May 22, 2025
For cat owners, the hairball struggle is so real and dreadful. As a cat owner myself, I know the unmistakable sound of a cat hacking up a hairball, usually at the worst possible moment.
These furry clumps can be a nuisance, but hairball treats for cats offer a simple, tasty way to reduce them. Let’s explore why hairballs happen, their signs, and how these treats can keep your feline friend purring.
What Is a Hairball?
A hairball is a clump of fur that forms in a cat’s stomach when they swallow hair during grooming, often coughed up as a cylindrical mass.
What Are Hairball Treats for cats?
They are specially formulated snacks packed with fiber or lubricants to help move this hair through the digestive system, reducing messy episodes. If you’ve ever winced at your cat’s hacking or cleaned up a hairball, these treats can bring relief to both you and your feline friend.
Why do cats get hairballs?
There are multiple causes of hairballs in cats, and surprisingly, grooming is one of them. Cats are meticulous groomers, licking their fur and swallowing loose hair. This hair can form clumps in their stomach, leading to hairballs. It’s a natural process, but some cats are more prone than others.
Digestive Issues Causing Hairballs in Cats
They can make matters worse. Slow digestion or low-fiber diets prevent hair from passing through the gut smoothly. This can cause hair to build up, increasing hairball frequency.
Other Factors at Play
Long-haired cats face a higher risk due to excessive shedding. Stress, poor diet, or even seasonal changes can also contribute. Knowing these causes helps you tackle the problem effectively.
| Brand | Wellnergy Pets |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Item Form | Chews |
| Active Ingredients | Omega 6 Fatty Acids (Safflower Oil, Flaxseed Oil), Omega 3 Fatty Acids (Flaxseed Oil), Psyllium (Plantago ovata) Husk Powder, Cranberry (Vaccinium macrocarpon) Fruit Powder, Zinc (Zn Proteinate), Biotin See more |
| Brand | Hartz |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Age Range (Description) | Kitten, Adult |
| Item Form | Tablet |
| Special Ingredients | Flax |
| Brand | Purina ONE |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Form | Kibble, Crunchy |
| Specific Uses For Product | Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; No Artificial Colors, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; Natural, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; With Vitamins, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; High Fiber, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; Omegas, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; No Artificial Preservatives, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; No Artificial Flavors, Hairball Control; Immune Support; Muscle Support; Veterinarian Recommended; Low Ash |
Chicken, corn gluten meal, chicken by-product meal (source of glucosamine), rice flour, soybean meal, beef fat naturally preserved with mixed-tocopherols, whole grain corn, powdered cellulose, soybean hulls, liver flavor, chicken meal (source of glucosamine), phosphoric acid, calcium carbonate, salt, caramel color, dried carrots, dried peas, choline chloride, potassium chloride, taurine, MINERALS [zinc sulfate, ferrous sulfate, manganese sulfate, copper sulfate, calcium iodate, sodium selenite], VITAMINS [Vitamin E supplement, niacin (Vitamin B-3), Vitamin A supplement, calcium pantothenate (Vitamin B-5), thiamine mononitrate (Vitamin B-1), riboflavin supplement (Vitamin B-2), Vitamin B-12 supplement, pyridoxine hydrochloride (Vitamin B-6), folic acid (Vitamin B-9), Vitamin D-3 supplement, biotin (Vitamin B-7), menadione sodium bisulfite complex (Vitamin K)], Vitamin E supplement. L418517</p> <p><strong>Guaranteed Analysis:</strong><br />Crude Protein (Min) 34.0%, Crude Fat (Min) 14.0%, Crude Fiber (Max) 4.5%, Moisture (Max) 12.0%, Linoleic Acid (Min) 1.4%, Calcium (Ca) (Min) 1.0%,. Phosphorus (P) (Min) 0.9%, Zinc (Zn) (Min) 150 mg/kg, Selenium (Se) (Min) 0.35 mg/kg, Vitamin A (Min) 10000 IU/kg, Vitamin E (Min) 100 IU/kg, Taurine (Min) 0.15%, Omega-6 Fatty Acids* (Min) 1.5% *Not recognized as an essential nutrient by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles.
| Brand | Pet Honesty |
| Flavor | Unflavored |
| Item Form | Chews |
| Specific Uses For Product |
We don’t know when or if this item will be back in stock.
| Brand | Pet Naturals |
| Flavor | Chicken |
| Item Form | Oil |
| Item Weight | 3.2 Ounces |
| Item Volume | 10 Liters |
Grain-Free
| Brand | Meow Mix |
| Flavor | Chicken, Turkey, Salmon & Ocean Fish |
| Age Range (Description) | Adult |
| Item Form | Kibble |
| Special Ingredients | holistic |
Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Gluten Meal, Whole Ground Corn, Brewers Rice, Soybean Hulls, Beef Tallow (Preserved With Mixed Tocopherols), Powdered Cellulose, Animal Digest, Soybean Oil (Preserved With BHA/BHT), Calcium Carbonate, Turkey By-Product Meal, Salmon Meal, Fish Meal (Source Of Ocean Fish Flavor), Phosphoric Acid, Potassium Chloride, Choline Chloride, Salt, Brewers Dried Yeast, Vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Niacin, Vitamin A Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Riboflavin Supplement, D-Calcium Pantothenate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (Source Of Vitamin K Activity), Vitamin D3 Supplement, Folic Acid, Biotin), Minerals (Ferrous Sulfate, Zinc Oxide, Manganous Oxide, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate, Sodium Selenite), Taurine, Red 40, Lactic Acid, Yellow 5, Blue 2, Rosemary Extract.
