Home hairball treatment techniques are easy and effective. In fact, your cat may even enjoy them.
Most cats experience a hairball now and then, and they are usually not serious. If, however, your cat seems to be regurgitating a lot of hairballs, you will need to take steps to reduce the frequency.
Some cat hairball remedies:
- Groom regularly so she swallows less hair
- Increase fiber so hair passes faster and doesn't form clumps
- Provide lubricants to help her pass swallowed hair
What Causes Hairballs?
As your cat grooms and cleans her fur, she swallows hair. The hair forms dense clumps in your cat's digestive tract and they can be difficult to pass. Usually, your cat will regurgitate the mass.
Regular grooming and dietary maintenance will reduce hairballs, improve cat skin disorders and reduce the allergic qualities of your cat.
Reduce The Amount of Swallowed Hair
Reduce the amount of hair your cat swallows to reduce the frequency of hairballs. Regular grooming loosens dead hair and removes dander, common sources of cat hair allergies. Longhaired cats are especially vulnerable to hairballs, so daily brushing is a must for these breeds.
The first step in reducing hairballs requires that you reduce the amount of hair that your cat swallows. Groom your cat daily to remove excess hair. Regular grooming loosens dead hair and removes dander, both common sources of cat hair allergy. In addition to the body, gently comb behind the ears and around the tail area.
To keep shedding to a minimum, add an essential fatty acid supplement to your cat's diet. It will improve her skin and coat, reduce joint inflammation and control skin allergies.
Increase Your Cat's Fiber Intake
Fiber will improve your cat's digestion and allow the hair she does swallow to pass quickly through her digestive system. Hairball control diets contain special digestive enzymes and added fiber to make this process more convenient.
Be aware that hairball control diets may increase the amount of feces your cat passes and increase her need for water. A benefit of these foods is a reduction in shedding.
An easy way to increase your cat's water and fiber intake is by the addition of two teaspoons of canned, unsweetened pumpkin to her daily rations. Most cats like the taste and it also adds healthy vitamin C.
Lubricate For Easier Passage
Over-the-counter hairball pastes lubricate your cat's digestive tract so that hairballs pass easily in the feces. Most products contain mineral oil or petroleum jelly as well as flavoring to increase palatability.
Vaseline® petroleum jelly is a very effective lubricant. You can smear a small amount on her paw and allow her to lick it off, or you can mix it into a particularly tempting food like tuna or mackerel.
Keep Your Cat Happy
Boredom can lead to stress and obsessive grooming. Spend more time with your cat and be sure she has access to exercise and stimulation.
Regular grooming, loving attention and healthy eating will keep your cat happy while keeping hairballs to a minimum.