Furball Treatment for Cats
When your cat begins hacking and gagging to work up a hairball, the experience can be just as unpleasant for you as it is for your poor kitty. There are numerous furball treatments for cats being marketed, leaving you with a variety of options for keeping your cat's furball problems under control.
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Causes
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According to the Cats of Australia webpage on hairballs, cats are naturally equipped to deal with the fur they ingest as they groom themselves. Typically, the fur they take in will come out in their stool. Occasionally, however, they are unable to pass the furball, causing the cat to vomit it back up. Whether your cat has long fur or just a sensitive stomach, any cat that has more than the occasional furball problem should be treated.
Grooming
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Keeping your cat groomed is one way to prevent furballs before they start. Brush your cat frequently in order to collect shedding fur. By removing the excess fur on your cat, you will decrease the chance that your cat will ingest it later and run into digestive problems as a result.
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Food and Treats
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The food you provide your cat also can prevent furballs. Many cat food brands have hairball formulas available without a prescription, such as Purina and Iams. Also, there are cat treats specifically for hairball treatment, such as Pounce. These specially formulated foods and treats help to prevent furballs from forming in your cat's stomach.
Over-the-Counter Treatments
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Pet stores offer over-the-counter solutions to furball problems. As VetInfo explains, most of these treatments are mineral oil or petroleum jelly-based, which lubricates your cat's digestive system to ensure your cat passes its furballs. These remedies come in appealing flavors, making it easier to administer to your cat. Just mix some into food or wipe some on the cat's paw to lick off.
Fiber
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As the Native Remedies Pet Alive website suggests, adding a little more fiber to your cat's diet will help in the elimination of furballs. One of the most appealing ways to do this for your cat is by introducing cat grass or catnip to your cat's diet. Just a little grass each day will give your cat the extra fiber boost she needs to keep furballs away.
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References
- Photo Credit cat image by å°šå¯ ä¼Šä½è¦‹ from Fotolia.com
