A few months back, my cat Muezza was playing, and suddenly, I saw a long hair coming out of her bum. It made me worried, and I consulted a vet. Cats are known for their meticulous grooming habits. But sometimes, this behavior can lead to an unusual problem: hair coming out of their bum.
There can be several causes for hair from a cat’s bum. Cats groom themselves regularly by licking their fur; sometimes, loose hair can accumulate around their anus. However, excessive hair or any signs of discomfort can indicate a potential issue, such as hairballs, matted fur, or underlying gastrointestinal problems.
This peculiar occurrence can cause discomfort for our feline friends and raise concerns for us as responsible cat parents. So, let’s delve deeper into this issue to understand how to help our furry companions.
Why Hairs Come Out of Cat’s Bum?
If a cat swallows hair, it usually passes quickly through their digestive system and is eliminated in the feces. However, sometimes some hair may accumulate in the rectum or anus. The result? Hair protruding from the cat’s bum. Below, we list some common causes of hair from a cat’s bum.
Natural Grooming Behavior
Our furry friends are instinctively driven to groom themselves by licking their fur. They inevitably swallow some of their loose and dead hair during this grooming process.
The same happened with my Muezza. She licked her fur, and some hair was stuck out in her butt. Speaking of a cat’s digestive system, it’s typically well-equipped to eliminate hair through the feces.
But sometimes, excessive grooming or abnormal behavior can result in more hair ingestion, potentially accumulating in the rectal area.
Hairballs in the Digestive System
Occasional swallowing of hairs rarely takes a toll on a cat’s health, but if it persists, it can cause problems. How? When cats ingest a significant amount of hair, it can form into hairballs.
Hairballs are made of fur, saliva, and sometimes undigested food. Hairballs often pass through the digestive system without a hitch. But in some cases, they can become too large to pass easily via vomit or feces. This means our little friends can face discomfort and potential blockages in the gastrointestinal tract.
What Causes the Excessive Shedding and Hair Accumulation?
There are a few reasons behind excessive shedding, which can contribute to hair accumulation:
- Seasonal shedding: Many cats experience increased shedding during seasonal changes, such as spring and fall, which can lead to more hair ingestion.
- Lack of grooming assistance: Cats that cannot groom themselves effectively due to obesity, mobility issues, or old age may have an increased likelihood of hair accumulation and tangling.
- Underlying Health Conditions: Certain health issues can lead to excessive shedding or poor coat health.
Impact of breed, age, and Health conditions on the issue
Certain breeds, like Siamese or Abyssinian cats, tend to groom themselves more frequently. The result? They increase their chances of hair ingestion and potential hair accumulation.
On top of that, age-related changes in grooming habits can also be the culprit. Moreover, underlying health conditions like gastrointestinal disorders, parasites, or skin allergies can produce hair from cats’ bums due to increased shedding or discomfort.
Potential Risks and Discomfort for the Cat with Hair Ingestion
When hair accumulates in the rectal area, it can cause discomfort and irritation for the cat. The presence of hair can lead to matting or tangling, making it difficult for the cat to pass stool comfortably.
But what are the health consequences of hair coming out of our cat’s bum? If the issue persists, your cat can develop the following:
Blocked or Obstructed Digestive System
This is the most common and serious side effect. If you don’t address the issue, excessive hairballs or accumulated hair can obstruct the passage of food and waste through the gastrointestinal tract. The result? Your cat will suffer from symptoms such as persistent vomiting, loss of appetite, abdominal pain, and severe constipation. In severe cases, this can become a life-threatening emergency requiring immediate veterinary attention.
Secondary infections or inflammation in the anal area
The presence of hair coming out of the bum can lead to irritation and inflammation in the anal area. This can make the cat more susceptible to secondary infections, such as bacterial or yeast infections. To look out for infections, you should check for symptoms like redness, swelling, discomfort, and a foul odor in the anal region.
How to Know Your Cat Has Hair Accumulation Problem?
You should be observant of any signs that may indicate the presence of hair from your cat’s bum. Some common signs and symptoms to watch for include:
- Visible hair sticking out of the anus or rectum.
- Excessive licking, chewing, or biting around the anal area.
- Signs of discomfort or pain while defecating, such as straining, vocalization, or crying out.
- Changes in bowel movements, such as constipation (small, hard stools) or persistent diarrhea.
- Irritation, redness, or swelling around the anal region.
- A foul odor emanating from the anal area.
- Lethargy, loss of appetite, or repeated vomiting, which could indicate a more serious blockage.
If you observe any of these signs, especially combined with changes in eating or energy, you should address the issue promptly to alleviate discomfort and prevent complications.
