What to Give a Kitten for a Hairball in the Stomach?

A hairball, or a trichobezoar, is an accumulation of hair that gets into the stomach of your cat when it grooms itself. Felines are carnivores and their digestive system is able to digest hair, but some cats may have more sensitive stomachs. They don't digest the hair, so it accumulates in the stomach. Hairballs are more common in adult cats, but kittens may also have this problem. If your kitten has a hairball, it may display symptoms such as dry coughing and vomiting. Hairball treatment is only necessary if your pet doesn't vomit or pass the hairball.

  1. Lubricant

    • Give your kitten a lubricant such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil or Vaseline, which facilitates the transition of the hairball through the stomach and digestive tract. Administer 1 tsp. per day for one or two weeks. To prevent further problems, give your cat petroleum jelly twice per week. If your cat doesn't like the taste of petroleum jelly, commercial laxatives are also available with different flavors such as tuna or meat, to make them more appealing to the kitten. You may also give your kitten treats that have a laxative effect, but don't give too many, because they may induce diarrhea.

    Fibers

    • Fibers bind the hairs and facilitate the digestion and elimination of hairballs. Fiber is available in the form of a supplement, but you may also feed your kitten foods that are rich in fiber. For instance, canned pumpkin or rice bran can help the kitten pass the hairball in the stool. Consult your veterinarian prior to administering fibers, because an increased amount may have undesirable side effects, such as bloating and diarrhea.

    Holistic Approach

    • Kittens often eat grass to induce vomiting and eliminate the hairball. Encourage your kitten to eat grass when you notice signs that it has trouble eliminating the hairball. Holistic remedies include the administration of nux vomica or poison nut, which stimulates vomiting and the expectoration of the hairball. Nux vomica is also used in cats that experience nausea or urinary tract problems.

    Prevent Hairballs

    • If your kitten experiences hairball problems often, you should prevent future hairballs. Brush and comb your pet regularly to eliminate dead hairs so the kitten doesn't swallow them. Use a fine-toothed comb if your kitten has short hair; a wide-toothed comb is ideal for long-haired felines. Feed your pet a quality food that promotes skin and coat health and prevents excessive shedding. Add fiber supplements to the kitten's diet, but consult your veterinarian first to get the right amount.