Tools to Extract Hairballs

All breeds of domestic cats groom by licking. A cat's tongue is filled with tiny papillae that grasp dirt and hair during the grooming process. Dirt and hair enter the cat's digestive system forming a trichobezoar or hairball. The digestive system expels the hairball through feces, vomit or, in severe cases, surgery. According to Cornell University, long-haired cats like the Maine Coon cat are more susceptible to hairball problems, but short-haired cats are still at risk.

  1. Natural Remedies

    • A number of natural remedies assist in removing hairballs from a cat's digestive system. Home remedies offer an inexpensive way to help your cat. According to Dawn Forster, author of Hairball Remedies, natural remedies for hairball problems include non-petroleum jelly, canned pumpkin, butter or fish oil. Place a dot of non-petroleum jelly or butter on the cat's paw or nose. The cat will lick the jelly off the nose. The lubrication assists the hairball to pass naturally through the bowels. Small amounts of canned pumpkin or a few drops of fish oil added to cat food offers a natural laxative. The simplest form of natural remedies is allowing your cat to graze on grass or fresh catnip. The greens provide a fiber-rich treat and cleans the digestive system all in one.

    Over-the-Counter Remedies

    • A variety of over-the-counter remedies are sold in most major big-box stores or at your local veterinarian. A study conducted by Justin R. Dann et al. concluded that cats that ingested nutritional prophylactic chews versus placebos had fewer symptoms of hairball problems. A low-cost option for cat owners includes a lubricating paste that is wiped on the cat's nose or paw. Cat food manufacturers sell specially formulated foods for hairball control or elimination. Veterinarians may prescribe a medication called Metoclopramide to empty the cat's stomach in conjunction with pastes, gels or special food.

    Surgery

    • Cats require surgery or veterinarian assist for hairball removal when natural options, over-the-counter products and prescriptions fail. Intestinal blockage caused by the hairball is identified through bloodwork and x-ray. The least invasive option lasts several days. Veterinarians administer fluids and laxative to assist the hairball through the intestines without damage. According to Cornell University, the cost of this procedure runs anywhere from $300 to $400. A more invasive option for veterinarians includes the use of anesthesia on the cat and inserting a scoping tool down through the mouth to retrieve the hairball. In severe cases where time is of the essence for the cat's survival, a veterinarian performs immediate surgery requiring an actual incision to remove the hairball.

    Considerations

    • Cat owners can minimize the risk of hairball problems. Never wait until your cat is struggling with hairballs. Try to incorporate a preventive lubricating paste or fiber supplement daily. Groom the cat on a daily basis by brushing. Many cats shy away from brushing at first, but eventually become accustomed to the routine. If the cat continues to fight off grooming at home, contact a professional groomer who offers sedation during the process.