Cats and furballs. What's your solution?

Miss-Delectable · 09-20-2010, 07:11 AM

My cat is constantly coughing furballs everyday but never spat one up.

So I was wondering if you have any treatments I could use to help him cease coughing by eliminating the furballs within his body.

I have tried furball dry food but it doesn't help. Recently I have tried Cat Lover Cat Laxative and Hairball Remover 100g.

He loved it and tries to bite the top of the tube because he wanted more of the flavour!

I think it's helping some but if you have any knowledge to impart that could help my dear ole cat, I'd appreciate it.

in advance

Barbaro · 09-20-2010, 08:35 AM

Cats are notoriously groomers. Grooming is also the way of managing anxiety. If your cat is in stand-off with another, they may groom themselves. Older cats are much worse.

if she is a long haired domestic cat, the long haired cats are more prone to hairballs. I tried a laxative tube. Nope, it did not work, either. Oh, yes and she was totally nuts about it,too. You could try Vaseline. It contains petrolatum. Make sure it is not petroleum. Laxative tubes do contain petrolatum. Put her on a fiber diet.

My cat throws up furlball about twice a month which is better, because I have to brush her daily with my furminator. I love to feed her raw meals- chicken, turkey and beef.

Plus She used to be a stray, so she has stress issues. We think she was abused, and used to be a stray for a while- who knows. I was a bit surprised she is friendly to adults except she doesn't like her front paws touched. I usually put my cat in a separate room when children come over.

I pet her only when she lets me know. If she is not interested in being petted, she'd overgroom herself. That is one of her stress issues.

Try this;
1.Brush her daily. Get a good brush.

2. It may be unorthodox to try plain canned pumpkin. About a spoonful. It contains plenty of fiber. They swear it works on their cats and rabbits.

3. Vaseline

4.Approximately one time per week, add a teaspoon of fish oil

**Bottesini** · 09-20-2010, 10:47 AM

Our old cat who died last year had an horrendous hairball when he was about three years old, and I asked our vet. He said Vaseline will work. I kept giving him about a tablespoon amount every time I could catch him and he within a week threw up a hairball the size of a small rabbit. ( or so it looked to me ) But after that he never objected to being given medicine. I think he understood how much we helped him .

**Kalista** · 09-20-2010, 10:57 AM

My cat, Pumpkin who is ten years old. She has been horrendous hairball voitming twice or once a month. She has very long hair. I gave her comb to keep long hair removal every week to help her hairball going through her bowl movement instead of voitm.

I know, it is so gross !

09-20-2010, 12:48 PM

Easy. Get rid of the cat. (I'm kidding. don't all the cat lovers kill me now)

09-20-2010, 12:52 PM

The real answer is to try and avoid the cat swallowing so much hair. If you groom your cat regularly that may reduce it. Below is an interesting article on the subject.

Quote:

Source: Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?
The first time you see your cat hurl a hairball, you might be pretty worried. He'll retch and hack and try to bring it up. Then it will be there – on your rug or some other conspicuous spot – in all its undigested glory.

Your cat may look distressed during all of this, but it's really nothing serious. A hairball, or trichobezoar, is just what the name says it is: a wad of undigested wet hair within the digestive tract. Generally, trichobezoars are not ball-shaped; they are sausage-shaped and are formed when the cat swallows too much hair after grooming.

As the cat licks his fur, dead hair comes loose. Because the cat's tongue has a rough surface made up of backward-slanting papillae, most of the hair cannot be dislodged, and the cat cannot spit it out. So he swallows it.

Most of the hair goes through the digestive tract with no problem and is excreted in the feces; however, sometimes too much hair is ingested and the wad can't pass through properly. Instead, it accumulates in the stomach and forms a wadded mass.

Most cats suffer from occasional hairballs, some more than others. Long-haired cats tend to swallow more hair simply because they have more of it, but shorthair breeds get hairballs, too.

If the hairball is not regurgitated, it may create a blockage in the stomach or small intestine. If not treated, intestinal blockages create serious and even life-threatening problems for the cat. In severe cases, surgery may be necessary to remove the blockage. If you suspect your cat is having trouble passing a hairball, you need to consult your local veterinarian, especially if retching continues for more than a day, if your cat is constipated, or starts refusing its food.

