Hairball formation is a relatively common problem for cats, although it usually shouldn't happen more than once a week. If your cat seems to have a problem with shedding hairballs, you can try some home remedies, such as a paste to regulate bowel function and aid in hair digestion or even petroleum jelly. However, if the animal has symptoms of intestinal obstruction, you should consult a veterinarian. Also, sometimes animals that have asthma give the impression of having to expel a hairball, so if you think this may be your cat's problem, take him to a veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Steps
Method 1 of 5: Using Home Remedies
Step 1. To fix the problem, give your cat a paste to help digest the hair
This product acts as a regulator of intestinal functions and as a lubricant, so that the hairball is expelled with the feces; it is specially designed for cats, so you just have to put some on your pet's paw and it will lick it off.
- Apply a small amount to the cat's fur (usually the exact dose is indicated on the package). If he can shake it off the top of the paw, try spreading it under one of the elbows on the front paws.
- This type of pasta comes in a number of flavors cats love, such as salmon, so you might even be able to get them to swallow it by simply spreading it on a plate.
- In most cases, you will need to repeat the paste several times, i.e. twice a day for 3-5 days, until the problem goes away.
Step 2. Use half a teaspoon (2.5ml) of petroleum jelly for a cheaper solution
This home remedy can act as a laxative, thereby helping the cat to expel the hairball. Apply some petroleum jelly on one paw so that the cat licks it, trying to smear it lightly on the fur so that it cannot shake it off.
If the cat can get the petroleum jelly off the paw without licking it, try applying it to a more complicated area to shake, such as under one of the front paws
Step 3. Give the cat 4-6 treats for the elimination of hairballs to prevent their formation
At pet stores, you can find several brands of dry treats to treat this problem, which are effective for both removing existing hairballs and preventing them from forming. Follow the instructions on the package to determine how many to give to your cat.
- It is an optimal solution, as it is neither paste nor gel: your cat will not get dirty, it will simply have to swallow the morsels.
- Once the problem is resolved, continue giving him the treats to prevent boluses from forming in the future.
Step 4. For a long-term solution, try specific food against hairball formation
Changing the type of cat's food can help solve the problem immediately, but it will especially help prevent the formation of hairballs in the future. Look for "hairball control" or "anti hairballs" on the food package.
This type of food uses several methods for treating hairballs, including more fiber or omega-3 fatty acids in the food
Step 5. Add a tablespoon of pumpkin pulp to the cat's food
Pumpkin is high in fiber which can help solve the hairball problem. Mix the cooked pumpkin with his food, so he is more inclined to eat it.
Other options for increasing fiber intake are wheatgrass powder, coconut fiber or psyllium seed husks. Add about half a teaspoon of one of these products to wet cat food
Step 6. Pour 1.5ml of olive oil into the cat's food
It can be added to both wet and dry foods. Olive oil is a mild laxative, therefore it can help move the hairball.
Although it is a remedy that can be used from time to time, avoid using it every week, as the body of cats prefers animal-type fats
Method 2 of 5: Beware of More Severe Symptoms
Step 1. Check if your cat has loss of appetite
Be careful if the cat suddenly stops eating, especially when the phenomenon lasts for more than a day: you should immediately take it to the vet to check if there is something wrong.
The fact that you do not eat could be a sign that the digestive system is blocked by a hairball
Step 2. Check if your pet coughs heavily without expelling any hairballs
If he does this all the time but can't get anything out, he could have a bowel obstruction. Be careful if this happens several times a day.
- You should also check if the cat evacuates regularly, otherwise it is undoubtedly a digestive block and must be taken immediately to the vet.
- The problem could also occur with diarrhea, due to blockage in the digestive system.
Step 3. Check the cat's belly and how active it is
Put a hand on his belly - if it feels harder than usual, it could be a sign of an occlusion. The animal may also appear lethargic, as if it does not have the energy to carry out many activities.
Method 3 of 5: Take the cat to the vet
Step 1. Take your cat to the vet if he exhibits several symptoms
If you have a severe intestinal blockage, home remedies may not be able to fix it. Similar problems can also lead to the death of the animal when they are not treated in a short time, as the cat is unable to digest food.
It also may not be a hairball, so a diagnosis should be sought from your vet
Step 2. Expect a medical check-up
The vet will start palpating the cat with their hands, for example to feel if the stomach is hard, and then do a visual examination as well.
In the meantime, he will likely ask you a few questions about your cat's medical history and most recent symptoms
Step 3. Prepare for any diagnostic tests
Your vet will likely want to do some blood work, as well as an X-ray or ultrasound exam. These tests can help him determine if the cat has an intestinal obstruction and decide what is the best therapy.
Step 4. Be prepared to leave the cat in the clinic for a couple of days
If it is an intestinal blockage, the veterinarian will probably decide to keep the animal in the clinic to administer a laxative and wait for it to have some effect, closely monitoring the evolution of the situation.
If the intestinal blockage is not so serious as to require the cat to remain in the clinic, you will be given instructions regarding the remedies to be applied at home, such as the use of mineral oil
Step 5. Discuss the possibility of surgery with your veterinarian
If the occlusion is caused by a hairball, surgical removal may be required. Your vet will let you know if the situation is serious enough to require intervention.
Method 4 of 5: Paying Attention to Asthma Symptoms
Step 1. Pay attention to how he coughs
Cats with asthma cough in a particular position, usually crouching and stretching the neck. Be careful if you see your cat in this position.
If the cat often positions itself like this to cough without producing anything, it could be a sign that it has asthma
Step 2. Listen to whether it is just a cough or rather an expectorant and dry cough
Although they may be very similar, in the second case you will hear a gasp; also whether it is a dry or oily cough, try to observe if it seems to you that the cat is trying to expel mucus, but then swallows it.
The animal could stick out its tongue while coughing
Step 3. Look out for any symptoms of a respiratory disorder
You may have the impression that your pet is short of breath or you may hear it gasping after a short run.
If your cat is having a hard time breathing, she may be breathing with her mouth open
Method 5 of 5: Preventing Hairball Formation
Step 1. If your cat has a bolus problem, brush her daily until the situation is under control
Often it is possible to prevent the problem, which arises because the cat ingests the hair during its daily cleaning: if you take care of it, this will not happen. If this problem occurs recurring, or has occurred recently, brush it every day until it feels like the brush is pretty clean, after which you can reschedule the brush depending on your pet's coat length.
- The problem could be caused by a buildup of hair following the moult.
- Short-haired specimens also shed their hair and need to be brushed.
Step 2. Brush a longhaired cat daily to avoid hairballs
First use the comb, then the brush: it will not only prevent the formation of hairballs, but also keep the cat clean and the fur untangled. Pamper him and give him a small treat when you brush him, so that he associates brushing with a pleasant experience.
Clean the comb and brush once you have finished grooming
Step 3. Brush a shorthair cat twice a week to control hair loss
Short-haired cats also shed their fur, so they need to be brushed regularly - this will prevent boli from forming and keep their fur shiny. During the brushing, pamper him to make the experience more enjoyable and in the end reward him with some small prizes.
