Q: How do I prevent my rabbit from having problems with hairballs?
A: Diet can help. Hairballs can occur in rabbits who are fed an inadequate amount of dietary roughage. Unlike cats, rabbits are unable to vomit, so the hair they lick from their coats can collect in their stomachs. Rabbits suffering from hairballs should be given a maintenance diet containing between 15 and 25% fibre. Some balanced commercial rations contain much lower amounts of fibre, and should be supplemented with grass or legume hays. Alternatively, rabbits may be fed a high-fibre pelleted food.
It is a good idea to brush your rabbit’s fur routinely if he sheds heavily or is longhaired. This will cut down on the amount of hair that he will ingest when grooming himself.
