Hairballs or Fur Balls in Cats:

"Treating and Preventing Fur Balls or Hairballs in Cats"

Easy Tips and Home Hairball Remedies to Prevent and Treat
Cat Hairballs.

Hairballs (or fur balls) are a problem that plagues house cats and cat owners alike. Learn why cats get them, and the best methods for preventing and treating feline hairballs.

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs / Fur Balls?

Cats are very clean animals, and are constantly grooming. When they lick their fur during cleaning, the fur that sticks to their tongue will end up being swallowed. Since the fur is indigestible, it will either leave their body undigested in their stool, or will be vomited up as a hairball.

Cat fur balls are common in both long and shorthaired cats, but are more of a problem with longer haired cats.

Symptoms of Hairballs:

- Vomiting
- Coughing
- If the hairball is not passed, you may notice weight loss or a decrease in appetite.

Preventing Fur Balls / Hairballs in Cats (Including Home Remedies):

1) The best way to prevent hairballs in your cat is by brushing away the excess fur, and thus preventing them from swallowing it.

2) Hairball Home Remedies: For my cat, I gave her a ¼ - ½ teaspoon of Vaseline each morning. It was our morning ritual. You could also try giving a ½ - 1 teaspoon of olive oil daily. Just pour it over their food.

3) Fibre rich diets will help keep your cat's digestive sytem healthy. Try cat nip, cat grass or fibre rich dry cat foods on a regular basis.

4) Exercise is another great fur ball prevention technique.

5) You can also try hairball remedy cat food, such as Science Diet Hairball Control Formula, or treats. Some hairball remedy foods are for older cats only. Please ensure to ask an expert what age the food is designed for.

Treating Fur Balls / Hairballs in Cats:

If your cat is vomiting fur balls, try a hairball remedy product. They are usually oil or petroleum based products that have been flavored with fish, meat or malt. Most cats really enjoy them. Try Eight in One Kittymalt Hairball Remedy, Laxatone cat fur ball remedy, or a petroleum free product such as Cat Lube Hairball & Digestive Aid by Veterinarian's Best.

Please don’t use these products to disguise pills, as the pill will end up passing through your cats system undigested and ineffective.

Some hairball remedy foods are for older cats only. Please ensure to ask an expert what age the food is designed for.

If your cat is vomiting excessively, please contact your vet as they may have a digestive issue or chronic vomiting.

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