You’ve probably seen your cat leaving sticky hair clumps around a house — not a pretty sight. Hairballs form when cats lick their coats, and loose hair accumulates in the stomach, causing discomfort, gagging, and retching.While hairballs seem fairly common, they can cause serious digestive issues if not addressed promptly. Luckily, plenty of remedies exist, from coat-improving cat food to gels and supplements, which can help reduce the presence of hairballs in cats. So, if your pet has been suffering from excess hair accumulating in their stomach, this guide is for you.This time, we dug deeper into the matter to help you find the most suitable solution for your feline. We also enlisted the help of our animal expert,Soneye Toluwalase, to shortlist the best-performing remedies for your cat’s hairball problem. Here’s what our research concluded.The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to ourdisclaimerfor more details.Our Community PicksBest Overall:Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight And Hairball Care $37.98Runner-Up:Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food $45.14Also Great:Greenies Feline Smartbites Hairball Control Cat Treats $3.28Note:All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.Best Cat Food for Hairball ControlChoosing the right cat food to tackle hairball issues can be a challenge. Our recommended foods are made with high-quality ingredients to promote digestive health, reduce hairballs, and improve coat quality.This post may includeaffiliate links.
You’ve probably seen your cat leaving sticky hair clumps around a house — not a pretty sight. Hairballs form when cats lick their coats, and loose hair accumulates in the stomach, causing discomfort, gagging, and retching.While hairballs seem fairly common, they can cause serious digestive issues if not addressed promptly. Luckily, plenty of remedies exist, from coat-improving cat food to gels and supplements, which can help reduce the presence of hairballs in cats. So, if your pet has been suffering from excess hair accumulating in their stomach, this guide is for you.This time, we dug deeper into the matter to help you find the most suitable solution for your feline. We also enlisted the help of our animal expert,Soneye Toluwalase, to shortlist the best-performing remedies for your cat’s hairball problem. Here’s what our research concluded.The information provided herein is for informational purposes only. Please refer to ourdisclaimerfor more details.
Our Community Picks
Best Overall:Iams Proactive Health Indoor Weight And Hairball Care $37.98
Runner-Up:Hill’s Science Diet Wet Cat Food $45.14
Also Great:Greenies Feline Smartbites Hairball Control Cat Treats $3.28
Note:All prices and deals listed are accurate as of the time of publishing. Please check the provided links for the most current pricing.
Best Cat Food for Hairball Control
This post may includeaffiliate links.
Life Stage:Adult| Primary Ingredients:Chicken, fiber, dried plain beet pulp, turkey, powdered cellulose| Flavors:Chicken and turkey, salmon| Sizes:3.5, 7, 16, and 22-pound bagIf your feline friend is a fan of dry food, then Iams ProActive Health Indoor Weight and Hairball Care would be a great choice. The addition of fiber makes this food perfect for preventing hairballs and ensuring smooth digestion. In addition to these benefits, the fatty acids in this food will give your cat’s coat a shiny and healthy appearance.What We Like:• Enriched with extra fiber• Minimizes occurrences of hairballs• Infused with omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acidsWhat We Don’t Like:• It may cause your cat to vomitReviews from Buyers:“Cat likes the taste, very finicky. I followed amount they suggest on bag, her weight is maintained. She’s not eating unhealthy food & I can tell . And I’m happy the hairballs are gone!!” —Slicks girlon Amazon.
Best Cat Treats for Hairball ControlCat treats for hairball control are a win-win for pet owners. They help remove hairballs from your cat’s gut while serving as a tasty delight — a perfect way to bond with your feline friend.
Best Cat Treats for Hairball Control
Cat treats for hairball control are a win-win for pet owners. They help remove hairballs from your cat’s gut while serving as a tasty delight — a perfect way to bond with your feline friend.
