Any cat is susceptible to hairballs from time to time. However, long-haired cats and those that are heavy shedders are more likely to get them. Hairballs can be caused by self-grooming, anxiety, or skin irritation. This leads to cats swallowing them into their system. Cats may deal with this ingested hair without incident for the most part but sometimes hairballs may develop. Hairballs are disgusting and uncomfortable for the cat and the cat owner as well. Trying to gag and hack up hairballs is not the loveliest of sights. Fortunately, there are cat hairball remedies that help the cat to pass the hairballs out of its digestive tract easily and safely and also prevent them from forming and developing. If you are searching for cat hairballs remedies, have a look at the best that you can find in the market:
What Causes of Cat Hairballs?
- Self-Grooming– Cats are meticulous self-groomers. When they do, they lick dirt, debris and loose fur from their coat which can turn into hairballs.
- Skin Irritation-Dry and irritated skin usually lead to loss of hair in the affected area. The cat will try to lick or bite the irritated skin as a way of trying to soothe the irritation. She can, unfortunately, ingest some of this loose hair leading to the formation of hairballs.
- Anxiety and Boredom-This can make cats nibble at their fur increasing the chances of ingesting it.
10 Best Cat Hairball Remedies
#1) Cat Lax Cat Supplement
Cat lax tops our list of best cat hairball remedies. This palatable formula is delicious and gets rid of hairballs effectively. Besides hairball elimination Cat Lax prevents them from forming which is key is maintaining a healthy digestive system. It is formulated with Vitamin E and cod liver oil that furnish your kitty with essential oils that promote healthy skin and a dazzling coat.
Cat lax cat supplement features a mouthwatering flavor making it ideal even for picky eaters. This hairball remedy enables the ingested hairballs to pass through the digestive tract to be passed out. Not only does it get rid of hairballs but it also reduces vomiting and improves digestion.
Features
- Made in the USA
- Contains Vitamin E and cod liver oil
- Gets rid of and prevents hairballs
- Delicious flavor
- Only required twice or thrice a week
- Utilizes laxatives that coat hair that has been swallowed to enable it to pass
- Petroleum jelly based
#2) Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Control Cat Treats
Tomlyn hairball remedy chews have proven to be efficient in eliminating and preventing furballs. When you feed your cat these treats, you help promote a healthy digestive system. Another positive attribute of these treats is the Omega-6 and Omega-3 formulation that helps promote skin and coat health. Moreover, these essential oils minimize shedding which goes a long way in preventing hairball formation. When it comes to administration, the chews are easy to administer and cat owners can attest to this.
The chews are definitely among the best cat hairball remedies. They also include various vitamins, nutrients, and minerals that are very imperative for your feline friend. To reduce the formation of hairballs and to promote healthy digestion, the treats have a blend of fiber that is derived from plants. In addition, they have a lubricant that is gentle yet effective and helps to get rid of and prevent the formation of hairballs. The ingested hairballs are passed through the digestive tract.
Features
- Formulated with various nutrients, minerals, and essential vitamins
- Promote a healthy skin
- Lubricant that is gentle yet effective prevents and gets rid of hairballs
- Have fiber that is derived from plants
- Reduce shedding
- Chicken flavor
#3) Solid Gold Let’s Stay in Chicken Dry Cat Food
The Solid Gold Let’s Stay in Chicken Dry Cat Food is one of the best cat hairball remedies is rich in flavors that your feline will certainly love. Every bite comes with a lot of vitamins and minerals that are essential for your cat. A blend of superfoods keeps your kitty nourished with all the micronutrients. The food is specially prepared with fermentable fiber and probiotics that play vital roles in maintaining a healthy digestive tract.
This cat food is palatable as it contains real chicken as its first ingredient so your cat will love it. In addition, it has blueberries and pumpkins and lentils that are fiber-filled and tasty apples as compliments. The dry cat food is formulated with salmon oil that provides Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids. These essential oils help support the immune system, heart health and skin and coat.
As one of the best cat hairball remedies, dry cat food, is formulated specifically for indoor cats to help reduce the formation of hairballs. The fact that it is rich in fiber enables it to clean the cat’s system with ease to avoid blockages in the digestive system. Keep furballs at bay by feeding your feline this nutritious and flavorsome dry cat food.