| Brand | Wellness |
| Flavor | Chicken & Cranberry |
| Age Range (Description) | All Life Stages |
| Item Form | Treat |
| Special Ingredients |
Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Peas, Chickpeas, Cranberries, Herring Meal, Chicken Fat, Natural Flavor, Flaxseed, Salmon Oil, Mixed Tocopherols added to preserve freshness, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus licheniformis Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus subtilis Fermentation Product, Rosemary Extract, Green Tea Extract, Spearmint Extract. This is a naturally preserved product
Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats
They are hard to ignore. You might hear your cat coughing or gagging, trying to expel a hairball. Vomiting a tube-shaped mass of fur is a telltale sign. Beyond coughing, signs of hairballs in cats include:
In rare cases, frequent vomiting or refusal to eat could point to a serious blockage, so stay vigilant.
When to Seek Help
Most hairballs pass harmlessly, but persistent symptoms need attention. If your cat gags repeatedly or seems unwell, a vet visit is crucial to rule out complications like intestinal blockages.
How Do Hairball Treats Work for Cats?
Hairball treats for cats are specially designed snacks that help reduce hairball formation. They often contain ingredients like fiber or natural lubricants, and pumpkin and cellulose to move hair through the digestive system. Cats love them, and they’re easy to incorporate into daily routines. Thus, they promote healthy digestion.
Picking the Perfect Hairball Treats
How to Choose Hairball Treats for Cats?
It depends on your cat’s preferences and needs. Look for treats with natural ingredients, low calories, and vet-recommended formulas. Palatability is key; cats won’t eat what they don’t like!
Best Natural Hairball Treats for Cats
For a wholesome option, the best ones use ingredients like pumpkin, psyllium husk, or fish oil. These avoid artificial additives, making them gentler on sensitive stomachs. My cat goes wild for pumpkin-flavored ones.
Are Hairball Treats Safe for Kittens?
Not all are. Kittens have delicate digestive systems, so choose treats labeled for their age group. Always check with your vet before offering treats to young cats.
Beyond Treats: Preventing Hairballs
Brush, Brush, Brush
Regular grooming is a game-changer. Brushing your cat daily removes loose fur before they swallow it. For long-haired breeds, you can use a slicker brush to keep shedding under control.
Feed a Balanced Diet
A diet rich in fiber supports digestion and helps hair pass through the gut. Wet food adds moisture, which is great for preventing hairballs. Introduce new foods slowly to avoid upsetting your cat’s stomach.
Keep Them Hydrated
Cats often don’t drink enough water. A pet fountain can encourage hydration, keeping their digestive system moving smoothly. My cat drinks more since I got one, and her hairballs are less frequent.
When Treats Aren’t Enough?
They work wonders, but they’re not a cure for underlying issues. If your cat’s symptoms persist, such as constant vomiting or lethargy, see a vet. They can check for blockages or other health concerns.
A Personal Tale of Triumph
My own cat used to leave hairballs on my rug, and I dreaded the cleanup. After adding cat hairball remedy treats to her routine, the hacking dropped dramatically. It’s not just about fewer messes; it’s about her feeling better.
Making Treats a Daily Habit
Incorporate them into your cat’s routine by following package guidelines, usually 2–4 treats daily based on weight. Pair them with grooming and a healthy diet for maximum impact. Consistency is key here.
Addressing Owner Worries
Some owners fret about extra calories from treats. Opt for low-calorie options or cut back on other snacks. Also, watch for allergies. Some cats may react to ingredients like fish oil or grains.
Why Go Natural?
Best natural hairball treats for cats are worth considering for their gentle ingredients. They often include superfoods, which support digestion without synthetic additives.
The Joy of a Happy Cat
Hairballs aren’t just a cleaning hassle; they can make your cat uncomfortable. Watching your cat play without coughing fits is a relief. The right treats make a world of difference for both of you.
Frequently Asked Questions
Yes, but choose treats with simple, natural ingredients like pumpkin or cellulose. Start with a small dose and monitor for any digestive upset, consulting your vet if needed.
Most treats are safe for daily use, typically 2–4 per day, depending on your cat’s size. Always follow the package instructions to avoid overfeeding.
Some treats with omega-3s or biotin can enhance coat health, reducing shedding and hairball formation. Look for these nutrients on the label.
Try different flavors or textures, like soft chews or crunchy bites. Mixing treats with a favorite food or offering them as a reward can help picky eaters.
No, treats reduce hairballs, but they work best with grooming and a high-fiber diet. For persistent issues, a vet can recommend additional solutions.
Absolutely, they do. Fiber in these treats supports gut motility, while nutrients like omega-3s or taurine aid overall digestive health, easing hairball-related discomfort.
A Hairball-Free Future
Hairballs don’t have to define your life with your cat. With hairball treats for cats, regular grooming, and a smart diet, you can keep them at bay. Your cat will thank you with more purrs and fewer hacks.
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