food to help it pass hairballs and maintain a healthy digestive tract. As a result, ensure that your cat is on a hairball-control diet and is getting enough fiber.
Generally, the fur travels through the gastrointestinal tract undisturbed and emerges in a stool. The digestion process takes 7 to 12 hours. Sometimes the fur can also accumulate in the stomach and create a hairball. This takes a little longer, but healthy hairballs should be gone in 24 to 48 hours.
Cat hairballs can be dangerous as they can cause severe blockages in their intestines and pose health issues later. In extreme cases, choking can also lead to death.
Overweight cats have special nutritional needs in order to promote weight loss or weight management. Likewise, senior cats have special nutritional needs that are better met through a diet designed specifically for them. If an overweight or senior cat has problems with hairballs, feeding an IAMS hairball formula for indoor or senior (age 7+) cats is a great choice.
Yes. Mixing other foods with IAMS hairball formulas may compromise the effectiveness of this diet by diluting the nutrients that help reduce the risk of hairball formation. Switching between IAMS hairball formulas and another cat food may also decrease the benefit of feeding this diet.
fibre is a vital component in a cat's diet, categorised as soluble and insoluble. Soluble fibre, dissolving in water, regulates blood sugar and lowers cholesterol, while insoluble fibre adds bulk, aiding in digestive movement. Crucially, fibre remains undigested, with some types fermenting to produce short-chain fatty acids (SCFA). These SCFAs serve as a key energy source for the cells lining the intestinal tract, fostering a healthy gut environment. fibre for cats also promotes weight management by inducing a sense of fullness, preventing overeating.
Balancing fibre in cat food is crucial, as excess may lead to nutrient malabsorption. Monitoring fibre types and amounts is vital for optimal feline health, ensuring digestive regularity. Striking this balance supports longevity and vitality in cats, making fibre an indispensable element in their overall well-being.
Today, people are more aware of fibre and its role in their diet. Studies showing the beneficial effects of higher fibre levels in humans influence the way many people think about their own food and that of their pets. Some manufacturers now apply the recommendations of human nutritionists and make high-fibre diets for cats, but cats have a much shorter digestive tract than we do. And unlike humans, cats are carnivorous, so their nutritional needs are better satisfied with meat rather than plant matter. Therefore, cats have different dietary needs than humans. For more than 60 years, companion animal nutritionists at IAMS™ have been studying diets to meet the special nutritional needs of cats.
The feline microbiome constitutes a diverse community of microorganisms, residing predominantly in the gastrointestinal tract. This intricate system of bacteria, viruses, and fungi significantly impacts a cat's health. It plays a crucial role in digestion, influencing nutrient absorption, supporting immune function, and even affecting behavioural patterns. The delicate balance within the microbiome is essential for the overall well-being of the cat, making it a key focus in understanding and optimising feline health.
When it comes to feline nutrition and gut health, the impact of fibrous foods on a cat's microbiome is driven by processes essential for maintaining gastrointestinal balance. Listed below are some interactions and their impact on your cat:
When cats consume fibrous foods, their gut microbiome undergoes a dynamic response, adapting to the influx of indigestible fibres.
Certain fibres for cats function as prebiotics, fostering the growth and activity of beneficial bacteria, such as Bifidobacteria and Lactobacillus, which are essential for gut health.
fibre fermentation by gut bacteria results in the production of short-chain fatty acids (SCFAs), including acetate, propionate, and butyrate.
SCFAs play a pivotal role in nourishing the cells lining the intestinal tract, contributing to mucosal integrity, nutrient absorption, and overall gut function.
fibre-induced fermentation also produces gases and by-products, influencing the pH of the gut environment, creating an environment that discourages harmful pathogens.
IAMS Company research shows the optimal crude fibre level for healthy cat’s ranges from 1.4% to 3.5%. At these levels, nutrient breakdown is maximised. In unique situations, such as hairballs, higher fibre levels may be beneficial.
An important characteristic of fibre is its fermentability, or how well it can be broken down by bacteria in the intestine. This breakdown produces short-chain fatty acids, which provide energy to the intestines. fibre varies in fermentability. fibre sources used in pet foods include cellulose, which is poorly fermentable; beet pulp, which is moderately fermentable; and gums and pectin, which can be highly fermentable. Research has shown that moderate levels of moderately fermentable fibre, such as beet pulp, provide the benefits of energy for the intestinal lining and bulk, without the negative effects of excessive stool or gas and, therefore, are beneficial in cat diets.