What Can You Do?
Ask a cat owner what he would prefer: a cure for the common cold or a cure for hairballs, and the answer would likely be a cure for hairballs. But there is no cure. However, there are some things that you can do to minimize the rate of regurgitation:

Groom your cat. The more hair you can get off your cat by brushing, the less he will swallow. Brush your cat regularly with a brush, and then wipe your kitty down with a damp cloth to remove hairs missed by the brush.

Hairball products. If the problem still exists, you can also use petroleum-based products (such as Laxatone) that act as a laxative and lubricant to facilitate the passage of hair matted hair through the intestine. These products, which are pleasant tasting to cats, can be fed in paste form or applied to your cat's paws to allow your pet to lick it off.

Hairball remedy treats or food. You can also give your cat treats containing mineral oil, such as Pounce® hairball treatment, to break up the hairballs. Some pet food companies now manufacture food for cats with recurrent hair or fur ball problems. Ask your veterinarian what she or he recommends.

Miss-Delectable · 09-21-2010, 02:24 AM

My cat is a Ragdoll, so his fur is relatively long.

I try to brush him everyday, which I do. He grooms himself regularly, too.

I'll keep in mind to try the Vaseline and canned plain pumpkin, but I don't think we have that here.

So do I try and give him vaseline everyday or once a week?

Thanks for your help, guys. I appreciate it.

**Smithtr** · 09-21-2010, 02:54 AM

I never heard it because reason surprised wow!! that is terrible really pretty sound wow

**sallylou** · 09-21-2010, 08:05 AM

Botti, how do you get the vaseline down the cat? My cat won't even take the flavored fur ball medicine (and I've tried different ones). I have to buy those treats for fur balls. This is the 1st cat that I've ever had that doesn't like Petromalt.

Barbaro · 09-21-2010, 08:21 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallylou

Botti, how do you get the vaseline down the cat? My cat won't even take the flavored fur ball medicine (and I've tried different ones). I have to buy those treats for fur balls. This is the 1st cat that I've ever had that doesn't like Petromalt.

Have you put a Vaseline on the cat's nose? If your cat hates it, then put it on the nose, and cat will lick it up to make it go away.

I did not have to put a Vaseline on my cat's nose. She likes it. Thank goodness!

Barbaro · 09-21-2010, 08:25 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss-Delectable

My cat is a Ragdoll, so his fur is relatively long.

I try to brush him everyday, which I do. He grooms himself regularly, too.

I'll keep in mind to try the Vaseline and canned plain pumpkin, but I don't think we have that here.

So do I try and give him vaseline everyday or once a week?

Thanks for your help, guys. I appreciate it.

Vaseline is just a brand name for white petrolatum. You can find it at any drugstore. Try it two or three times a week.

As for canned plain pumpkin, make sure it is 100% pumpkin, nothing else. No spice added. It contains fiber and water content.. Great for cats, dogs, and rabbits.

WildHunt · 09-21-2010, 10:51 AM

Shave the cat bald. problem solved.

**Bottesini** · 09-21-2010, 11:01 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by sallylou

Botti, how do you get the vaseline down the cat? My cat won't even take the flavored fur ball medicine (and I've tried different ones). I have to buy those treats for fur balls. This is the 1st cat that I've ever had that doesn't like Petromalt.

I just shoved my finger in his mouth and scraped the vaseline off on his tongue and teeth.

Of course he really liked me. If you have a vicious cat that might not work.

whatdidyousay! · 09-21-2010, 11:16 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by WildHunt

Shave the cat bald. problem solved.

If the cat is an out door cat shaving it fur off is a real bad idea ! The fur protect the cat skin from getting cut and scratched and sun burned. And it a really mean thing to do a cat!

whatdidyousay! · 09-21-2010, 11:21 AM

I had cat that like to have the vacuum cleaner on her . I would the vacuum cleaner brush on my cat and she would love . Not all cats like this , my male cat hated the vacuum cleaner !

**sallylou** · 09-21-2010, 02:44 PM

I've put the medicine on the cat's paws but I haven't tried his nose yet. I'm definitely going to try that. The cat is a sweetie so I'm not in any danger.

freckles · 09-21-2010, 05:50 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss-Delectable

I try to brush him everyday, which I do. He grooms himself regularly, too.

I'll keep in mind to try the Vaseline and canned plain pumpkin, but I don't think we have that here.

So do I try and give him vaseline everyday or once a week?

yup, keep it up, brush every other day or so, it helps a lot! have you tried

furminator

? -- click on pictures for more in there. you WON'T regret that brush!! it sheds a lot of 'hidden' furs out for you.

