How to Prevent and Treat Hairballs in House Cats

Pattycake, the Hairball Princess

Hairballs are a big problem with house cats. There are several things that a cat owner can do to help reduce or prevent hairball occurrences. Some pet owners may raise their eyebrows at the thought of feeding their feline canned pumpkin, but the fiber can help your cat pass the hairball easily before any problems arise. Keep your cat healthy and happy and hairball-free by following these steps.

Things You'll Need

• Feline grooming brush
• Fine tooth flea comb
• Flea treatment
• Canned pumpkin w/o spices
• Vaseline

Instructions

1. Start hairball prevention with an aggressive flea treatment plan. Fleas will irritate your feline, causing the cat to lick and chew, thereby ingesting more hair. Treat all animals, including your dwelling and yard.

2. Vigorously groom your cat to remove loose hair. Using a flea comb to groom will help rid your animal of mats and any loose hair missed with the brush.

3. Introduce fiber to your cat's diet by adding canned pumpkin to its food. Make sure you purchase the pumpkin that is not spiced. Mix 1 tsp. with your feline's food. Many cats will eat pumpkin when it is mixed thoroughly with a meal.

4. If you suspect that your cat has a hairball, treat it with 1/2 tsp. of Vaseline. Spread the Vaseline on the cat's paw or lip and they will ingest the Vaseline as they lick the area. This will help the hairball to pass with the least stress to the cat.

Tips & Warnings

• While the flea comb works well for short-haired cats, you may have to get a comb with wider teeth for long-haired cats to prevent ripping out hair.

• Consult your veterinarian if unsure about the severity of your cat's hairballs or if something seems amiss with your pet.