9 Easy Home Remedies for Cat Hairballs

Hairballs are a common issue for many cat owners. They can be uncomfortable for your cat, and can even lead to serious health problems if not treated properly.

As a cat owner myself, I know how frustrating it can be cleaning up cat vomit from your carpet every couple of days, and this is often our main motivation for solving our cat’s hairball problem! Fortunately, there are many effective home remedies that can help prevent and treat hairballs in cats.

Below, I’m going to cover 9 of the most proven home remedies for cat hairballs. Whether your cat is suffering from occasional hairballs or has a chronic problem, these remedies can help.

Top 9 Home Remedies for Cat Hairballs

1. More Fiber in Your Cat’s Diet

Fiber is vital for the well being of both animals and humans. It aids in proper digestion and also helps to shift hairballs through your cat’s digestive system.

Add a few tablespoons of high-fiber cereal to your cat’s diet, fiber products like a quarter teaspoon of Metamucil, or one to three tablespoons of Post grape-nuts flakes a couple of times a day.

Alternatively, transition to a high fiber cat food to ease digestion.

2. Regular Grooming

Regular grooming is key to preventing hairballs.

Brush your cat frequently to remove loose hair and reduce the amount that they swallow. This is especially important for long-haired cats, who are more prone to hairballs. Consider investing in a high-quality brush that can reach deep into your cat’s fur to remove tangles and mats.

Brushing is very important especially if you are a parent to an elderly cat or if your cats have long fur. These grooming sessions can also be relaxing to both you and your cat.

3. Encourage Your Cat to Drink More

Cats are notorious for not drinking enough water on their own, which can lead to dehydration. When cats are dehydrated, their digestive system slows down and their body can’t flush out hairballs effectively.

This leads to an increased risk of hairballs becoming lodged in their digestive tract. Maintaining hydration is essential for the overall health and well-being of your cat, and it’s an easy way to reduce the risk of hairballs.

4. Add A Little Oil to Their Diet

Presence of oil in your cat’s digestive system can help move hairballs through, preventing blockages which cause your cat to vomit the hairballs back up.

You can add a small amount of lubricant to your cat’s food, or administer it directly using a syringe. A teaspoon of olive oil, coconut oil, corn oil or saffron oil every week will do the trick.

If you do not have access to oil, a teaspoon of unsalted butter will work as a substitute. All you need to do is melt it and add it to your cat’s food once a week.

Be sure to only use small amounts, as overuse of lubricants can lead to digestive upset.

5. Use Cat Laxatives

Laxatives can be helpful for cats who suffer from chronic hairballs. There are many over-the-counter laxatives available for cats, and your veterinarian can recommend one that is appropriate for your cat’s needs.

A Few Cat Laxative Tips

• Gradually introduce the laxative: Gradually introducing the laxative to your cat’s diet over a period of a few days can help them get used to the new supplement and reduce the risk of stomach upset.
• Monitor your cat’s health: If your cat experiences any adverse reactions or digestive issues after starting a laxative, it’s important to discontinue use and seek veterinary advice.
• Consult with a vet: If your cat has a history of digestive problems or is taking any medications, it’s always best to consult with a veterinarian before starting a laxative. They can help determine the best course of action for your cat’s individual needs.

Remember, it is important to use laxatives only as directed as overuse can cause digestive problems, and overdosing on laxatives can be dangerous for your cat.

6. Change Your Cat’s Diet

A change in diet can have a significant impact on hairball formation. Consider switching to a high-quality, grain-free cat food, as grain-based foods can lead to digestive issues, including hairballs.

If your cat has a tendency of getting hairballs, you might want to switch to a hairball formula diet. This diet works like fiber-rich foods. It helps pass hairballs with stools, while reducing shedding and generally improving your cat’s skin and hair health.

Treat your cat with chicken of the sea sardines or tuna occasionally. These canned fishes contain natural oils that help dispel hairballs out of the cat’s system.

7. Add Cooked Pumpkin to Your Cat’s Diet

The natural fiber found in pumpkin helps to pass the hairballs out of your cat’s system comfortably. Add one or two tablespoons of canned pumpkin to the cat’s food every day or a couple of days a week.

Adding pumpkin into your cat’s diet is an easy and effective way to help prevent hairballs and promote overall digestive health.

8. Massage Your Cat’s Belly

Massaging your cat’s belly can help move hairballs through their digestive system and reduce the risk of blockages.

Use the pads of your fingers to gently massage your cat’s belly in a circular motion, working from their ribcage down to their hind legs. Be gentle, and stop if your cat becomes uncomfortable.

9. Increase Your Cat’s Daily Exercise

Increasing your cat’s physical activity can help reduce the amount of loose fur they ingest during self-grooming. Playing with your cat and providing interactive toys can keep them active, as well as provide mental stimulation. Consider investing in a scratching post or a cat tree to encourage physical activity.

Your Cat’s Hairball Problems Solved

With all the tips above you’re sure to reduce the amount of times your innocent-looking kitty vomits up hairballs, and help make them healthier too.

Usually a combination of small changes using these tips will work best, and you can choose the ones that work best to suit your cat’s individual personality and your needs too!

To finish up, here’s the quick list again:

1. More Fiber in Your Cat’s Diet.
2. Regular Grooming.
3. Encourage Your Cat to Drink More.
4. Add A Little Oil to Their Diet.
5. Use Cat Laxatives.
6. Change Your Cat’s Diet.
7. Add Cooked Pumpkin to Your Cat’s Diet.
8. Massage Your Cat’s Belly.
9. Increase Your Cat’s Daily Exercise.