Cough up! How to find the pur-fect cat hairball remedy

Fur balls, cat coughs, hairballs. Whatever you call them, if you’re a cat carer with a fluffy fur baby, this is an all too familiar phrase. Producing the occasional hairball is a natural part of your purring pet’s routine, but what is the best cat hairball remedy? Can pet parents prevent hairballs? Should you choose to try a home remedy or perhaps cat hairball medicine is the way to go?

Well, we have the answers for you! Today, we will be recommending the best hairball treatment for cats so you can help your furry friend prevent hairballs in the future.

Understanding the cat hairball

When deciding upon the best hairball remedy for cats it’s best to start from the beginning - what is a cat hairball? 

All our furry felines will indulge themselves in cat grooms throughout the day and, unless you own a Sphynx cat, this will often end in…that’s right, a cat hairball. For anyone who has been licked by a cat, you will know they have tiny little barbs all over their tongues. These fine feline barbs are designed to remove the meat off bones more easily, as well as to remove any unwanted… er… detritus. When grooming, your cat will also pick up loose hair with its tongue tongs and swallow it. After a certain amount of time, if your purring prince or princess cannot pass said fluff, this can build up into a cat hairball.

You don’t need us to explain what can happen next, as purr-baby parents will be familiar with the subsequent retching and vomiting that can occur. For first-time feline friends, this can be very alarming and distressing to witness. It’s also gross and can require more than a paper towel or two.

So, what hairball remedies for cats are there?

What are the best hairball remedies for cats?

Each cat will have its own preferences, dietary requirements, and fussy eating habits. Here are our top solutions for cat hairball remedies to try or talk about with your vet.

1. Pet-safe laxatives and lubricants

Yes, these are a thing and should be in your pet pantry, if they aren’t already. Laxapet is an effective cat hairball medicine on the market and is designed to help out your cat's digestive system. Every feline will face a day when it cannot pass its occasional hairball, so this simply moves things along. 

Although we favor Laxapet, there are plenty of feline friend brands out there. These products can be added to food, water, or even your cat’s paws. Be sure to check these products with your vet and always follow the instructions to the exact word!

2. Natural home remedies

If you’re a feline fanatic who also prefers home remedies, look no further than your fridge. Cat sage hairball remedies can be found in olive oil, coconut oil, fish oil, or even petroleum jelly. Of course, always consult your vet first before trying anything from the kitchen cupboards. Although these contain no harmful chemicals or substances for cats, always check with a professional first!

Once you have paws up from your vet, you can add a small amount of one of the suggested oils to your furry friend’s food. Along with the fatty acids needed for good digestion, these also act as a lubricant in your cat’s digestive system.

With petroleum jelly, dap a very small amount on your cat’s front paw pads. They will instinctively wash their beans, thereby eating the petroleum jelly which will help keep things moving.

3. Fur and high fiber

Just like humans, a diet with high fiber and fatty acids will make a happy tummy. Several cat food brands boast a high fiber content, as well as acting as a cat hairball remedy. Ask your vet or local supplier which could be the best for your tiny beast.

Alternatively, if you’re seeking a natural option, look no further than a front lawn. Grass contains large amounts of fiber and cats will instinctively eat it. Those in the outside kitty club will be familiar with this habit. For those with indoor furballs, there are plenty of home grass-growing kits for you and your cat to chew over.

4. Prevent excessive grooming

Every cat is different, and if you own a long-haired cat you will know they groom more often than a short-haired fluffball. However, be conscious of how often your precious purrer pampers themselves. An increase in washing could be a sign of cat anxiety or another possible illness. If you believe your fur baby is grooming themselves too often, try to distract them with a toy or treat.

Can cat carers prevent hairballs from forming?

Of course you can! Although hairball remedies for cats will vary in success with each miniature lion, there is plenty you can do as a pet parent to prevent frequent furballs.

1. Fiber up your cat!

As mentioned above, making sure your cat’s diet contains high-fiber supplements or meals will make sure you prevent how often your fur baby is producing a hairball. Keep things moving!

2. Keep your kitty well hydrated

Water is another great way to keep your cat’s tummy fur-free. Providing fresh clean water every day is perhaps the easiest cat hairball remedy available! To keep them hydrated to the max, be sure to include wet food in their bowls, as well as their usual kibble.

3. Fresh fish as well as fresh water

Rich in fatty acids and a furry feline favorite, deboned fresh fish is a fantastic remedy for cat hairballs. Incorporate some fish into your fur baby’s diet each week and you may find they only produce the occasional hairball on a less frequent basis.

4. Brushing helps their digestive system

This is an important part of any cat’s routine, but particularly for long-haired cats. Removing excess loose hair will prevent hairballs from the get-go. Invest in decent cat grooms or brushes to actively prevent future furballs.

When to be concerned?

Although cat hairballs are more often found in long-haired cats, any paw person with fur can produce a hairball or two each month. However, if your kitty is producing a hairball on an almost daily basis, it’s time to call in the vets. 

Take note if they produce more than one hairball at a time. Don’t try to intervene, just observe from a distance and call your vet if you’re at all worried.

Meet our veterinary expert, Emma

This article has been checked by veterinarian Emma Chandley, BVetMed MRCVS PGCertSAS. Emma graduated from the Royal Vet College in London in 2011. She has a keen interest in surgery and went on to do a postgraduate certificate in small animal surgery and was then awarded advanced practitioner status in the same discipline.

If you’re worried about your cat’s digestion or grooming routine, contact our 24/7 vet advice line for professional medical advice. Otherwise, if you’re keen to share the love of fur with others, check out the latest cat sitters near you!