Cat owners: what do you do for furballs?

tmkd

Hey girls,

I don't post here too much, but have two kitties and a golden retriever.

Anyway, my younger kitty, Oliver, gets furballs that he vomits up---at least a few a week. I have tried a few of the furball gels, but nothing has really eradicated the problem entirely. I don't want him to be uncomfortable, so I was wondering if you girls knew of any other remedies (or a particular gel you like)??

 

TIA!

 

 

 

 

catcookies

Changing my cat to a grain-free food has helped immensely with hairballs.  He rarely throws up now (though I probably just jinxed myself by typing that!).  Before he was on grain-free food, I would have to give him laxatone on a regular basis, as well as hairball treats.  Daily brushing helps too. 

 

Niffa2003

catcookies:

Changing my cat to a grain-free food has helped immensely with hairballs.  He rarely throws up now (though I probably just jinxed myself by typing that!).  Before he was on grain-free food, I would have to give him laxatone on a regular basis, as well as hairball treats.  Daily brushing helps too. 

 

I agree with pp, when I had a cat the daily brushing and the hairball treats helped to cut down on the hairballs but the grain free food really made the difference.  Hairballs are so gross.

SillyStraw

We found that feeding our hairball prone cat wet food every night has stopped the problem completely.  He gets Wellness wet.

mainerocks

Have you tried the furrminator brush (15 buck on ebay)?  Good food and the furminator can reduce shedding, which I would think then in turn would reduce the hairballs?

kellbell1919

Our hair ball kitty is also doing a lot better with grain free wet food twice a day.

Kaiene

We feed raw and don't have hairball problems. I will admit we are kind of lazy with the furminator, but it is a great pet brush.

tmkd

Thanks, ladies. I already feed grain-free Taste of the Wild and Wellness wet food (he needs wet food because he is prone to crystals in the bladder...)

 

 

LOLways

Put out cat grass for him to chew on. I think I've read that it helps them to digest the fur and poop it out. (Fiber/ roughage? I guess it's Metamucil for cats??)

Daily brushing helps, and a bath once in a while, if you're brave enough. 

tmkd

LOLways:

Put out cat grass for him to chew on. I think I've read that it helps them to digest the fur and poop it out. (Fiber/ roughage? I guess it's Metamucil for cats??)

Daily brushing helps, and a bath once in a while, if you're brave enough. 

I will try that for sure. The bath, prob not....unfortunately, this kitty of mine doesn't really love being petted/snuggled. He's still kind of wild from his outdoor/on the street days as a kitten (I rescued him 2 years ago from a shelter....I thought he'd get more affectionate by now!!). He's really a companion for my other kitty..

Thanks for the ideas, everyone!