If you live with a cat, you’ve probably heard that unmistakable hacking sound—followed by a clump of fur on the carpet. Hairballs are one of the most common complaints among cat owners. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent ones can signal poor digestion or dietary imbalance.
The good news? Nutrition plays a major role in managing hairballs. Let’s explore what causes them and how Dogalicious fresh cat food helps keep your cat’s digestive system healthy.
1. What Causes Hairballs in Cats?
Cats are meticulous groomers, and in the process, they swallow loose fur. Normally, hair passes through the digestive tract and exits in the stool. But when too much fur accumulates, it clumps into a hairball (trichobezoar) that cats vomit up.¹
Risk factors include:
- Long-haired breeds (Persians, Maine Coons)
- Over-grooming due to stress or allergies
- Low-fiber diets that hinder intestinal movement
2. When Hairballs Become a Problem
Occasional hairballs are harmless. But chronic or difficult vomiting can indicate:
- Gastrointestinal blockages
- Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
- Nutritional deficiencies
If your cat hacks frequently, it’s best to consult a vet.²
3. The Role of Diet in Hairball Control
Diet directly impacts how well cats can process swallowed fur. A high-moisture, high-protein, moderate-fiber diet improves digestion and stool quality, reducing hairball formation.³
Unfortunately, most commercial kibble is low in moisture and fiber, making it harder for cats to move fur through their system.
4. How Dogalicious Fresh Cat Food Helps
Dogalicious recipes are designed to minimize hairball issues through natural nutrition:
- High Moisture Content – Fresh food contains ~70% water, hydrating the gut and easing fur passage.
- Balanced Fiber – Carefully chosen vegetables and soluble fibers aid intestinal motility without overloading cats with carbs.
- High-Quality Protein – Real meat supports strong digestion and reduces gut inflammation.
- Omega-3 Fatty Acids – From fish and natural oils, omega-3s improve skin health, reducing shedding in the first place.⁴
Together, these factors mean fewer hairballs and less stress for both you and your cat.
5. Other Ways to Prevent Hairballs
Alongside switching to fresh cat food, you can:
- Brush your cat regularly to reduce loose fur
- Provide stress relief (play, enrichment) to reduce over-grooming
- Keep cats hydrated with fresh water and wet foods
Conclusion
Hairballs may be common, but they don’t have to be a frequent problem. With the right nutrition—like Dogalicious fresh cat food—you can support smooth digestion, reduce shedding, and help your cat feel more comfortable.
👉 Choose Dogalicious to give your cat a diet that naturally keeps hairballs under control.
References ：
- Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery – hairball formation and digestion.
- Cornell Feline Health Center – Hairballs in Cats.
- Veterinary Nutrition Today – fiber and moisture in feline diets.
- Journal of Animal Science – omega-3s and feline skin/coat health.
