Cures for Fur Balls

Most cat owners are familiar with a pet attempting to get rid of a furball. The cat makes unpleasant coughing noises, retches a few times and then vomits up a wet mass of hair. Dogs sometimes have problems with fur balls, but it is much more common in felines. Fur balls, or hairballs as they are sometimes called, probably cannot be eliminated entirely, but there are a few things pet owners can do to make it easier on their animals.

  1. Regular Grooming

    • While most dogs don't mind getting messy, cats are quite fastidious. A cat's tongue is covered with tiny barbs that catch loose hair, which the animal subsequently ingests, as it licks and cleans its body. Weekly combing or brushing helps to sweep away the loose hairs of the animal's undercoat, particularly in long-haired pets. Many cats enjoy grooming while others don't like the feel of the brush. Try different kinds of cat brushes to see if the animal will tolerate them. If not, you might want to have the cat regularly groomed by a vet.

    Diet Modification

    • Some veterinarians recommend commercial cat food specially formulated to ease fur balls or changing to a high-fiber cat food. Many cats have trouble passing fur balls through their digestive tracts, which is why they often vomit them up. A high-fiber diet helps the digestive system work more efficiently so that the cat can move the extra hair out of its body.

    Holistic Remedies

    • Some cat owners swear by petroleum jelly and mineral oil as natural remedies for fur balls. While some cats may tolerate these substances, veterinarians do not normally recommend them. Some hairball treats do contain mineral oil but they are specially formulated to be safe for cats to eat. Also, some cats chew grass because it helps them to vomit fur balls.

    When to See the Vet

    • If the pet is vomiting fur balls more frequently than usual, it may be a sign of gastrointestinal distress. Additionally, if the animal is frequently coughing, wheezing and vomits fluids without hair, it should be seen by a vet to rule out serious problems. In some cases, fur balls can cause gastrointestinal obstructions that can endanger the animal's health.