| One of the most frustrating problems many feline guardians encounter with their furry friends is the common issue of vomiting hairballs. This is especially common in long haired breeds such as Persians, but it can occur in any breed or domestic short hair or long hair cat. Over the decades there has been much research on this topic, however, veterinarians are still uncertain why many cats have this digestive problem. |  |
It’s thought to perhaps be a problem with the stomach muscle function in breaking down the hair and/or the stomach/small intestine moving the hair through the digestive tract. In some cats this problem can be so bad as to cause a blockage necessitating surgical removal of the hair, which can act like a linear foreign body in some cats. There are many suggestions I will often give my clients to help lessen the frequency and severity of this problem. Amongst the oldest remedies include products like Lax’aire or Petromalt hairball remedy. I find these petroleum-based products at best partially effective, and they do contain a large amount of sugar and a preservative that some cats are sensitive to called sodium benzoate. I would definitely not use these products in diabetic cats because of the sugar content. Other products worth trying include Vetri-HBR, by Veri-Science, which is a wonderful lubricant, full of natural ingredients and soluble fiber. Vetasyl is also a wonderful source of soluble fiber that can easily be added to meals. I have also found olive oil to be helpful for many cats given initially at 1/2 to one teaspoon daily for one week mixed with food or given directly, and then a few times weekly as maintenance to help lessen the problem.
Finally I do find that excellent probiotics like Fast Balance GI and enzymes like NatureVet Enzymes and Probiotics can help normalize digestive tract function and motility in many cats. In some cases veterinarians may prescribe prescription drugs like Metoclopromide to help with stomach motility. It is important for both animal guardians and veterinarians both to NOT over diagnose hairballs as causes of vomiting and coughing in most cats. While hairballs can certainly play a role in vomiting, chronic vomiting or coughing should have full medical workup at the veterinarian, including CBC/chemistry and heartworm blood testing, as well as urine analysis, X-rays, and if necessary, ultrasound depending upon other clinical symptoms.
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