Life Stage:Adult| Primary Ingredients: Citrus pulp, apple pomace, psyllium husk, zinc methionine, omega-3| Flavors:Chicken| Sizes:3.7 ouncesPet Honesty Cat Hairball Support Chews are made with functional ingredients that help reduce hairball formation while maintaining the health of your cat’s skin and digestive system. These chews offer a simple yet effective solution to common health concerns while providing comprehensive support for your cat’s overall wellbeing. According to cat owners, their felines love the taste of these chews, but some have experienced possible allergic reactions to the food.What We Like:• Cats love the taste• Prevents hairball formationWhat We Don’t Like:• Possible allergic reaction in some catsReviews from Buyers:“All I can say about the snack is ever since I started feeding several of these to my cat every day she has not had one hairball! She never had them super often, but when she did, they were bad and since the incorporation of these treats into her daily habits, not one furball!” —catpersonon Amazon.
Best Petroleum Gels for Cat Hairballs
Life Stage:All life stages| Primary Ingredients:white petroleum, mineral oil| Flavors:Catnip, maple, tuna| Sizes: 2.5 or 4.25-ounce tubeTomlyn Laxatone Hairball Control offers a gentle solution to hairballs in your cats. By lubricating the digestive tract, it allows hairballs to pass out easily. This gel also serves as a preventive measure against future hairball formation. The hairball gel also contains omega-3 fatty acids to promote skin and coat health.What We Like:• Aids the passage of hairballs• Available in multiple flavors• Convenient gel formula for easy administration• Promotes skin and coat health• Suitable for kittensWhat We Don’t Like:• The gel can be messyReviews from Buyers:“It’s hard to assess value for money when the product is a laxative for hairballs, but at least I know the cat is getting it as directed. I tried the apply to paw technique at first, then discovered he would lick it directly from the tube. Lickable cat treats have an unheralded benefit…training a cat to take squeeze up medication. It’s too soon to assess real benefit - lack of emesis. I will anticipate good results and update if otherwise.” —LGon Amazon.
Best Cat Supplements for Hairball ControlThe following veterinarian-recommended supplement formulations are designed to support your cat’s digestive health and promote a hairball-free life.
Best Cat Supplements for Hairball Control
The following veterinarian-recommended supplement formulations are designed to support your cat’s digestive health and promote a hairball-free life.
Life Stage:Adult| Primary Ingredients:Apple fiber powder, calcium carbonate, cellulose, magnesium stearate| Flavors:Chicken flavor| Sizes:60 or 180 countVet’s Best Hairball Relief tablets are made with a blend of natural ingredients and fiber that can help your cat with hairball problems. These supplements can also enhance your cat’s digestion, promoting a healthy digestive system. If you want genuinely effective prevention for hairballs, Vet’s Best supplement ticks all the boxes.Note:You may need to break the tablets to make it easier to administerWhat We Love:• Plant-derived components aid in digestion and act as a preventative measure against hairballsWhat We Don’t Love:• Available in a single flavor• Not designed for the treatment of existing hairballsReviews from Buyers:Vet’s best is one of my fav bands and definitely a safe product. My cat doesn’t eat cat grasses, therefore for hairball control I chosen this product. I usually break one tablet into 4 pieces and put it in the can foods." —alwayson Amazon.
What To Look for in Hairball Remedies
When selecting a hairball remedy for your cat, consider the following.
Ingredients
Hairball remedies should be made with ingredients like petroleum-based jelly and natural fibers such as cellulose. Petroleum-based jelly and mineral oil act as lubricants in the digestive system, smoothing the hairball’s texture and facilitating its passage through the intestines.
Vet Approval
It’s best to consult your veterinarian before choosing a hairball remedy for your cat. They can recommend a product tailored to your cat’s needs based on age, diet, and health conditions. Opting for vet-approved remedies can help your cat’s health and wellbeing.
Effectiveness
Choose hairball remedies that are safe and effective, made with natural ingredients, and tested rigorously. Look for comprehensive products that address hairball relief with high-quality ingredients known for their digestive benefits.
