Is it Safe to Give My Cat Vaseline As a Hair Ball Treatment?

If enough hair collects in a cat's intestines, it can cause constipation, a blockage or death. While there are any number of hairball preventatives, one of most effective and least expensive is Vaseline.

  1. Safe for Cats

    • Vaseline's molecules are too large to be absorbed by the intestines. It passes through the body unchanged.

    Not a Laxative

    • Unlike many commercial hairball remedies that contain mineral oil, Vaseline does not act as a laxative.

    Internal Lubricant

    • Just a dab of Vaseline is enough to coat hairballs and ease their passage through the intestines.

    Smear it On

    • Some cats will lick Vaseline off a spoon. Or, if you smear it on the cat's nose or front leg below the elbow, she'll lick it off. Some cats will also eat Vaseline mixed into tuna.

    Give it Daily

    • Give a dab of Vaseline daily for a week or two. Then give a maintenance dose once or twice a week.

    Comb Your Cat, Too

    • Combing your cat with a flea or greyhound comb several times a week will remove loose fur and help prevent hairballs.