Your cat should only bring up hairballs once a week or so, though it's a fairly common problem.If your cat is having trouble with a hairball, you can try a home remedy, such as a Hairball paste or even petroleum Jelly.If your cat is showing signs of obstruction, you should see a vet.Sometimes cats with asthma can seem like they're hacking up a hairball, so if you think this may be the issue, take your cat to the vet for a diagnosis.
Step 1: The hairball should be given to your cat.
This type of paste is made for cats.You can lick your cat's paw off if you put a little bit on it.The paste can be used on the cat's fur.If your cat shakes it off, put it under the elbow.Your cat will likely like salmon, which is one of the fun flavors of hairball pastes.You can put some on a plate for your cat to lick.You will need to give your cat multiple applications of the hairball paste.The paste should be used twice a day for 3 to 5 days.
Step 2: If you want a cheap option, use a 2 spoon of petroleum jelly.
You can use this home remedy to help your cat.Your cat can lick the jelly off your paw.The cat won't shake it off if you rub it in a little.If your cat shakes it off, try placing it under the front leg, which is more difficult to shake off.
Step 3: Treat your cat to treat hairballs to prevent them from happening.
There are several brands of dry hairball remedy treats at your pet store.The best way to prevent future hairballs is by giving your cat these treats.The package directions tell you how many to give your cat.There is no messy paste or gel in these solutions.Your cat will eat them.Continue to give your cat hairball remedy treats once it passes its hair ball.
Step 4: For a long-term solution, try a hairball control cat food.
The hairball may be helped by changing your cat's food.It is more likely to help prevent more in the future.Look for one that claims to control hair.The foods use different methods to treat hairballs.
Step 5: Add canned pumpkin to the cat's food.
Pumpkin may help your cat pass the hairball.If you mix it in with canned food, your cat will be more willing to eat it.You can try wheatgrass powder, coconut fiber powder or psyllium seed husk powder.The cat's wet food can be mixed with a 2 spoon.
Step 6: Put olive oil in your cat's food.
It's a good idea to mix it in with wet cat food.Olive oil helps move the hairball.Try not to use this treatment weekly.Your cat likes meat-based fat sources.
Step 7: The loss of appetite is something to watch out for.
If your cat suddenly stops eating, it's a good idea to pay attention.That is a sign that your cat needs to go to the vet.If your cat isn't eating, it's probably because of a hairball.
Step 8: If your cat doesn't bring up a hairball, you should notice.
If your cat is hacking but not producing anything, that could be a sign that it has a problem with its stomach.If your cat hacks several times in one day, pay attention.If your cat is defecating, you should check it out.It needs to be seen by a vet if it's not.The cat can't get around the obstruction.
Step 9: The cat's energy levels should be checked.
Put your hand on the cat's stomach.It could indicate a problem if it feels harder than normal.Your cat may not have the energy to do much.
Step 10: If your cat is showing multiple symptoms, it's time to go to the vet.
Home remedies may not help if your cat is blocked.If your cat isn't able to digest food, it can lead to death.If the problem isn't a hairball, you'll need your vet to diagnose it.
Step 11: Expect to have a physical examination.
The veterinarians will use their hands to examine the cat.They can feel the cat's stomach to see if it is hard.They will look at the cat visually.The vet will ask you questions about the cat's medical history and recent symptoms during this time.
Step 12: You should be ready for the tests.
Your vet might want to do blood work.They can also do X-rays on your cat.The tests can help your vet determine if and where your cat has a problem, so they can decide on the best course of treatment.
Step 13: The cat may need to stay at the vet for a few days.
The vet will most likely keep your cat at the clinic if it has a problem.They'll give your cat a laxative to see if it helps the problem.Mineral oil is one of the home remedies that your vet will recommend if the cat isn't going to stay.
Step 14: Discuss the possibility of a surgery.
If your cat has a hairball, it may need surgery to remove it.If your cat's situation is serious enough to warrant surgery, your vet will let you know.
Step 15: Look at how your cat works.
There is a specific hacking position for cats with asthma.They usually crouch down and extend their neck while hacking.If your cat uses this position, pay attention.If your cat gets in this position and doesn't produce anything when hacking, that could be a sign of asthma.
Step 16: Listen for a cough instead of a hack.
Cat coughing can seem like hacking, but it will likely have more wheezing.It may seem like your cat is hacking up mucus and then swallowing it, but it can also sound like a "dry" or "wet" cough.While coughing, your cat may stick its tongue out.
Step 17: Pay attention to the signs that your cat is having a hard time breathing.
Your cat may bewinded more easily than normal.After it runs around a bit, you may hear wheezing-like breathing.Your cat may be able to breathe with its mouth open if it is having a hard time breathing.
Step 18: If your cat has hairballs, it should be groomed daily.
Hairballs can be avoided.Your cat gets hairballs when it grooms.Your cat won't eat that fur if you brush it away.If your cat has hairballs, it needs to be groomed daily until the grooming brush collects little fur.You can change your grooming schedule to fit its coat length.There is a build up of hair on your cat.Short-haired cats need grooming.
Step 19: To avoid hairballs, comb and brush long-haired cats every day.
Go over the fur with a brush after working the comb through it.This will help prevent hairballs and keep your cat's fur clean.When you groom your cat, give it a treat and it will view grooming more positively.After each grooming session, clean your comb and brush.
Step 20: Cats with short hair should be brushed twice a week to keep their coat clean.
Short-haired cats need to be groomed.This helps keep their coat shiny.Give your cat lots of pets to make grooming more pleasant.The treats should be given to the cat.After each grooming session, clean your brush.