I encourage you no medicines, or anything else from OTC. I have two LONG hairy felines here, I dig my finger in vaseline, wipe off on their top paws 2x weekly, especially in the morning after their first meal. cats don't like having their furs 'smucked' up but better in mouth if sweet sam doesn't mind.

quirkylibra · 09-21-2010, 09:18 PM

Like others said, brushing and Vaseline on the paw work great!

Miss-Delectable · 09-22-2010, 03:00 AM

I went to the grocery store today but they had no canned pumpkin, so I think it's an American item.

As for Vaseline, they contain petroleum. *sighs*

So I might have to order it from US or ask one of youse to do me a favour.

souggy · 09-22-2010, 03:38 AM

Wirelessly posted

Consider an Australian vet forum?

I am sure there's a counterpart to vaseline and pumpkin, considering cats are all over the world.

**Phillips** · 09-22-2010, 07:39 AM

also try... Pumpkin puree can and mix it little with cat food!

Barbaro · 09-22-2010, 08:55 AM

Well, petroleum jelly is a mineral oil. You could use petroleum jelly you found at a grocery (Vaseline). It acts as a lubricant to help furballs pass.

Some vets recommend butter, but I am against it. Butter came from milk. Not all cats are lactose intolerant. My cat had a horrible experience a few months ago. Hubby accidentally left milk on the table for a while, and I had no idea how much milk she drank it. She vomited all over the floors. Cats lack the enzyme, lactase that helps digest milk.

I just had a sudden thought regarding canned pumpkin. What about pumpkin baby food? I've never bought it yet. Hmm..

This is what I feed my cat- Libby's Pumpkin. The fall and winter seasons are coming up, so the prices should go down a bit soon.

Libby's Pumpkin, 15 oz: Amazon.com: Grocery & Gourmet Food

I recommend feeding cat a wet food diet if you can afford to buy raw meats like a whole chicken, organs, beef, etc. It'll alleviate furball problems.

For those who can't afford to buy raw meats can try canned pumpkin or Vaseline to control furball problem. Oh, and furminator! I looooove furminator.

You Tube

Barbaro · 09-22-2010, 09:21 AM

I forgot to add additional comment-

Canned pumpkin will spoil after being opened. Place it in the ice cube trays- freeze it. It is easier.

**Phillips** · 09-22-2010, 09:49 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaro

I forgot to add additional comment-

Canned pumpkin will spoil after being opened. Place it in the ice cube trays- freeze it. It is easier.

I never thought of that!

Miss-Delectable · 09-23-2010, 10:15 PM

Must order the furminator soon. Thanks for suggesting this.

I put vaseline on my cat's nose and top paws. He didn't seem to mind but he went on a long grooming process after this. So I'll try again next week and see if it helps.

Am glad you guys gave me suggestions to use for my cat.

posts from hell · 10-03-2010, 12:42 AM

shave the pussy.... problem solved

Miss-Delectable · 10-03-2010, 02:40 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by posts from hell

shave the pussy.... problem solved

Eww....no thanks

**LDNanna** · 10-03-2010, 02:44 AM

When in the past I had a fuzzy Siamezer he would shed like crazy and lick even more. When he got a daily brushing he got a thin smear of vaseline on his little nose. My vet suggested it. Just a little bit, like lotion for his nose. If he ever got a furball it was rare and he would get a small dollop on his nose. It was so much easier to dot his nose between his crossed blue eyes than on those dangerous paws. lol. (I still miss that menace)

AlleyCat · 10-03-2010, 08:03 AM

Quote:

Originally Posted by freckles

yup, keep it up, brush every other day or so, it helps a lot! have you tried furminator? -- click on pictures for more in there. you WON'T regret that brush!! it sheds a lot of 'hidden' furs out for you.

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm going to check that out! In the meantime, for 2 of the 5 cats I have, 2 are long-haired. We shave them down regularly -- we use the shaver on the longest setting so it doesn't shave them bald or even close to it at all. It just makes their fur a bit shorter, that's all. It does work well in terms of furballs.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Barbaro

I forgot to add additional comment-

Canned pumpkin will spoil after being opened. Place it in the ice cube trays- freeze it. It is easier.

That's a GREAT idea! I use the canned pumpkin too after it was recommended by my vet. I never thought to freeze it.

Quote:

Originally Posted by Miss-Delectable

I went to the grocery store today but they had no canned pumpkin, so I think it's an American item.

As for Vaseline, they contain petroleum. *sighs*

So I might have to order it from US or ask one of youse to do me a favour.

