Hi everyone, can anyone explain the symptoms of a hairball, and what is a good way to control them, ive seen a paste type treatment at the pet shop, but to be honest im a bit unshore if this is safe, as you hear storys re flea treatments over the counter.

Any advise on this?

Hi Nikki,
I'm afraid Ive not used the paste stuff at all, so can only tell you a bit about the hairball dried food I've used on my cats. There is Iams hairball, which is supposed to be quite good, but the kibbles are large and my cats dont like it much The one I was recommended by 2 breeders, and a vet who is a bengal breeder is Persian 30 by Royal Canin. The kibbles are small and it seems to be helping.

Hairball dried food is to help the cat breakdown the hairballs and eliminate them safely. It also helps with diahoreah as one of my kittens gets it a lot. The Persian 30 is available in little trial bags at some pet shops (thats how I tried it) as its free whereas Iams isnt so expensive if your cat wont eat it.

Hope this helps.

Julie

Nikki,

The paste stuff is called Petro-Malt, and you should be able to find it at most pet stores, although my mom has had to resort to getting it at a feed store in the past, of all places! From my experience, it is quite safe; I remember my parents using it with our cats when I was a kid, and there never seemed to be a problem. The good thing is, cats usually like it, love it in fact!

As for hairball symptoms, if you cat is coughing a lot or you can see the cat's stomach and sides moving in and out (I guess they can't breathe as well because the hairball's stuck in there), those are pretty good signs that your cat MIGHT have a hairball. Another good sign is if the cat is retching a lot. Usually the cat will eventually get rid of the hairball on its own, but treatments do help make it easier and are good for preventative measures.

Hope this helps!

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In loving memory of Lucy, one of the sweetest cats ever.