Hairballs are a common issue for cats, resulting from the ingestion of hair during grooming. While some cats can eliminate hairballs naturally, others may require assistance in passing them. Certain products, including mineral oils, petroleum jellies, and specialized treatments, can be used safely to facilitate the passage of hairballs in cats.
In addition to using hairball control treatments, there are other measures you can take to help prevent hairballs in cats. Regular grooming, including brushing your cat’s coat to remove loose and dead hair, can reduce the amount of hair ingested during self-grooming. Providing a balanced diet with adequate fiber content and encouraging hydration can also promote healthy digestion and reduce the incidence of hairballs.
Tomlyn Laxatone Gel Hairball Control is recommended as a favorite treatment for helping cats pass hairballs. This product provides an affordable and palatable solution to reduce hairballs and encourage the natural passage of hair through the digestive tract. The gel formulation makes it easy to administer, and it can help alleviate problematic hairballs within a few days.
Best Hairball Remedies for Cats
Best Overall – Tomlyn Laxatone Gel Hairball Control
Tomlyn offers a gel called Laxatone that serves as a hairball remedy for cats. The gel is designed to help cats pass ingested hair through their digestive system without causing harm. It is available in maple, tuna, or catnip flavors to make it more appealing to cats.
To address hairball blockages, it is recommended to give your cat half a teaspoon of the gel for two to three days. If the problem persists, a quarter to half a teaspoon can be given for two to three weeks. The gel can be easily administered by applying it directly to the top of your cat’s paw, which they will subsequently lick off while grooming.
The main ingredient in Tomlyn Laxatone is white petrolatum, which acts as a laxative when ingested by cats. While white petrolatum is commonly used in people for dry or cracked skin, it has a laxative effect when consumed by cats. The gel is safe for daily use and can be used on kittens up to four weeks old. Additionally, it contains Omega-3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, which help in preventing problematic hairballs.
Pros:
- The gel has simple ingredients, with white petrolatum as the main component.
- It is easy to administer by applying it to the cat’s paw.
- The gel acts as a laxative, facilitating the removal of hairballs.
Cons:
- Some cats can be challenging to get to ingest the gel willingly.
Best Treats – Greenies Feline SmartBites Hairball Control Chicken Flavor Cat Treats
Greenies offers a unique chicken-flavored treat designed to minimize hairballs in cats while supporting healthy digestion. These treats contain ingredients like beet pulp and cellulose, which aid in digestion and help reduce the accumulation of hair in the cat’s stomach. Hairballs can be a result of cats overlicking themselves, and these treats aim to address that issue by promoting easier digestion.
Formerly known as “Hairball Control,” Greenies has renamed the product to “Healthy Indoor,” although it remains the same formula. While this name change may cause some confusion, it doesn’t alter the effectiveness of the treats.
Pros:
- The treats are easy for cats to eat and enjoy.
- They help prevent the formation of hairballs by supporting healthy digestion.
- The chicken flavor makes the treats appealing to cats.
Cons:
- These treats are primarily designed to prevent hairballs and may not be as effective for cats with existing hairball problems.
- The name change from “Hairball Control” to “Healthy Indoor” can cause confusion for customers.
Best Food – Purina ONE +Plus Hairball Formula
Purina ONE offers a range of cat foods, and one of their formulas is specifically designed to improve digestion and reduce the occurrence of hairballs. This formula is high in fiber, which helps your cat pass more of the material that would otherwise contribute to hairballs. The food is made with high-quality chicken as the first ingredient, providing a high-protein diet that supports a healthy immune system and promotes shiny coats.
Pros:
- The food includes real chicken as its primary ingredient, ensuring a good source of protein.
- It provides complete nutrition, meeting the dietary needs of cats.
- The formula is supplemented to promote a shinier coat in cats.
Cons:
- This particular formula is only available in one flavor.
Also Great – Sentry Hairball Relief for Cats
Sentry offers a lubricant-based gel in a unique Malt flavor that is effective in addressing your cat’s hairball problem. This formula helps ease digestion and can provide relief from constipation and dry coughing in cats. The gel can be applied to your cat’s paws or directly consumed when they clean themselves, making it easy to administer. For hairball prevention, the formula can be given once or twice a week. If your cat has a more severe hairball problem, you can administer the formula once a day. The paste is safe for cats that are at least four weeks old.