In the U.S., we are in a real shortage right now of canned pumpkin. It hasn't been available in stores since the middle of summer. So it's possible that could be the same worldwide. Last time I asked, they thought the shortage would be over sometime in October, so next time I grocery-shop, I'll check to see if any are back in stock yet. (I don't think it has anything to do with fall being pumpkin growing season because normally canned pumpkin is available year-round.)

Anyway -- if you are need of something from someone in the US (like me), I would be more than happy to ship you something. PM me

freckles · 10-04-2010, 03:42 PM

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

Thanks for the recommendation! I'm going to check that out! In the meantime, for 2 of the 5 cats I have, 2 are long-haired. We shave them down regularly -- we use the shaver on the longest setting so it doesn't shave them bald or even close to it at all. It just makes their fur a bit shorter, that's all. It does work well in terms of furballs.

hmm, on longest setting, is another good idea! maybe I can try that... how did two of your cats reacted to the clipper?

Quote:

Originally Posted by AlleyCat

Anyway -- if you are need of something from someone in the US (like me), I would be more than happy to ship you something. PM me

me too, miss delectable! sorry I didn't see this earlier. hope you didn't had to wait.

09-20-2010, 07:11 AM	#1 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,174 Blog Entries: 3	Cats and furballs. What's your solution? My cat is constantly coughing furballs everyday but never spat one up. So I was wondering if you have any treatments I could use to help him cease coughing by eliminating the furballs within his body. I have tried furball dry food but it doesn't help. Recently I have tried Cat Lover Cat Laxative and Hairball Remover 100g. He loved it and tries to bite the top of the tube because he wanted more of the flavour! I think it's helping some but if you have any knowledge to impart that could help my dear ole cat, I'd appreciate it. in advance __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

09-20-2010, 08:35 AM	#2 (permalink)
Barbaro Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: dæləs Posts: 1,308	Cats are notoriously groomers. Grooming is also the way of managing anxiety. If your cat is in stand-off with another, they may groom themselves. Older cats are much worse. if she is a long haired domestic cat, the long haired cats are more prone to hairballs. I tried a laxative tube. Nope, it did not work, either. Oh, yes and she was totally nuts about it,too. You could try Vaseline. It contains petrolatum. Make sure it is not petroleum. Laxative tubes do contain petrolatum. Put her on a fiber diet. My cat throws up furlball about twice a month which is better, because I have to brush her daily with my furminator. I love to feed her raw meals- chicken, turkey and beef. Plus She used to be a stray, so she has stress issues. We think she was abused, and used to be a stray for a while- who knows. I was a bit surprised she is friendly to adults except she doesn't like her front paws touched. I usually put my cat in a separate room when children come over. I pet her only when she lets me know. If she is not interested in being petted, she'd overgroom herself. That is one of her stress issues. Try this; 1.Brush her daily. Get a good brush. 2. It may be unorthodox to try plain canned pumpkin. About a spoonful. It contains plenty of fiber. They swear it works on their cats and rabbits. 3. Vaseline 4.Approximately one time per week, add a teaspoon of fish oil __________________ We know what we are but not what we may be. -Author:Shakespeare

09-20-2010, 10:47 AM	#3 (permalink)
Bottesini Joe's Friend Join Date: Mar 2008 Location: With Owl Sock Posts: 37,523 Blog Entries: 1	Our old cat who died last year had an horrendous hairball when he was about three years old, and I asked our vet. He said Vaseline will work. I kept giving him about a tablespoon amount every time I could catch him and he within a week threw up a hairball the size of a small rabbit. ( or so it looked to me ) But after that he never objected to being given medicine. I think he understood how much we helped him . __________________

09-21-2010, 02:24 AM	#7 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,174 Blog Entries: 3	My cat is a Ragdoll, so his fur is relatively long. I try to brush him everyday, which I do. He grooms himself regularly, too. I'll keep in mind to try the Vaseline and canned plain pumpkin, but I don't think we have that here. So do I try and give him vaseline everyday or once a week? Thanks for your help, guys. I appreciate it. __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

09-21-2010, 02:54 AM	#8 (permalink)
Smithtr Siberian Husky Join Date: Jun 2006 Location: Canada Posts: 14,661	I never heard it because reason surprised wow!! that is terrible really pretty sound wow __________________

Today
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09-20-2010, 10:57 AM	#4 (permalink)
Kalista Premium Member Join Date: May 2003 Posts: 8,112	My cat, Pumpkin who is ten years old. She has been horrendous hairball voitming twice or once a month. She has very long hair. I gave her comb to keep long hair removal every week to help her hairball going through her bowl movement instead of voitm. I know, it is so gross !