Ease of Administration
Hairball remedies come in gels, pastes, treats, or supplements. Choose what’s easy for your cat to take. Gels and pastes can be added to food or applied to the paw. Treats are a tasty and convenient option.
Palatability
When looking for a hairball remedy for your furry friend, make sure to opt for one that is palatable and agreeable to their taste buds. Products with enticing flavors or textures are great options, as they make it easier for your cat to accept and incorporate into their routine without any hassle.
Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats
Common symptoms of hairballs in cats include:
Important:It’s normal for cats to have occasional hairballs, but if your cat experiences frequent or severe symptoms, it could signal an underlying issue. In such cases, it’s crucial to take your cat to the vet as soon as possible. Keep in mind that these signs may not always indicate hairballs; many owners mistake more serious conditions, like asthma, for hairball-related symptoms.
Common Treatments for Cat Hairballs
From specialized diets and supplements to grooming techniques and home remedies, there are various options for hairball control.
Regular Grooming
Brush your cat’s fur several times a week, especially long-haired cats, to remove loose hair and minimize hairballs. Use a cat brush or comb to gently remove fur, focusing on prone areas like the back and belly.
Dietary Changes
Adding fiber to your cat’s diet helps digest hairballs and facilitates their passage. Look for foods labeled “hairball control” or “hairball formula” that contain fiber-rich ingredients like cellulose, pumpkin, or psyllium husk. Adding a teaspoon of olive oil to your cat’s food can also lubricate the digestive system. However, it’s important to note that olive oil may cause diarrhea and is generally not suggested for obese cats or those prone to pancreatitis.
Laxatives
Petroleum jelly, corn oil, soybean oil, mineral oil, or hydrogenated vegetable oil are common ingredients in cat laxatives. They are available in various forms, such as paw gel, pastes, or chews, and should be administered according to the manufacturer’s instructions or based on a veterinarian’s consultation.
Hydration
Ensuring your cat stays well-hydrated. This helps maintain healthy digestion and reduces the risk of hairballs forming. Always provide easy access to fresh water, and consider placing many water bowls throughout your home. Additionally, wet food should be incorporated into their diet, and water should be added to dry food to increase their moisture intake.
Reduce Stress
Addressing stressful conditions can prevent excessive grooming in cats. Try to identify the source of your cat’s stress and provide enrichment activities, such as interactive toys and playtime, to reduce boredom and promote well-being.
Regular Veterinary Check-Ups
Regular vet check-ups help monitor your cat’s health. Your vet can also suggest a personalized plan for managing hairballs. Remember: Prevention is better than cure.
How Can You Help Your Cat with a Stubborn Hairball?
If you want to help your cat with a hairball, provide plenty of fresh water, as it can help soften stools and aid in the movement of hairballs through the digestive tract. Another option is to feed your cat a small amount of plain canned pumpkin, which contains fiber and can bulk up stools, promoting bowel movements.
You can also try a gentle massage or abdominal exercises to stimulate your cat’s digestive system and help them pass hairballs. Adding a small amount of petroleum jelly to their paws has also been proven to be a good remedy.
However, if your cat continues to have difficulty passing the hairball or shows signs of distress, such as vomiting, lethargy, or loss of appetite, it’s best to consult your veterinarian for further evaluation and treatment options.
FAQ
Are hairball remedies safe?
Hairball remedies for cats are generally safe if used according to instructions and under guidance from a veterinarian. Choose products specifically made for cats and monitor your cat for any reactions or changes in behavior after administering hairball remedies.
What breaks up hairballs in cats?
Hydrating cats and including fiber-rich ingredients in their diet can help with hairball formation. Dry or hard stools can make it difficult for hairballs to pass, leading to blockages or discomfort. Beet pulp, pumpkin, or psyllium husk are fiber-rich ingredients that can help soften stools.
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