Pros:
- The gel can be applied to your cat’s paws, allowing them to lick it off during grooming.
- It helps relieve constipation and dry coughing in cats.
- The gel is lubricant-based, which aids in the passage of hairballs.
Cons:
- Some cats may be challenging to administer the gel to.
Best Petroleum Alternative – Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel
Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel is a hairball remedy paste that differs from traditional petroleum jelly-based products. This gel is designed to promote healthy skin and facilitate the smooth passage of hairballs through your cat’s digestive system. The gel is easy to administer by applying a quarter of a teaspoon to your cat’s paw once or twice a day, which they can lick up during grooming. It is made in the United States and contains omega-3 fatty acids that can enhance your cat’s coat.
Pros:
- The gel can be licked off the cat’s paws, making it easy to administer.
- It uses natural oils instead of petroleum jelly.
- The gel has a chicken flavor, which can be appealing to cats.
Cons:
- This product is only suitable for cats that are six weeks or older.
Best Brush – Mars Coat King Boar Bristle Cat Hair Brush
According to test results, the Mars Coat King brush emerged as the favorite among 23 different cat hair brushes. While slicker brushes and dematting tools may be more effective at removing hair, the soft boar bristles on the Mars Coat King brush are gentle enough that most cats won’t avoid the brush. This makes it easier to establish a regular brushing routine. The brush’s birchwood handle is comfortable to grip, making maintenance brushing easier for you as well. By brushing your cat a few times a week with this brush, you can remove loose hair and prevent it from ending up in their stomach, thus reducing the occurrence of hairballs.
Pros:
- The brush has soft bristles that most cats tolerate well.
- The comfortable wood handle makes brushing sessions more enjoyable for both you and your cat.
- Regular brushing with this brush helps keep the cat’s coat smooth and minimizes hairball formation.
Cons:
- The brush may be less effective for heavily matted fur.
Read Also:Best Cat Litter Bags
What to Look for in Hairball Remedies
When searching for hairball remedies for cats, there are several factors to consider. Here’s what to look for:
- Effectiveness: Look for hairball remedies that have positive reviews and feedback from other cat owners. Effective remedies should help reduce the frequency and severity of hairballs in cats. It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian for recommendations on effective hairball remedies.
- Ingredients: Check the ingredients of the hairball remedy to ensure they are safe for cats. Look for natural ingredients that aid in digestion and help eliminate hairballs, such as petroleum jelly, mineral oil, psyllium husk, or plant-based enzymes. Avoid remedies that contain artificial additives, preservatives, or ingredients that may be harmful to cats.
- Ease of Administration: Consider the form of the hairball remedy and how easy it is to administer to your cat. Hairball remedies typically come in the form of gels, pastes, treats, or specially formulated cat food. Choose a form that your cat will readily accept and that is easy for you to administer.
- Taste: Cats can be particular about the taste of medications or supplements. Look for hairball remedies with flavors that appeal to your cat’s taste preferences. This will make it easier to administer the remedy and ensure that your cat consumes it willingly.
- Safety: Ensure that the hairball remedy is specifically formulated for cats and is safe for their consumption. Read the packaging and any instructions or warnings provided by the manufacturer. If your cat has any underlying health conditions or is taking medications, consult with your veterinarian to ensure that the hairball remedy will not interact negatively with other treatments.
- Frequency of Use: Some hairball remedies need to be given daily, while others are used as occasional treatments. Consider your cat’s needs and determine how frequently you are willing to administer the remedy. Choose a product that aligns with your preferences and your cat’s requirements.
- Additional Benefits: Some hairball remedies may offer additional benefits, such as promoting healthy digestion, providing essential nutrients, or improving the condition of the cat’s coat. Consider whether these additional benefits align with your cat’s needs and if they are important to you.
- Vet Recommendations: It’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before using any hairball remedies, especially if your cat has a history of digestive issues or underlying health conditions. Your vet can provide guidance on the most suitable options for your cat’s specific needs and ensure that the remedy will not interfere with any existing treatments or medications.
- Price: Consider the price of the hairball remedy, but also weigh it against its effectiveness and quality. Cheaper options may not always be as effective or reliable, so it’s important to find a balance between affordability and quality.
Remember, hairball remedies are meant to help manage hairballs in cats, but they do not address the underlying issue of excessive shedding or grooming. Regular brushing and grooming of your cat can help reduce the amount of hair they ingest and minimize hairball formation.
