We’ve all been in a situation where your cat is making those awful gagging and vomiting noises that will make you do the same. Well, those noises are due to hairballs that occur after your cat attempts to bathe itself. While licking their fur hair goes straight down to the stomach, and after a while, a bunch of it piles up, and it becomes uncomfortable, resulting in your cat attempting to vomit it out.
People love these furry animals and the nowadays, there is a cat mania, but people who have never had cats as pets often don’t see the issues which can occur. While hairballs happen to every cat, there is a way to prevent it. There are ways using techniques and items found in your household that can help prevent your cat from vomiting hairballs, just make sure to talk to your veterinarian before trying them.
Img source: hillspet.com
1. Brushing
If your cat has long hair, brushing can be very helpful in preventing shedding. Shedding is the reason hairballs occur in your cat’s stomach. Because during shedding, loose hair is formed on your cat’s coat, and one of the best ways to prevent loose hair, is to brush your cat. Make sure to brush your cat regularly, and make sure to brush every day during shedding season. To help you out with the selection, here, you can see a guide to the best cat brushes.
2. Wipes
Wipes or wet paper towel are also an effective way of removing loose hair after your cat’s grooming sessions. By wiping the coat of its fur with wipes, you will pick up the remaining loose hair, just make sure to use a fragrance-free brand that is hypoallergenic.
Img source: hearstapps.com3. Olive Oil
Olive oil Is a great natural hairball remedy for cats, and it can be added to your cat’s food to help ease digestion. Olive oil helps pass the hair naturally into the stomach, and it can help if your cat struggles with gagging and vomiting. Always make sure to put it into your cat’s food, never force it into the mouth. This is because you could send it down its lungs and that can be a big problem.
4. Butter
Butter is also a great natural remedy that works in the same way as olive oil. If you notice your cat struggling with hairballs, put a teaspoon of butter in the microwave and drizzle it over your cat’s food. Just as olive oil, never force it down her mouth.
5. Petroleum Jelly
Petroleum jelly helps lubricate the digestive tract, helps in feces elimination, and removes hair in your cat’s digestive tract. Put a little bit of petroleum jelly onto your cat’s paw; it will certainly try to lick it off, subsequently digesting it. If your cat has hairball problems, make sure to give her petroleum jelly once a week.
Img source: nationalgeographic.com6. Canned Fish
Cats love fish, and most fishes have natural oils. But most canned fish have more oils on top of it. Treat your cat with a nice canned tuna or sardine, she will love it, and it will help with her hairball problem.
7. Fibers
Fibers will help your cat with the passage of feces and hairballs through her digestive system. Canned pumpkin is fiber-loaded, so make sure to mix one teaspoon with her lunch. Just remember that pumpkin pie filling has added sugar, so make sure to choose a pure pumpkin. Other fiber-loaded foods are various fiber cereals, like Metamucil. Fibers are great for your cat, just remember not to give too much, a teaspoon of anything works best.