Features
- Made in the USA
- Contains no wheat, corn, or soy
- Grain and gluten-free
- A palatable flavor that is loved by cats
- Made for indoor cats to control hairballs
- Contains probiotics that promote a healthy gut
- Great for controlling weight
- Rich in proteins promoting a strong and healthy body
- Easy on the stomach
- Rich in fiber
#4) Temptations Hairball Control Chicken Flavor Cat Treats
Our next recommendation for the best cat hairball remedies is these scrumptious cat food treats. These cat treats are palatable and delicious meaning they are loved by cats. The treats are uniquely formulated to inhibit hairball formation. When included in a cat’s diet, they help promote proper digestion and control furballs from forming in the gut. The chicken flavor is appealing to many cats even the picky eaters as it leaves them wanting more.
The outer shell is crunchy and promotes dental health by preventing tartar buildup. They are fully nutritionally complete and balanced for the maintenance of your adult feline. They also contain fiber that helps the ingested hair to pass out quickly and easily and is low in calories to help promote a healthy gut. In addition, they come in a lock that is convenient and seals pouches that ensure that they remain fresh.
Features
- Nutritionally balanced and complete
- Rich in fiber
- Contains no caffeine to avoid hyperactive reactions
- Less than 2 calories in each piece
- Delicious chicken flavor
- Promotes a healthy gut
- Prevents the formation of hairballs
#5) Hartz Hairball Remedy Plus Salmon Flavor Paste for Cats
If your furry is experiencing her first hairballs and is having problems in the digestive tract, this is the best cat hairball remedy for you. Hartz Hairball Remedy Plus aids in passing the furballs through the gut and subsequent removal through the cat’s stool. This paste has a salmon flavor that appeals to many cats. When used regularly, the paste prevents the formation of hairballs. When you supplement your grooming with this hairball remedy, you bid goodbye to furballs.
As one of the best cat hairball remedies, the paste is suitable for both short and long-haired coats. The soft paste makes consumption easy making the paste perfect for kittens, adult cats and senior cats. No matter the life stage, you will have a dependable remedy to thwart furball formation and keep the kitty’s digestive system working optimally. Also, it promotes healthy skin and coat as it is formulated with Omega 3-6-9 oils and Vitamin E. Additionally, it has a salmon flavor that your cat will love. It is safe to use on both kittens and cats.
Features
- Natural salmon flavor
- Promotes healthy skin and coat
- Ideal for adult cats and kittens as well
- Ensures that hairballs pass through the gastrointestinal tract safely and easily
- Prevents and gets rid of hairballs
- The recipe is very simple
- Contains natural oils that encourage natural movement in the bowel
#6) Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel Cat Supplement
As one of the best cat hairball remedies, the Laxatone gel contains a veterinary formulated lubricant that helps in the removal of cat hairballs. The lubricants coat the furballs facilitating smooth elimination through the cat’s stool. The cat supplement comes in various options that leave your cat asking for more. Whether it is the tuna, chicken, or catnip-flavored option, your kitty can’t resist this mouth-watering gel. This cat supplement is enriched with essential fatty acids namely Omega-3 and Omega-6 which help maintain a healthy coat. This means your cat sheds less and chances of furballs formation are greatly reduced.
Another positive attribute of this smooth get is user-friendly. Giving the gel to your feline is simple and the irresistible flavors make your work easier. The is administered orally and is suitable for use with both kittens and adult cats. What’s more? The get is specially formulated to maintain a healthy gut free of any furballs that cause a lot of discomfort.
Features
- Easy to administer as it is palatable
- Enables the ingested hairballs to pass through the intestinal tract safely and easily
- Prevents the formation of hairballs
- Lubricant that is gentle yet very effective
- Can be used daily
- Safe and effective
#7) Vet’s Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid Cat Supplement
These chewable tablets are very effective in the elimination of cat hairballs and are a favorite among felines. The tablets are backed by veterinarians and many pet parents’ testimonials praising them. Another great attribute of these chewable tablets is the plant-based formulation that supports a healthy digestive system. All the ingredients used in the formula are organic providing a regimen that is safe and effective.
