Cutting down the frequency of your cat's hairballs in the summer

After deciding to adopt a cat, you may start to notice that your new furry friend is leaving more than his or her share of stray hair around the house. According to PetSugar.com, cats shed more hair during the spring and summer, which can lead to an excess of fur on your furniture and linens, but it may also lead to a few unsightly hairballs. These chunks of ingested fur can make an unsightly mess in your home, and they're certainly not enjoyable for your feline, either. To help prevent hairballs and keep your home a bit cleaner, consider the following tips.

1. Brush early and often. If you haven't gotten into the habit already, brushing holds many advantages for the health and well-being of your feline. Using both fine-toothed and wide combs can remove stubborn hairs and soothe the skin underneath. With less hair all over your furniture and less being licked off his or her coat when your cat grooms, this will reduce the chance of hairballs and potential digestive problems. Additionally, this is a wonderful bonding experience to have between you and your feline and you'll start to notice a difference in the quality of your cat's coat in no time.

2. Try out a new cat food. According to Catster.com, a change in diet can be another culprit for your feline's hairball woes. There are a variety of dry cat foods on the market specifically designed to treat digestive issues, so they may be worth a try. Opting for natural foods may be another way to go, as adding foods with additional sources of fiber and other nutrients may be able to promote better digestion.

3. Visit a veterinarian. Ideally, your feline should only have about one to two hairballs per year, so if they start to occur more frequently, it may be time for a trip to your vet or a Bideawee Animal Hospital if you're in the New York City area. Your doctor may be able to test for signs of an intestinal disorder or blockage that could be leading to increased instances of vomiting and hairballs. Consider making an effort to record how many hairballs your feline has before a vet visit, as this can give your doctor a better sense of how to treat the problem.