How do you prevent the family cat from hairballing?
WritingWoman asked:
We have a cat who just loves to throw up hairballs continuously. We’ve tried special cat food, cat medicine, and even special brushing, but nothing’s worked and we’re running out of ideas. Got any suggestions?
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We have a cat who just loves to throw up hairballs continuously. We’ve tried special cat food, cat medicine, and even special brushing, but nothing’s worked and we’re running out of ideas. Got any suggestions?
February 16th, 2010 at 11:41 pm
One thing that really helped my cat was butter. Just offer a little tablespoon of butter on a plate. Once a week, maybe, or whenever you hear him hacking. My cat loved it. Good luck! Mel Bell
February 17th, 2010 at 9:04 am
I used a product that comes in a tube. It’s sort of oily, like neosporin or other salves. I’d put a dollop on her nose, knowing she’d clean it off by wiping her nose and licking her paws. I’m pretty sure it acts as a mild laxative, so the hair goes out another way. TexasRiverRat
February 17th, 2010 at 10:43 pm
Some cats are very prone to this problem while others hardly have it at all. It doesn’t really matter how long their fur is. I’ve noticed the cats that get it the worst are those that tend to be heavy shedders. Some suggestions that I can think of to help would be to brush the cat’s fur on a regular basis or give it some margarine to lick on. You can also try one of the commercial hairball preparations or allow your cat to go outside to eat some grass. The grass wraps itself around the hairball and since the cat can’t digest it, it will throw it all up. Just be sure the cat isn’t anywhere near rugs or carpets when that happens. RoVale
February 18th, 2010 at 10:15 pm
Ok if your cat has long hair make sure you brush your cat daily.that should help your cat stop having hair balls.even if he/she is shedding or not. Sarah
February 20th, 2010 at 2:49 am
The only thing I can think of is cutting its fur. If its really long, then it sheds alot, and when it cleans its fur it easily gets in your cat’s mouth. Take it to a groomer to trim its fur length. Or, you can really carefully cut it with a scissors, but make sure not to cut open the skin. Christy
February 20th, 2010 at 2:59 pm
I doubt that your cat loves throwing up hairballs, he just can’t help it. Iams hairball control food and regular brushing works for our cats. I know some people swear by butter, I never tried it myself. Other people say to give them a spoonful of cooked pumpkin (like Libby’s solid pack pumpkin, not pumpkin pie mix) daily. I have heard people who swear they eat it and it works like magic. Again, I’ve never tried it, but I don’t see where it would hurt anything. baymast13