I don’t know what’s going on, but I need some advice. My little guy, Jack, who’s a shorthair, has been coughing up hairballs almost every morning for the past week, and it’s really freaking me out. I thought this was more of a longhair cat problem, but here we are. I’ve been brushing him every couple of days with a pretty basic brush, but it doesn't seem to help much. It’s always around 6 AM, just in time to wake me up, and I can’t help but feel bad for him—he looks so miserable when it happens. Does anyone have any recommendations for a better brush or maybe some kind of hairball remedy that works for shorthaired cats? I’d really appreciate any help because I feel lost on what to do next.
Appreciate the question — let's unpack this. Hairballs can definitely be a bit of a nuisance, even in short-haired cats like yours. They occur when cats groom themselves and inadvertently swallow loose fur, which can then form hairballs in their stomachs.
To help manage this, a good starting point is regular brushing. For short-haired cats, I'd recommend a gentle rubber grooming brush or a grooming glove. These are efficient at removing loose fur without being too harsh on their skin. Regular brushing, about once a week, should help significantly reduce the amount of hair your cat swallows.
In terms of medication or products, consider using a hairball control gel. These are usually petroleum-based and help the hair pass more easily through the digestive system. Just ensure it's suitable for cats and follow the package instructions for the right amount.
As for signs that could indicate a serious issue, watch out for repetitive gagging or coughing without producing a hairball, loss of appetite, lethargy, or constipation. These symptoms may suggest a blockage and would require veterinary attention.
To get more tailored advice, consider booking a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. They can provide more specific guidance based on your cat's health history and needs.
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