Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Hair balls in cats: a normal nuisance or a sign that something is wrong?
- Journal:
- Journal of feline medicine and surgery
- Year:
- 2013
- Authors:
- Cannon, Martha
- Affiliation:
- Oxford Cat Clinic · United Kingdom
- Species:
- cat
Plain-English summary
Many cat owners think that hair balls are just a normal part of having a cat, but frequent vomiting of hair balls can actually be a sign of an underlying health issue, especially in shorthaired cats. Conditions like itchy skin, flea problems, or food sensitivities can lead to increased fur ingestion or digestive issues. While there are special diets and tips to help manage hair balls, there isn't much scientific evidence to show how effective they are. It's important for pet owners to talk to their veterinarian if their cat is frequently vomiting hair balls, as it could indicate a more serious problem. Overall, while hair balls can be a common nuisance, they may also signal that something isn't quite right with your cat's health.
Abstract
PRACTICAL RELEVANCE: Vomiting of hair balls is a common problem in domestic cats, to the extent that it is considered by many owners and veterinarians to be a normal feline behaviour. Whether this is ever the case remains unclear but in most shorthaired cats the frequent elimination of hair balls is an indicator of an underlying chronic disease that is causing increased ingestion of fur or altered gastrointestinal motility. Pruritic skin disease, flea infestation and/or an underlying dietary intolerance are common contributing factors that should not be overlooked. EVIDENCE BASE: Studies concerning this common problem are lacking and there are no previously published data regarding the incidence of hair balls in pet cats or potential predisposing causes. Although a range of commercial hair ball control diets are available there is no objective information in the public domain regarding their efficacy. Similarly, no studies have evaluated the success of other commonly recommended preventive strategies. CLINICAL CHALLENGES: Despite the lack of evidence-based information, veterinarians are faced with the day-to-day challenge of helping owners to limit the extent to which their cats produce hair balls. The problem is at best an unpleasant nuisance for both cat and owner, and at worst may be a cause of significant morbidity and even, in rare cases, mortality.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/23254238/