Cat Hairball Remedies

Hairball Remedies

Hairballs are a common thing for almost all cat owners. Though they may be disgusting to humans, a hairball is a normal and natural way for cats to rid their system of unwanted hair. Hairballs are also a way to get rid of irritating hair that gathers in the cat’s intestinal tract.

As we all know, cats clean themselves by licking their hair. Some cats can be compulsive groomers and every time they lick their fur to groom themselves, loose hair is picked up on the tongue, swallowed, and makes it way down to the stomach. Some cats are especially prone to producing more hairballs or hairballs on a more regular basis. This includes cats that are heavy shedders or ones the groom excessively. While a hairball is a normal thing, it is still uncomfortable for the cat. When a hairball is not eliminated they can cause a blockage in the intestinal track which requires immediate and often costly medical attention.

There are many ways to reduce hairballs which will make your life and the life of your cat easier and more fun. Not every option may be viable for every person and cat, so make sure to try as many as you can.

Cat Brushes

The best thing you can do to reduce hairballs is to give your cat a good daily groom. There really is no substitute for a good brushing. A good brushing will remove loose hair and keeps the cat’s coat clean and shiny. All the hair that ends up in the brush is hair that does not end up in the cat’s stomach. A good cat brush is one item that should be bought when buying all other essential cat supplies. Another benefit of brushing your cat is that it is a great bonding time.

Lubricants

Lubricants are another option to help move excess hair through your cat’s system. Petroleum-based lubricants are used. As many cat owners know, cats can be very picky about they eat. The good thing is that most of these lubricants are an oral paste and are available in many different flavors such as chicken and beef. Sometimes they are even combined with catnip to make them more appealing to cats. Another way to get your cat to digest these lubricants is to put them on the cat’s paw or nose which will your cat will then lick off and it forces the cat to ingest the lubricant.

Specialty Diets

Most specialty diets for hairball reduction are highly effective and quite popular. They are available at many of your local pet food stores. These diets are high in fiber and low in calories. They have been researched and scientifically formulated to provide the best nutrition possible for your cat. When your cat receives great nutrition it improves their skin and coat condition, which in turn reduces the shedding your cat does. In addition, the higher fiber content helps move the hair through the intestinal tract and eliminate potential blockages would could be deadly.

Food Supplements

Besides lubricants and specialty diets, food supplements can be used to help reduce shedding and improve the coat condition. Fish oils, B-vitamins, pumpkin, and brewer’s yeast help with a healthy skin and shiny coat. This in turn will help control the formation of hairballs. Additional omega-3 and -6 fatty acids which are generally found in a liquid form can also help with shed control and a shiny coat. Lastly, there are cat treats that are given as an additive for improving skin and coat conditions. Many of these treats have the fish oils included in them.

Grooming Products

Besides brushing your cat, there are other grooming products that will help reduce your cat’s hairballs. Shampoo and conditioners that are specially formulated to control excessive shedding are a good place to start. There are also shampoos and conditioners that are fortified with antioxidants and omega-3 fatty acids to moisturize the coat and leave it shiny and healthy. This option works great for those people that already give their cat a bath.

Toys

Lastly, toys and cat scratching posts are often not talked about when it comes to reducing hairballs. Cat toys increase activity which aids in getting a cat’s system moving, this helps eliminate excessive hair build-up in the intestines

Wagging Welcome

Here is a great informational story on how to introduce new pets.

Wagging Welcome

Bringing home a new pet is an exciting time. But make sure you're starting things off on the right

foot - or the right paw.

"Most people who come in say, 'I'm ready - I want to adopt.' But we like them to be prepared," said Janet Gates, an application processor at the Bedford County Humane Society in Everett.

"That means doing research on the type of dog or cat that will be suitable for your home and family - and finding out how they interact with other animals.

Think about the supplies you'll need to make your new pet feel at home, she said. Dogs and cats both need bedding, food and water, bowls and collars. Adding a cat means adding a litter box and litter.

Veterinarians recommend at least one box for every cat in the house (and often say an additional box is a good idea). Also, think about toys for both cats and dogs. Having activities will help distract and entertain them while they are assimilating to their new environments.

"It keeps them busy ... so they don't make chew toys out of your leather shoes," she said. "And remember - cats like toys just as much as dogs do."

Crating your new pet is the best way to get him home safely, she said. Once in the home, leave the crate in an accessible area. It serves as an animal's "private space," where they can get away from other pets and people.

If you're adopting a puppy, you'll want to baby-proof the home - much like you would for a toddler.

"Look around, and ask yourself, 'Do I have electrical cords laying around, poisonous plants, chocolate sitting around in a candy dish ... or anti-freeze sitting in the garage - that can be lethal. Also, keep dogs of any age on a leash. A lot of people who come in and adopt an older dog think they can bring it home and just let it out the back door. That's a mistake - they'll run. It takes dogs a while to realize this is their new home."

The Central Pennsylvania Humane Society recommends setting up a veterinary visit within three days after adopting an animal from a shelter.

At the visit, your pet will need a general health check, rabies vaccinations, heartworm preventative and other inoculations. It also is important to get licenses and identifications tags for both dogs and cats.

"Your veterinarian can explain all shots and medications that are required by law, and also treatments that can prevent future health problems," said Debbie Pierce, director of marketing at the society. "They'll advise you on feeding and answer any specific questions you may have about your new pet."

And be patient in the beginning, she said. It may take a new pet time to adjust to its new home and family - and that includes other animals in the household.

"Consider letting (animals) get to know each for the first time in neutral territory," she said. "For example, take the dogs for a walk and introduce them during the walk. For cats, make the newcomer comfortable in their spot, and then introduce them slowly for short periods of time."
When Jen Bidoli and her husband, Steve, both 36, of Altoona, brought an abandoned kitten home a little more than a year ago to their then-7-year-old rat terrier, Owen, the addition was seamless.

"Faith (the kitten) would play with Owen, and Owen would play with her," she said. "She was still very little and still not walking so well (the kitten was weak from malnourishment), and Owen would come up and nudge her softly - it was like he was motherly to her."

Their three kids, Amarah, Anna and Matthew, ages 15, 11 and 9, respectively, were just as welcoming.

"The kids used to fight over who got to feed her and who got to hold her," she recalled. "We had to bottle-feed her with kitten formula for the first four weeks, along with softened cat food and warm milk."

She recalled the kids being just as welcoming with Owen, an abandoned puppy they took in eight years ago.

"All the kids loved Owen from the get-go ... Matt would even sleep with him in his dog bed," Bidoli said.

As for altercations between the two animals, they're few and far between, she said - living proof that dogs and cats don't have to be mortal enemies.

"The only time they fight is when the cat claws the side of the couch," she said. "As soon as Owen hears that, he bolts after. He doesn't like her doing that - he's kind of like the house police. She either runs or chases after him - and that's the extent of their fighting.

She added, "If you can tolerate having animals in your house, it's a good thing - because they love you unconditionally. Animals can calm you and lower your blood pressure. ... They love you and give back to you."

Source: Altoona Mirror Staff Writer Jimmy Mincin

Important Pet Supplies:

Dog Toys

Dog Beds

Dog Carriers

Dog Treats

Cat Beds