Hairballs

Question
Dear Dr. Hubbs:

I have a mixed domestic cat.  She is almost three years old.  We adopted her from a shelter about a year ago.  I've noticed that not once in this time has she coughed up and spit up a hairball.  I see and hear her coughing them up, but they never come out.  I wonder if maybe she's swallowing them back down again.  Is this healthy?  If not, how can I encourage her to spit them out?

Answer
Hello Devan -

Some cats do not expel hair balls by vomitting. My cat has NEVER vomitted a hair ball and she is 8 (eight) years old.

If she is swallowing them, it is important that they are being passed in the feces. Most of the time it is not a problem, the stomach acid breaks it down and all is well. You will see hair sticking out of the feces when you clean the litter box, again, this is normal.

You will know a problem is present when she is constipated. When this happens your veterinarian will have to give her an enema to pass the feces.

An easy treatment for hairballs is to give you cat half of a teaspoon of vegetable oil daily. In the summer cut back to once a week, she will not be shedding as much and she is less likely to get hair balls. In the fall and winter increase to a full teaspoon. I have done this with my cat for years and she is fine. Not only does it help with the passing of hair balls but it also helps keep the digestive tract clean and will present a shiny healthy coat. There are vitamin hairball remedies in the pet store that work very well too. My cat does not care for the taste (she's a finicky eater) but most love it.

Some cat's like women cannot work the gag reflex to spit up objects in the windpipe. As long as she is not straining to vomit she is okay. She make cough horribly and gag but as long as she is breathing fine, nothing to worry about.

Try the vegetable oil, it works very well and should bring a positive result to your concern.

I hope this information has helped you and your pet.

If you would like information on natural and herbal remedies for human and animal concerns please contact me at wintersaurora@yahoo.com and I will be happy to assist you. I also offer a catalog of home made herbal remedies which I can send you as well.

Thank you and best wishes to you and your pet.

Sincerely,
Sharon Hubbs, AHG
Certified Natural Health Consultant & Herbalist