Why is there Human Hair in My Cat’s Poop [Explained]

When it comes to our feline friends, we all want to ensure they are healthy and happy. Unfortunately, sometimes our cats exhibit certain behaviors that can cause health problems. One issue that many cat owners face is finding human hair in their cat’s poop.

While it may seem strange and unappealing, it’s important to understand what it means and what you can do about it.

What Causes Cats to Eat Human Hair?

There are many reasons why cats might ingest human hair. While some of these causes can be addressed at home, others may require a trip to the vet.

Without further ado, let’s explore them together:

1. Allogrooming

One of the most common causes of human hair in your cat’s poop is allogrooming. Mutual grooming, also called “allogrooming,” is a way for cats to show love and connect with their family.

Once your cat sees you as part of its family, it will express its love in many ways, including grooming you. However, when your cat grooms your hair, some can get caught in its tongue or teeth and be swallowed with saliva.

This can result in the buildup of hair in your cat’s digestive system, which can cause human hair to show up in their poop.

2. Loose Hair

When your cat grooms itself, it uses its rough tongue to lick and clean its fur. During this process, any loose hair caught in your feline’s fur can get trapped in its tongue and swallowed.

Eventually, the hair may be expelled in their feces, leading to human hair in their poop.

3. They Want to Have Fun

Cats are known for their playful nature, and they often engage in various activities that provide both physical and mental stimulation.

Chewing on their owners’ hair is an activity that some cats seem to find particularly entertaining.

This behavior may be driven by various factors, such as the texture and smell of the hair, as well as the act of gnawing itself.

4. The Smell of Your Hair Might Be The Reason

Does your cat wait until you’re out of the shower before sneaking in to chew on your hair? Well, one of the products you’re using may trigger this behavior.

As we know, cats have an incredibly keen sense of smell, and the scent of your hair may be simply irresistible to them.

But there’s more to consider than just the natural scent of your hair. Many shampoos, conditioners, and other hair care products we use in our everyday lives have an attractive smell.

These same fragrances can also attract your cat, drawing it in with its powerful sense of smell.

5. The Cat is Looking for Attention

Cats are highly social pets and love when they receive attention from their owners. But, when they feel neglected or bored, they resort to several strategies, such as chewing on their owners’ hair.

When your kitten realizes its behavior gets the desired outcome, it’ll keep repeating it because of the positive feedback.

If that’s the case, try to give your cat attention and show affection. This will help eliminate this behavior and ultimately solve the issue.

6. The Cat Was Weaned too Early

Kittens that are weaned too early may exhibit a range of behaviors indicative of a cat seeking comfort and security. These symptoms often manifest as ear-sucking, blanket kneading, and excessive grooming.

These kittens may also develop a condition called pica, which is characterized by eating non-edible items, such as plastic, clothing, and human hair.

Some of these behaviors can persist into adulthood and become compulsive or problematic if left unaddressed.

7. Stress

When cats are stressed, their natural response is to seek ways to relieve that stress. Some stressed cats may engage in behaviors like over-grooming, urinating outside the litter box, or hiding to cope with their anxiety.

But in some cases, the same cats may start to show signs of pica.

What Health Issues Could Cats Face from Consuming Human Hair?

While the presence of human hair in your cat’s poop may seem unpleasant, it’s generally not a cause for concern. In most cases, the hair will pass through the digestive system and eventually make its way out without causing any harm.

However, there are some instances when the hair can cause blockages in the digestive system. This can lead to discomfort and even serious health issues.

If you notice that your cat is experiencing symptoms like vomiting, loss of appetite, or diarrhea, it’s important to take it to the vet.

Tips for Preventing Your Cat from Eating Hair

Determining why your cat enjoys eating human hair is key to eliminating this behavior.

Here are some great tips to help your cat stop ingesting human hair:

• Vacuum and sweep the floor daily, especially if you shed a lot of hair.

• Consider changing your hair products if your cat is attracted to the smell of your hair.

• Keep your hairbrush and ties away from areas your cat can access.

• Address the factors that make your cat anxious to manage its stress.

• Show affection to your cat through cuddling, talking softly, or rubbing its fur.

• Provide your cat with appropriate toys and engage in fun activities to prevent it from chewing on your hair.

• Give your cat as much attention as it needs.

• Seek veterinary attention if your cat’s behavior becomes compulsive or uncontrollable.

Frequently Asked Questions

1. Should You Pull Hair Out of Your Cat’s Bum?

Some cats may end up with a piece of feces hanging off their bum connected to long hair after ingesting human hair. Don’t pull the hair out of their bum. Instead, carefully cut the hair or simply let it pass with the next bowl movement.

2. Is it Safe to Let Your Cat Lick Your Hair?

Yes, it is generally safe to let your cat lick your hair. But if your cat ends up chewing, it’s best to discourage it.

Conclusion

As we wrap up this article, we hope that you now understand the reasons behind finding human hair in your cat’s feces.

We’d love to hear from you about how the strategies we suggested worked out for you.

If you’ve tried other methods to prevent your cat from consuming hair, feel free to share them in the comment section below.

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