Hairballs

As a feline-only practitioner, I’ve seen my share of stubborn hairball problems. There really aren’t very many options when it comes to treating hairballs.  Feeding a commercial “hairball control” diet is often helpful. These diets have extra fiber and are designed to help reduce the incidence of hairballs.  Hairball remedies – the gooey brown ointments – are also helpful. They work to gather up the hair in the stomach and help cats pass them in the stool, rather than vomit them up.  Brushing your cat regularly and removing as much hair as possible before the cat swallows it is very helpful.  In extreme cases, the cat can be shaved.  This will reduce the amount of hair being consumed.  Those are really the only options for hairballs: diet/treats, ointments, brushing, and shaving.