By Carolina Cunha, DVM, MSc, Product Executive, CF Pharma Vet
Gastrointestinal (GI) motility – the rhythmic movement of the digestive tract – is fundamental to the digestion and absorption of nutrients and the efficient elimination of waste. Despite its importance, this process is often only addressed when clinical signs such as constipation, flatulence, vomiting or hairball formation become apparent. In clinical practice, however, supporting intestinal motility should be viewed as a preventative priority, contributing to the broader health and wellbeing of pets.
The role of intestinal motility in companion animals
Efficient GI motility plays several vital roles in both dogs and cats:
- Prevents the accumulation of ingested material, such as food and hair, in the stomach and intestines
- Supports a balanced and diverse intestinal microbiota
- Reduces the risk of constipation and associated gastrointestinal discomfort
- Promotes stools of optimal consistency and frequency
- Minimises secondary signs such as nausea, inappetence and lethargy
Hairball formation in cats: A common but manageable issue
Hairballs (trichobezoars) are a natural consequence of grooming behaviour, particularly in cats. The ingestion of hair is normal, but when GI motility is suboptimal, these hairs can accumulate in the stomach and form compact masses. The typical presentation involves the regurgitation of elongated, matted hair masses that have passed through the oesophagus. Although occasional hairball elimination is considered physiological, frequent or sudden increases in frequency may be indicative of underlying GI pathology, dermatological conditions, or stress-related overgrooming.
Hairball issues are significantly more prevalent in longhaired cats, but even in shorthaired breeds, chronic or frequent regurgitation should not be dismissed as normal. Owners often underreport this issue, assuming it to be benign. Veterinary professionals should specifically inquire about hairball elimination during routine history taking, particularly in patients presenting with gastrointestinal signs, weight loss, or recurrent vomiting. A history of frequent hairball expulsion may warrant further investigation or dietary modification, rather than solely symptomatic treatment.
Predisposing factors for hairball formation include:
- Overgrooming due to stress or insufficient environmental enrichment
- Seasonal shedding
- Long hair coat
- Conditions that impair intestinal motility
Although the complications associated with hairballs – such as intestinal obstruction – are rare, they can be severe.
GI motility and canine health
While hairballs are uncommon in dogs, reduced GI motility can still result in occasional constipation, flatulence, or abdominal distension. These issues are more frequently observed in elderly dogs, those with reduced activity levels, or animals fed diets low in dietary fibre. Supporting motility can improve overall gastrointestinal comfort and quality of life.
The microbiome-motility connection
Gastrointestinal motility is intricately linked to the health of the intestinal microbiota. A sluggish intestinal transit time may allow for the overgrowth of pathogenic bacteria, predisposing the animal to dysbiosis and inflammation. Regular motility supports a stable microbial environment, promoting gut integrity, immune function and systemic health.
Furthermore, the gut has well-documented connections with other systems, including the skin, immune system, kidneys and central nervous system. Nutritional strategies that gently support intestinal transit can therefore have systemic benefits, from coat quality to behavioural stability.
Nutritional support with Movipet
Movipet® is a palatable nutraceutical paste designed to support healthy gastrointestinal motility in companion animals. It combines multiple active ingredients with mild laxative and microbiota-supportive properties, making it an ideal tool for both the prevention of hairball formation and the management of mild constipation.
Key Active Ingredients:
Malt Extract
Derived from the germination of barley, malt is rich in carbohydrates such as maltose and contains mannan oligosaccharides (MOS), which function as prebiotics. MOS promote the growth of beneficial gut bacteria, contributing to microbial balance and intestinal health (Henríquez et al., 2023). The slightly sweet flavour also contributes to the paste’s high palatability.
White Mineral Oil
Mineral oil is a well-established lubricant laxative that coats the intestinal mucosa and the stool, preventing excessive water absorption. This promotes softer stools and facilitates the passage of hair through the gastrointestinal tract, especially in cats predisposed to hairball formation. When used appropriately and in veterinary-formulated products, it is both safe and effective for short-term use.
Soya Oil
Soya oil is a source of omega-6 fatty acids, which helps modulate inflammatory responses. It also provides lubrication to the stool, complementing the effects of mineral oil in supporting transit.
Vitamin E
A fat-soluble antioxidant, vitamin E supports immune health and cellular protection. It also plays a role in maintaining mucosal integrity and modulating the immune response along the gut–associated lymphoid tissue (Calder et al., 2022).
Indications and Use
Movipet is suitable for:
- Regular use in cats prone to hairball formation
- Short-term support in mild cases of constipation in dogs or cats
- Promoting gut health and motility in ageing animals or those with reduced physical activity
- Enhancing stool passage in cases where softer stools are temporarily desirable
Importantly, the paste’s palatability ensures ease of administration, and its gentle formulation allows for flexible use within preventive care plans or in response to mild gastrointestinal signs.
References:
- Calder, P. C., Ortega, E. F., Meydani, S. N., Adkins, Y., Stephensen, C. B., Thompson, B. & Zwickey, H. (2022) Nutrition, Immunosenescence, and Infectious Disease: An Overview of the Scientific Evidence on Micronutrients and on Modulation of the Gut Microbiota. Advances in Nutrition, 13(5), S1–S26. https://doi.org/10.1093/advances/nmac052
- Cannon, M. (2013) Hair balls in cats: a normal nuisance or a sign that something is wrong? Journal of Feline Medicine and Surgery, 15(1), 21–29. https://doi.org/10.1177/1098612X12470342
- Erhardt, R., Harnett, J. E., Steels, E. & Steadman, K. J. (2023) Functional constipation and the effect of prebiotics on the gut microbiota: a review. British Journal of Nutrition, 130(6), 1015–1023. https://doi.org/10.1017/S0007114522003853
- Henríquez, L. B. F., Siqueira, T. M. A., Vieira, L. F. G., Dallago, B. S. L., Honorio, D. J., & Padrão, T. A. P. (2023) Effects of Malt Extract on Nutritional and Functional Aspects in Healthy Adult Dogs. Fermentation, 9(10), 870. https://doi.org/10.3390/fermentation9100870
- Jackson, M. I., Wernimont, S. M., Carnagey, K. & Jewell, D. E. (2024) Nutrient Digestive Bypass: Determinants and Associations with Stool Quality in Cats and Dogs. Animals, 14(19), 2778. https://doi.org/10.3390/ani14192778
