While it's true that long-haired cats have more of a hairball issue than short-haired kitties, your cat's diet and digestive health are often the biggest contributing factors. Here are four tips to help reduce a hairball problem:
1. Avoid dry food. Cats need a high moisture diet and dry food is high in carbohydrates which are harder to digest. Cats are not big water drinkers and frequently don't make up for the lost water in the dry food by drinking more.
2. Give your kitty Omega 3s in their diet. Amazing Omegas provide Omega 3 fatty acids derived from sardines, anchovies and mackerel. Omega 3 fatty acids improve the quality of your cat's skin and coat reducing the shedding and opportunity for hairballs.
3. Mix a small amount of canned pumpkin into your cat's meals. You can also try mashed yams or sweet potatoes. Pumpkin and sweet potatoes are high in fiber which is important to keep the hair moving through the intestinal tract.
4. Brush your kitty a few times a week. This should improve your cat's skin and coat, reducing hairballs.