09-20-2010, 12:48 PM	#5 (permalink)
rockdrummer Guest Posts: n/a	Easy. Get rid of the cat. (I'm kidding. don't all the cat lovers kill me now)

09-21-2010, 08:05 AM	#9 (permalink)
sallylou Potterhead and Janeite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: My own private Idaho Posts: 6,653	Botti, how do you get the vaseline down the cat? My cat won't even take the flavored fur ball medicine (and I've tried different ones). I have to buy those treats for fur balls. This is the 1st cat that I've ever had that doesn't like Petromalt. __________________

09-21-2010, 10:51 AM	#12 (permalink)
WildHunt Registered User Join Date: May 2003 Location: South Cali Posts: 769	Shave the cat bald. problem solved. __________________ *Shoot for the moon, even if you miss, you'll land among the stars.*

09-21-2010, 11:21 AM	#15 (permalink)
whatdidyousay! Registered User Join Date: May 2009 Posts: 8,608	I had cat that like to have the vacuum cleaner on her . I would the vacuum cleaner brush on my cat and she would love . Not all cats like this , my male cat hated the vacuum cleaner !

09-21-2010, 02:44 PM	#16 (permalink)
sallylou Potterhead and Janeite Join Date: Jun 2009 Location: My own private Idaho Posts: 6,653	I've put the medicine on the cat's paws but I haven't tried his nose yet. I'm definitely going to try that. The cat is a sweetie so I'm not in any danger. __________________

09-21-2010, 09:18 PM	#18 (permalink)
quirkylibra Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pennsylvania Posts: 1,702	Like others said, brushing and Vaseline on the paw work great!

09-22-2010, 03:00 AM	#19 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,174 Blog Entries: 3	I went to the grocery store today but they had no canned pumpkin, so I think it's an American item. As for Vaseline, they contain petroleum. sighs So I might have to order it from US or ask one of youse to do me a favour. __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

09-22-2010, 03:38 AM	#20 (permalink)
souggy Registered User Join Date: Jul 2009 Location: Pacific Northwest Posts: 9,541	Wirelessly posted Consider an Australian vet forum? I am sure there's a counterpart to vaseline and pumpkin, considering cats are all over the world. __________________ "It is my task to convince you not to turn away because you don’t understand it." - Richard Freynman

09-22-2010, 07:39 AM	#21 (permalink)
Phillips Lets ride horses! Join Date: Aug 2006 Location: Spaceship Posts: 11,170	also try... Pumpkin puree can and mix it little with cat food! __________________ My journal! http://poochie21.blogspot.com/ *Enjoy life today, Yesterday has past and Tomorrow may never come.*

09-22-2010, 09:21 AM	#23 (permalink)
Barbaro Registered User Join Date: Jun 2007 Location: dæləs Posts: 1,308	I forgot to add additional comment- Canned pumpkin will spoil after being opened. Place it in the ice cube trays- freeze it. It is easier. __________________ We know what we are but not what we may be. -Author:Shakespeare

09-23-2010, 10:15 PM	#25 (permalink)
Miss-Delectable V.I.P. Member Join Date: Apr 2004 Posts: 17,174 Blog Entries: 3	Must order the furminator soon. Thanks for suggesting this. I put vaseline on my cat's nose and top paws. He didn't seem to mind but he went on a long grooming process after this. So I'll try again next week and see if it helps. Am glad you guys gave me suggestions to use for my cat. __________________ "Walking with a friend in the dark is better than walking alone in the light." - Helen Keller

10-03-2010, 12:42 AM	#26 (permalink)
posts from hell Registered User Join Date: Nov 2004 Posts: 9,434	shave the pussy.... problem solved

10-03-2010, 02:44 AM	#28 (permalink)
LDNanna Premium Member Join Date: Feb 2009 Location: Texas Posts: 2,688	When in the past I had a fuzzy Siamezer he would shed like crazy and lick even more. When he got a daily brushing he got a thin smear of vaseline on his little nose. My vet suggested it. Just a little bit, like lotion for his nose. If he ever got a furball it was rare and he would get a small dollop on his nose. It was so much easier to dot his nose between his crossed blue eyes than on those dangerous paws. lol. (I still miss that menace)

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