How to Prevent and Eliminate Hairballs in Cats

Kitties love to groom themselves and they shed whether they are long- or short-haired. They risk developing hairballs in their little tummies. Swallowing excess hair can cause a cat to vomit the hair, if it is in the stomach, or try to pass the hair through the intestines. This latter method of ridding the body of hairballs is not efficient and can cause intestinal tract blockages. These blockages then have to be removed by your veterinarian who will use enemas, or in extreme cases, surgery to remove the offending hair. Save yourself and your kitty from this hideous eventuality with regular brushing and the following treatment.

Instructions

Difficulty: Easy

Things You’ll Need:

• Vaseline
• Commercially available hairball treatment

1. Daily, brush your kitty to help eliminate excess hair. It only takes a minute!
   
   If your kitty develops symptoms (not eating), take the next step.
2. Purchase a hairball remedy from your pet or drug store and give some to your cat once a week. Check the label and you will see that one of the active ingredients is petrolatum.
3. Save some money and take a small bit of vaseline on the tip of your little finger. Put it on the nose or front paws of your kitty, who will lick it off. Do this once a week.

Tips & Warnings

• Making certain that your kitty has sufficient oil in its diet will also help prevent hairballs. An oily lubricant is very helpful. Pour a little olive oil over dry food once or twice a week.
• If your pet develops symptoms that are not relieved within 3 days of treatment, consult your vet.