What are the Treatment Options?
We can divide the treatments into two categories: one for mild discomfort and the second for significant hair accumulation or underlying issues.
Treatment for Mild Cases
For mild cases where the hair does not cause significant discomfort, there are a few remedies that you can try at home, after consulting with your vet:
- Moisture or Lubrication: You can apply a small amount of petroleum jelly or a cat-safe lubricant around the anus. This can help ease the passage of trapped hair.
- Increased Hydration: Ensuring your cat drinks enough water can help keep their digestive system moving smoothly.
Treatment for More Significant or Persistent Cases
If your cat has extreme hair accumulation, persistent discomfort, or any concerning symptoms, you should seek professional assistance.
Surgical Procedures: Although rare, sometimes cats need surgical procedures for this problem, particularly if a severe hairball or foreign body causes a complete intestinal obstruction. If other treatments fail and a blockage is confirmed, this is a last resort to remove the accumulated hair or address any anatomical abnormalities contributing to the issue.
Professional Grooming Services: Professional groomers have the expertise and tools to remove excess matted hair from the rectal area safely and effectively. They can also provide additional grooming techniques, such as sanitary trims or shaving the fur around the anus to prevent further hair accumulation.
Veterinary Intervention: If your cat has persistent hair from the bum coupled with other symptoms like vomiting, lethargy, or lack of appetite, you should seek a veterinarian’s assistance immediately. The vet will perform a thorough examination to rule out any underlying health conditions contributing to the issue, such as inflammatory bowel disease or other digestive disorders. They may recommend diagnostic tests like X-rays to check for blockages.
They may recommend treatments such as specific laxatives, dietary changes, digestive enzymes, or medication to address hair accumulation or related digestive problems.
[American Veterinary Medical Association – Cat Health]
Prevention Strategies of Hair Coming Out of Cats’ Bum
What can we do to prevent our furry friends from this discomfort? Well, here are some measures to take!
Promote Regular Grooming Routines
For my Muezza, I schedule thorough regular grooming sessions every 7 to 10 days. By encouraging consistent grooming sessions for your cat, you can also minimize hair accumulation. As a result, you can reduce the chances of hair coming out of their bum.
In addition, I brush my Muezza daily for her best health, as I brush her fur daily to remove loose hair and prevent excessive ingestion. Moreover, you can leverage a grooming brush or comb suitable for your cat’s fur type to effectively remove loose hair and prevent matting.
Dietary Supplements and Hairball Control Products
Dietary supplements like NaturVet Hairball Remedy are formulated specifically for cats. Such products can help promote healthy digestion and reduce the formation of hairballs. These supplements often contain ingredients like corn gluten meal, soybean hulls, beef tallow, etc.
So, these ingredients can aid hair passage through the digestive system. Additionally, hairball control products, such as specialized cat food or treats, can also assist in preventing hairball formation and facilitating its elimination.
Maintain a Clean Living Environment
Owning a cat entails great responsibility, which means regular cleaning. Why? Because when you clean space, it minimizes the chances of cats ingesting hairs from their environment.
So, regular cleaning of your cat’s living environment, including their bedding, furniture, and other surfaces, can help minimize hair accumulation. Use lint rollers, vacuum cleaners with pet hair attachments, or damp cloths to remove loose hair from upholstery and other surfaces.
This reduces the chances of your cat ingesting excessive hair during grooming sessions.
Create a Stress-free Environment
Stress and anxiety can contribute to excessive grooming behavior in cats, increasing hair ingestion. So, as a responsible parent, you should create a calm and stress-free environment for your cat. You can provide them with hiding spots and vertical spaces and engage them in interactive play sessions.
Consult with a veterinarian or animal behaviorist to address any underlying stressors if necessary.
Implementing these preventive measures can significantly reduce the likelihood of hair coming out of your cat’s bum and promote its overall well-being.
Conclusion
When I first saw Muezza’s issue with hair on her bum, I was terrified. Hair coming out of cats’ bums can be a concerning issue for cat owners. But if you understand the causes, prevention strategies, and treatment options, you can effectively address this problem and ensure your feline friend’s comfort.
Regular grooming routines, including daily brushing, can help minimize hair accumulation and ingestion. Moreover, you can introduce veterinarian-recommended dietary supplements and hairball control products. On top of all, you can maintain a clean living environment for their better growth and health.
However, if hair accumulation is significant, persistent, or accompanied by concerning symptoms, you should seek professional grooming services or, more importantly, immediate veterinary intervention. Remember, a happy and healthy cat results from attentive care, regular grooming, and timely professional intervention when necessary. Your cat’s health and comfort are always the top priority.