Incorporating high-fibre cat food into your feline’s diet offers various health benefits, contributing to their overall well-being. Here is a breakdown of the advantages and how they positively impact feline health:
High-fibre cat food promotes optimal digestive regularity in cats by adding bulk to the stool. This helps prevent issues such as constipation and ensures smoother bowel movements, contributing to overall gastrointestinal health.
The inclusion of fibre in cat food provides a feeling of fullness without adding excessive calories. This can be beneficial for weight management, as it reduces the likelihood of overeating and helps control calorie intake, supporting healthy body weight.
Increased fibre intake aids in controlling and reducing hairballs in cats. The fibrous content helps bind hair together, facilitating its passage through the digestive tract and minimising the risk of hairball-related issues.
fibre-rich cat food diets play a crucial role in managing diabetes in cats. The slow digestion and absorption of carbohydrates associated with increased fibre can help regulate blood sugar levels, providing better glucose control for diabetic cats.
Soluble fibre for cats, found in high-fibre foods, has cholesterol-lowering properties. By binding to cholesterol molecules and promoting their excretion, soluble fibre contributes to maintaining healthy cholesterol levels, supporting cardiovascular well-being in cats.
High-fibre diets are often recommended for cats with specific medical conditions, such as obesity, diabetes, or certain gastrointestinal disorders. The advantages of fibre, including weight management and blood sugar regulation, make it a valuable component in the overall treatment and management of these conditions.
While low-fibre cat food is recommended in certain cases, it is essential for cat parents to be aware of potential drawbacks that can impact their feline companion's health and well-being.
A diet low in fibre may contribute to constipation issues in cats as it lacks the bulk necessary for proper bowel movement regulation. This can result in discomfort for the cat and potential complications if not addressed promptly.
Low-fibre foods might compromise the overall efficiency of the cat's digestive system, potentially leading to inadequate nutrient absorption. This could impact the cat's overall health and vitality, making it crucial to monitor its digestive well-being.
While low-fibre diets are often associated with weight loss, they may also pose a risk of obesity if not carefully monitored. Cats might consume more to compensate for the reduced caloric content, emphasising the need for vigilance in managing portion sizes.
Cats on a consistently low-fibre diet may face challenges in obtaining a balanced array of essential nutrients, potentially leading to nutritional imbalances and health issues.
Being aware of these potential downsides helps cat parents make informed decisions about their feline’s diet, promoting overall feline well-being.
When choosing a pet food, fibre is an important consideration, but remember that the needs of cats are not the same as those of humans. A moderate level of moderately fermentable fibre, such as beet pulp, provides proven nutritional benefits for cats. Cat diets containing high levels of poorly fermentable fibre dilute calories and deprive cats of the nutrients they need.
All IAMS products are made with levels of moderately fermentable fibre needed to promote intestinal health. And all IAMS foods, such as IAMS ProActive Health™ Adult Original with Chicken, contain the moderately fermentable fibre system, which is the exclusive property of IAMS Company and is protected by U.S. Patent No. 5,616,569 for Pet Food Products Containing Fermentable fibres and Process for Treating Gastrointestinal Disorders.
Ensuring your feline companion meets their daily fibre requirements is crucial for their overall well-being. IAMS cat food offers a balanced and convenient solution to help achieve this goal. Here's a guide on maintaining your cat's daily fibre quota using IAMS:
IAMS cat food provides detailed nutritional information on the label. Check for the fibre content to understand how it contributes to your cat's daily requirements.
IAMS offers a range of cat food varieties, including formulas designed for specific needs such as weight control, hairball management, and digestive health. Select a variety that aligns with your cat's individual needs.
If you're introducing a new IAMS formula to your cat, make the transition gradual to allow their digestive system to adjust. This helps prevent any sudden changes in fibre intake.
Every cat has unique dietary needs. Consult with your veterinarian to determine the optimal daily fibre quota for your cat based on factors such as age, weight, and health conditions.
IAMS provides feeding guidelines on the packaging. Monitor and adjust portion sizes based on your cat's activity level and weight management goals to ensure they receive an appropriate amount of fibre.
IAMS offers both wet and dry cat food options. Combining both varieties can offer a well-rounded diet, ensuring your cat receives a mix of moisture and essential nutrients.
Regular veterinary check-ups help monitor your cat's overall health, including their digestive well-being. Discuss any concerns about fibre intake or dietary preferences with your veterinarian during these visits.
By incorporating IAMS cat food into your cat's diet and following these guidelines, you can provide nutritionally balanced and fibre-rich cat food that supports their digestive health and overall vitality.
