Home Remedies for Hairballs

Because cats groom themselves with their tongues, they sometimes end up with hairballs in their stomachs. Hairballs can cause indigestion, constipation and discomfort, which can irritate your cat when the hair doesn't pass through the bowel as nature planned. It is a little annoying when you find a patch of regurgitated hair on your new carpet. Here are some home remedies for hairballs.

Things You'll Need

  • Margarine or petroleum jelly
  • Fresh green grass
  • Fiber supplement
  • Hairball formula cat food
  • Flea comb
  • Canned pumpkin

Instructions

    • 1

      Comb your cat frequently with a flea comb. This will help eliminate the loose hair so it doesn't end up in your cat's stomach and turn into a hairball. The added benefit is it will help remove fleas at the same time.

    • 2

      Allow your cat to eat some fresh green grass. Some cats really enjoy this natural fiber and soon vomit the hairball along with the grass.

    • 3

      Spread a thin layer of margarine or petroleum jelly on your cat’s front legs. Even if your cat doesn’t particularly enjoy the flavor, she will lick it off from her fur and soon expel the hairball. Don't use too much or your cat may develop diarrhea.

    • 4

      Add a teaspoon of canned pumpkin to your cat’s canned cat food several times a week to control hairballs.

    • 5

      Purchase a special cat food manufactured to help control hairballs by having more fiber then regular cat food. If you do not want to purchase a more expensive cat food try adding a small amount of psyllium or other fiber additive to your cat’s canned food several times a week.