Besides preventing the formation of hairballs, this cat supplement helps promote proper digestion. Feeding the tablets to your kitty frequently helps maintain a happy life free of gut discomforts. Safety is paramount when it comes to nutrition and for this reason, the bottles of Vet’s Best Hairball relief have an NASC Quality seal.
Features
- Contains ingredients such as papaya extract, marshmallow root and slippery elm
- Prevents the formation of hairballs
- Promotes a healthy digestive system
- Comes in a chewable tablet for easy administration
- Helps promote proper digestion
- A tasty chicken flavor that your feline will love
#8) Nutri-Vet Hairball Chicken Flavor Paw-Gel for Cats
Preventing hairballs should not be a difficult task. With the Nutri-Vet Hairball Chicken Flavor Paw-Gel, all you need to do is apply the gel directly to your cat’s paws and watch her lick it off. This hairball remedy is formulated with natural oils and lubricants that prevent hairballs from blocking your cat’s digestive system. Other than allowing the smooth removal of hairballs, the gel promotes healthy skin and coats to reduce excessive shedding.
To make the gel appealing to your cats, the gel comes in either chicken or salmon flavor making it irresistible by even the pickiest of cats. Formulated with the highest quality materials, the gel maintains its consistency throughout. The other good thing about this gel is the ease of administration. Cat parents can give it to their felines straight from the tube. No matter the age of your cat, this hairball remedy helps promote a bubbly life free of any furball discomfort.
Safety is guaranteed as the ingredients used in the making of the gel are natural and of the highest quality. Moreover, there are no artificial ingredients that are associated with stomach discomforts. Without a doubt, this one of the best cat hairball remedies that any can pet parent can seek to reduce hairball formation.
Features
- Made in the USA
- Made by veterinarians
- Contains natural oils and lubricants that prevent the formation of hairballs
- Reduce excessive shedding
- Lead to a healthy coat and skin
- Easy to administer
- Delicious as it has a chicken flavor
- Safely removes ingested hair
#9) Richard’s Organics Chicken Flavor Hairball Remedy
Are you a cat owner who is in search of a cat hairball remedy that is natural? If that is the case, this is the best solution for you. This formula is made to get rid of and prevent hairballs in both kittens and adult cats. It contains no petroleum making it safe for the delicate digestive system of a cat.
The hairball remedy is formulated with lecithin and beeswax that lubricate ingested hair letting it pass through the intestinal tract easily and in a gentle manner. It is also easy to administer as it can be put on top of kibble or served as a treat. The fact that it has a palatable chicken flavor means that it is loved by cats.
Features
- Easy to use
- Palatable chicken flavor
- Enables ingested hair to pass through the intestinal tract safely and gently
- All-natural with no additives or preservatives
- Prevents the formation of hairballs
- Formulated with lecithin and beeswax that act as a lubricant
- Ideal for cats with a sensitive digestive system
- Can be served as a treat or put onto kibble
#10) Get Naked Digestive Health Soft Cat Treats
This is another beguiling hairball remedy that is specially formulated to support a healthy gut in your kitty. Like other recipes by Get Naked, these cat treats are specially formulated to meet the specific needs of your furry friend. This is a fast-acting cat hairball remedy that eliminates fur balls. It contains chicken as the first ingredient making it a great source of protein. What makes cat treats one of the best cat hairball remedies is the functional benefits they offer the cats.
Moreover, the chicken flavor enhances the palatability of the cat treats. The crunchiness comes in handy as well and your cat will definitely love them. The treats are also formulated with vegetable oils that help hairballs to pass through the digestive system gently and safely. Prebiotics help to promote healthy digestion. Nonetheless, they are grain-free and under 3 calories hence are a great source of dietary fiber. This also promotes a healthy weight in cats. They are soft-heart-shaped.
Features
- A palatable chicken flavors
- Contains vegetable oils that ensure easy and gentle passage of the hairballs
- Low calories helping cats maintain a healthy weight
- Great source of protein as they contain protein
- Prebiotics and probiotics promote a healthy digestion
- Can be given alongside the cat’s daily intake of food
- Treats are soft-heart shaped
See Also
Best Cat Hairball Remedies Buying Guide & FAQs
Factors to Consider When Buying the Best Cat Hairballs Remedies
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Flavor
If the flavor of the remedy that you purchase isn’t right, your cat is probably going to turn her nose at the remedy you are giving her. Many flavors come with hairball remedies. Get one that has a tasty flavor such as chicken, fish, or malt.
