How to Remove a Hairball From a Cat's Throat

Hairballs, also known as "trichobezoars," are a normal but unfortunate side effect of the feline grooming process. When cats ingest the loose hair removed during grooming, it sometimes builds up in the stomach rather than passing through the digestive tract successfully in the form of stool. If your cat is choking on a hairball, removing the blockage from the throat is the immediate first priority, followed soon after by a number of treatments designed to ensure the safe, quick and complete passage of the obstruction through the digestive track.

Things You'll Need

  • Petroleum jelly
  • Petroleum jelly-based cat food (e.g. Laxatone, Petromalt or Katalax)
  • High-fiber, hairball treatment-formulated cat food
  • Fine-toothed or wide-toothed pet comb
  • Canned pumpkin
  • Cat grass
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Instructions

    • 1

      Hold the cat with one hand, and use the other hand to gently and slowly rub your cat's throat. This will help dislodge the hairball and either send it back down to the stomach or out the mouth. Be prepared for the hairball to exit as vomit.

    • 2

      Apply a small dab of petroleum jelly to your cat's paw if your cat has swallowed the hairball. Your cat will instinctively lick the petroleum jelly off, where it will head to the stomach and coat the hairball, making it easier for your cat to simply defecate the hairball. Petroleum jelly is not absorbed by the intestines, rendering it safe for your cat's digestive system.

    • 3

      Increase the fiber content in your cat's diet to help pass the hairball through the gastrointestinal tract. Choose a higher fiber food that is clearly designated as being formulated for the hairball dislodging and defecation.

      Alternatively, use 1 tablespoon of canned pumpkin twice a day, mixed in with food, or grow a small planter of high-fiber cat grass near your cat's feeding dish.

    • 4

      Comb your cat's fur at least every other day to remove excess loose fur. Use a fine-toothed flea comb for short-haired cats, and a wide-toothed comb for longer-haired cats. Dispose of any removed fur immediately to prevent your cat from eating and swallowing what you've combed off of your pet.