Treatment for an Adult Cat Unable to Cough Up Hair Balls

Hairballs aren't just uncomfortable for cats. They can be dangerous. If enough hair lodges in the cat's stomach, it can block the small intestine, stomach, colon or esophagus. Sometimes surgery is the only way to remove the accumulated hair. If your cat is having trouble passing hairballs, there are easy ways to treat the problem.

  1. Commercial Hairball Treatments

    • Pet supply stores sell a variety of hairball treatments, including special food, treats and gels that are palatable to most cats.

    Ingredients

    • Most hairball gels contain mineral oil that lubricates the cat's digestive tract so hair passes through easily. Hairball treats also contain mineral oil or petroleum jelly. A common ingredient in hairball control foods is ground cellulose, which provides additional fiber to move waste through the intestines efficiently.

    Administration

    • Most cats will lick hairball gel off a spoon, plate or paw.

    Precautions

    • Because hairball gels and treats act as laxatives, they should be given two hours before or after meals. Hairball gel should never be mixed with a cat's food.

    Home Remedies

    • A dab of Vaseline once or twice a week will coat hairballs and help them move through the intestines. One teaspoon of canned pumpkin twice a day will add fiber to your cat's diet.

    Prevention

    • Wet food hydrates the skin and minimizes the amount of loose hair the cat ingests while grooming. Combing the cat with a flea or greyhound comb several times a week will remove loose fur and help prevent hairballs.