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.
Caring for a feline friend goes beyond cuddles; it also entails paying close attention to its dietary needs. One crucial aspect of cat nutrition is the role of high-protein diets. It offers numerous benefits, including promoting overall health, energy, and a strong immune system. A protein-rich diet has many benefits for cats, like:
Prevents obesity
Cats being carnivores thrive on diets predominantly rich in animal-based protein. The magical twist here is that such a diet significantly reduces the risk of obesity in your feline companion.
Wards off diabetes
Obesity in cats often opens doors to diabetes. However, a high protein diet acts as a preventive measure, keeping those blood sugar levels in check and reducing the risk of diabetes.
Aids weight loss
If your cat needs help shedding a few pounds – high-protein cat food is your ally. Not only does it keep its weight in check, but also supports weight loss by helping your cat feel satisfied and full.
Builds immunity
Protein-rich cat food goes beyond weight management. It furnishes the essential amino acids necessary for tissue repair, growth, and a robust immune system. Without ample protein, your feline friend might face muscle loss and a compromised ability to fend off illnesses.
This is a premium cat food designed to cater to the unique needs of indoor cats. This high-protein formula boasts quality ingredients like chicken by-product meal, L-carnitine, beet pulp, and natural fibre, making it an excellent choice for cat parents seeking to provide weight control and hairball care.
Quality protein:
With chicken by-product meal as its main protein source, this premium cat food ensures muscle maintenance and overall health in indoor cats.
Weight control:
The addition of L-carnitine supports the metabolising of fats, crucial for maintaining a healthy weight and preventing obesity.
Hairball care:
Natural fibre and beet pulp promote healthy digestion, reducing hairball issues, a common concern for indoor cats.
Grain sensitivity: This super premium cat food contains corn, wheat, and maize gluten, which may not be suitable for cats with grain sensitivities or allergies.
Individual dietary needs: As every cat is unique, consult with your vet to ensure this product aligns with your cat's specific health concerns or dietary preferences.
IAMS Proactive Health cat food for Mother and Kitten is a premium kitten food designed to nurture your young feline's growth and development. Packed with high-quality ingredients, including chicken by-product meal, Omega-3, and chicken, IAMS kitten food formula offers essential nutrients for your kitten's well-being. Notably, it contains Colostrum and DHA, supporting eye and brain development during those crucial early stages of life.
Quality protein:
With chicken by-product meal as a primary protein source, IAMS cat food provides essential amino acids for muscle development and overall health.
Omega-3:
The inclusion of Omega-3 fatty acids in fish oil in IAMS kitten food ensures healthy skin and a shiny coat, enhancing your kitten's appearance.
Colostrum and DHA:
Colostrum supports a strong immune system, and DHA aids in cognitive development, making IAMS kitten food ideal for nurturing young kittens.
Grain content:
IAMS cat food contains ingredients like corn and wheat, which may not be suitable for kittens with grain sensitivities or allergies. Consider your kitten's dietary needs.
Transition:
When switching to this food, it is essential to gradually introduce it to your kitten's diet to prevent digestive issues.
Consultation:
For personalised recommendations and to ensure this high-protein kitten food aligns with your kitten's specific health requirements, consult with your veterinarian.
When it comes to your cat's nutrition, protein is the name of the game for keeping your furry friend in the best shape. But navigating pet food labels can sometimes feel like cracking a secret code. What is the trick to figuring out how much protein your cat needs?
Well, it all boils down to moisture. Pet food labels come in two flavours: 'dry matter basis' and 'as-fed basis.' Most labels use the 'as-fed' basis, including water content, which can be a tad confusing.
Locate the Moisture and Crude Protein values in the Guaranteed Analysis section. Subtract the Moisture percentage from 100 to find the per cent dry matter. Divide Crude Protein by the per cent dry matter, then multiply by 100.
When wondering how to choose cat food with high protein content, you will want to consider a few key factors:
Crude protein percentage: High-protein cat food typically contains 25-30% or more protein on a dry matter basis, excluding moisture content, for accurate comparisons.
Animal-based protein sources: Look for cat foods that primarily source protein from animals like chicken, turkey, beef, or fish, ensuring they get essential amino acids.
Limited fillers: Avoid cat foods with excessive grains and starches, as they can dilute the overall protein concentration in the food.
Avoid plant-based proteins: Check the ingredient list for plant-based proteins like soy or pea protein concentrate, which should not be the primary protein source in high-protein cat food.
Premium cat food: Choose well-known, reputable cat food brands with a history of producing high-quality, high-protein premium cat food options.
NOTE: Consult your vet to determine the ideal protein content based on your cat's age, activity level, and health, as individual needs may vary.
Muscle health: High-protein cat food supports the development and maintenance of strong, lean muscles in your furry companion.
Energy: Protein provides the energy needed for your cat's playful and active lifestyle.
Healthy coat and skin: Protein-packed diets contribute to a glossy, healthy coat and skin.
Weight management: High-protein cat food helps your cat maintain a healthy weight by keeping it feeling full on fewer calories.
Cost: Quality ingredients come at a price, but investing in your cat's health is worth it.
Kidney health: Some discussions suggest high-protein diets might strain the kidneys, but it is a topic of debate and does not apply to all cats.
Allergies and sensitivities: Keep an eye on your cat's reactions to different protein sources as they can develop allergies or sensitivities.
When transitioning your cat to a high-protein diet or introducing new foods, do it gradually to prevent digestive issues. For guidance on the right protein level for your cat's specific needs, especially if they have underlying health concerns, consult with your veterinarian. IAMS cat food provides your feline friend with the perfect balance of protein and nutrients, ensuring they lead a happy, healthy life.