Home remedies for hairballs in cats are rarely needed, in my opinion, because cats have a well developed way of removing them either by defecation or throwing up. The difficulty as I see it is knowing when there is a hairball problem that can and could be treated with a home remedy. Anyway, below is a slightly chaotic video presenting information about home remedies for hairballs in cats. Below it are some keywords on the subject.
- The scientific name for cat hairballs is: trichobezoars.
- Regularly groom your cat particularly long haired cats and during the shedding season – the summer – because there is more light. This is a preventative measure.
- There are two dietary supplements used to control hairballs:
- lubricants help to slide the hairball out and
- fiber (fibre) which helps to push the hair along the digestive tract.
- In category A we have petroleum based-based laxatives. In category B we have high-fiber bulk additives such as Lax-ese. I’d ask your vet about these. They probably sell them or you cat get them online.
- There are cat foods designed for hairball control such as Hills Science Diet Hairball Control and Purina ONE® Advanced Nutrition Hairball Formula.
- A safe and effective home remedy is (a) white petroleum jelly. Half a teaspoon once or twice a week or (b) mineral oil added to cat food once or twice a week at a dose of 1 teaspoon per 5 pounds of body weight. Not to be given by mouth. Both petroleum jelly and mineral oil decrease absorption of fat-soluble vitamins if given in large quantities over a long time, so beware.
- Note: the reason for the video is simply to present information in a different and hopeful more relaxing way. Also it amuses me a bit. If it is disastrous, please tell me in a polite comment!
- Search results for cat hairballs on PoC.
- The book referred to is Cat Owner’s Home Veterinary Handbook.
What sport do cats play? Hairball!
lol lol good one Michael