Is there a GOOD quality hairball remedy/over the counter for cats?

Question

I'd really prefer to just go to the vet's office to get it but I know how all vets, doctors and dentists are they pretty much want all ur money.
But I still want the best for my cat. she's my baby!
(maybe i'll call several vets ahead of time to ask if i can just for now get the pro hairball rem)
but for future ref., is there actually a good hairball stuff for felines, or should one stear clear away from all that over the counter stuff. I don't need my cat getting sick ya know.

Answer 1

The first thing I would do is be sure to groom your cat daily. Most cats love to be brushed and or combed, and removing the dead hair will be the most effective, and easiest way to prevent hairballs. There are tons of different brushes, combs, and even mits on the market that can help get the loose hair off the cat.

Bathing your cat often will also help. This can be a hassle though, since most cats hate water. There are products out there like mesh bags you can put your cat in that will keep there paws and claws away from your skin but still let you bath them. Cats are smart though, and will often learn to run and hide at the first site of the bag. If this is the case, call around to local vets, groomers, and even animal shelters to find one that will give you the best price.

Also I would look into some of the different foods out on the market that help prevent hairballs. Also different oils can help. I know butter can be a cheap and effective cure. I believe you can also use cod liver oil, and mineral oil. For mineral oil I think its 1 tsp. per 10 lbs.

Another thing you can do is try calling and or visiting different pet stores, like petco, petsmart, etc. I understand your hesitance to use over the counter stuff, since much of it is just crap. But chances are, if you ask several different stores, and they all reccomend the same thing, it couldn't hurt to try.

I would also try talking to your vet. Many vets, especially if you've used the same one for a while and have built a relationship will give you advice on how to deal with a problem like this, without charging you for a visit, or making you come in. If your vet won't help, just bust out the phone book and call around.

Answer 2

I have a 100% failproof remedy...

I use it ALL the time.

First of all, get a food that is hairball sensative. There are brands out there that are specifically for cats who get hairballs.

Second, when the cat has one, take her paws and put butter or margarine on the front paws. She will lick it off and it will loosen the hairball and she can then get it up without problems or much hacking. Usually, I do this for them about once a week, and the problem is solved. The balls are small and they don't bother my cat.

Good luck! :)

Answer 3

If your cat does suffer from fur balls feed her furball food, as another has suggested.
Grooming your cat will also help. The best way is to groom your cat is to stroke her while wearing rubber gloves (kitchen variety). The loose hair will stick to the gloves and when you rub your hands together it rolls up the hair and is easily disposed of. This way your cat is getting lots of love and attention and being groomed. Brushes often pull out the "wrong" hair and break other hairs. Many cats do not like brushes, but they sure like being stroked.

Answer 4

daily brushing & bathing once every two weeks really helps, you could try putting parifin oil down the throat with a syring (without the needle on the end of course) that will make the cat bring up the furball but either have it outside or newspaper under it to catch the mess.

Answer 5

Use VASELINE [petroleum jelly] it is SUPER CHEAP!!!

I have used this method for YEARS in my animal rescue:

Place a small gobb on your cat's paw or above his paw.
Rub-a-dub it into his or her furr.
The cat will lick it off, they HATE sticky stuff on them! LoL
The cat will then eat it, it will adhere inside to ANY hair balls.
Then the cat will poop or upchuck it out in one tidy globb!

My cat always poops it out, and when he has puked it up, he didn't make a big mess.

Answer 6

Laxatone....this is the stuff my vet gave us and it's cheeper here..
http://www.amazon.com/Laxatone-Tuna-2-5oz-tube/dp/B00061MR9K/sr=8-2/qid=1170157022/ref=pd_bbs_sr_2/102-5636481-2744929?ie=UTF8&s=home-garden