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Formula
Helping cats pass hairballs or prevent them from forming should not be the only purpose of hairball remedies. Many of the remedies are formulated with ingredients such as vitamins and probiotics and other beneficial ingredients that support the overall digestive system of your cat as well as their digestion. Therefore, get a hairball remedy that contains these beneficial ingredients
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Safety
Any kind of hairball remedy should be made from ingredients that are safe for consumption by the cat and should come from sources that are verified. Check the label for the ingredients list to see there are any potential allergens or ingredients that could be problematic and need to be avoided. Natural hairball remedies are available if you do not want certain artificial ingredients in your feline’s diet.
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Form
Most hairball remedies come in form of lubricating gels and paste that your cat needs to swallow. There are also chewable tablets, liquid supplements and chew treats that contain ingredients that can help prevent hairballs. Because you know your cat best, you can anticipate her reaction to various forms of hairball remedies.
Read: Best Cat Litter Attractants
Signs and Symptoms of Hairballs in Cats
- Stomach Pain-A hairball usually gets stuck in the digestive tract and can lead to some issues. Some of these issues include loss of appetite, constipation, and pain in the stomach.
- Nervousness-Your cat is nervous if the tail is moving too fast. If this happens for too long, there is a chance that there is an underlying health issue. The cat can also be running in circles and sticking her tongue out all the time.
- Diarrhea or Blood in Feces-Constant diarrhea and troubles when pooping could be an indication of hairballs. The cat may even meow or cat when pooping due to stomach pains. A severe case is blood in the feces which could be a parasitic infection on top of a hairball issue.
- Gagging or Coughing-A cat gagging or trying to throw up could be a sign of hairballs. This is especially so if this continues for a while.
Other Hairball Remedies for Cats
There are various ways through which hairballs can be prevented and remedied as well. This includes:
- Grooming-A good grooming session carried out regularly helps to avoid the problems of hairballs.
- High-Fiber Treats-There is concentrated high-fiber treats that you can give your feline companion alongside their normal diet to ensure that their system runs smoothly.
- Lubricating Treats-Some treats provide a lubricating element for cats that struggle to move ingested hair through their system.
- Olive Oil-This is a home remedy that may help in the short term. It can help to clean your cat’s system in case she is experiencing a bit of trouble.
- High Fiber Cat Food-Stick to a diet that is rich in fiber to clear the cat’s system regularly and prevent hair from building up.
- Gel and Tablet Supplements-This is beneficial when the hair problem is becoming stubborn. These supplements are designed specifically to curb the issue. However, it is best if you approach your vet before proceeding with this remedy.
- Veterinary Assistant-If the problem persists, seek advice and help from your vet. Therefore, be alert and watch out for any struggling signs and if they are, do not hesitate to consult your vet.
Read: Best Cat Grooming Gloves
Best Cat Hairball Remedies FAQs
Q: What Can I Give My Cat to Help Pass a Hairball?
A: A teaspoon of fish or flax oil added to the normal food of your feline coats a hairball enabling it to pass through the system. A hairball prevention jelly containing marshmallow, papaya, or slippery elm can also help. In addition, the hairball remedies elucidated above will help to pass the hairball gently and easily.
Q: Can a Hairball Lead to Death?
A: In the rare case that an older cat is suffering from severe constipation as the result of a buildup of hairball can cause constipation. Constipation can proceed to a buildup of more severe and stubborn fecal impaction in the digestive system also known as obstipation. This can result in the hospitalization of your kitty where she undergoes therapy including the manual removal of the blockage under anaesthetization. If not treated, severe constipation can be fatal leading to death. It is thus important to control the formation of hairballs.
Conclusion
Cats naturally lose their hair when it is hot and get longer hair in cold seasons. They love to groom themselves with their tongue and this can lead to ingesting some of this hair. The hair may in some cases get stuck in their digestive tract leading to severe issues. Having a cat hairball remedy is thus important as it helps them pass this hair out of their system gently and safely.