Hairball Suggestions

• Petroleum jelly works wonders for coating a cat's system and helping them to process the fur rather than throwing it up. Some cats will lick it right off of your finger or wherever you put it for them, but, with other cats, it isn't that simple and you will need to be sneaky. Mix the petroleum jelly in with the cat's food, wet or dry, and your cat may not even notice the difference.
  
  Melted butter or mayonnaise may be easier to get your cat to consume. Cats generally like fatty dairy products, and they will think they're getting a treat instead of treatment. A tablespoon twice a week should suffice without altering their weight and overall health.
  
  Adding fish oil or canned pumpkin to your cat's food is another good way to keep hairballs at bay. Your cat may even enjoy the taste, sneaking a tablespoon into their food daily will help to cut back or even eliminate hairballs all together.
  
  There are several over-the-counter or prescription hairball remedies. Talk to your vet before starting your cat on one of these medications. There are also several types of cat food that boast the ability to curb hairballs and may be worth looking into.
  
  

Hairball Prevention

• Hairballs are derived from your cat's incessant need to groom and eating the excess fur rather than spitting it out. You can help your cat and your carpet as well by brushing your cat daily to remove as much loose fur as possible before kitty has a chance to swallow it.
  
  It can also be helpful to make sure that kitty is getting enough exercise and by adding fiber to his diet to help his digestive system along. Use catnip or buy new cat toys to keep your cat moving. Laser lights do wonders for getting a lazy cat up off the couch.
  
  

Call the Vet

• If hairballs are a common occurrence, such as daily or several times a week, there may be other problems going on that only a veterinarian can diagnose.
  
  Occasionally, a cat may not be able to dislodge the hairball, and it could get stuck and be harmful to your cat; if your notice dry heaving with no hairball coming out, it's time to take kitty to the vet.