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Cats/CAT HAIRBALLS

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Expert: - 4/6/2009


Question
Hi Ali, I have a cat that gets bad hairballs, I bought her some cat grass and it seems to help, since it dies out pretty quickly, I went to a local garden shop and they had wheat grass , I have never tried this and not sure if its good for her, She will not let me give her any of the medications that are lubricants , she rune away,. Also do you have any other suggestions on how to help with hairballs

Answer
Emma,

You could try giving your cat some canned pure pumpkin (not pumpkin pie mix), it comes in large cans and you can freeze portion sized servings in an ice cube tray to be stored in the freezer for up to 6 months. Some cats also enjoy things like raw baby spinach, steamed broccoli or cooked carrots, sweet potatoes or squash. When feeding your cat veggies it's important not to give them too much, and with the exception of greens like lettuce, spinach or spring mix your cat should have his veggies steamed or cooked to help her use them to her advantage. Failing that you could certainly try wheat grass. Some cats also enjoy a small amount of butter or margarine to help them pass hair balls through their systems, about 1/2 - 1 tsp is all that's required.

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Ali

Expertise

I am the proud guardian of 5 mixed breed cats ranging from 12 weeks to 13 years old and one purebred ragdoll. I have 20+ years experience working with mixed breed cats from a variety of different situations. I have fostered cats/kittens with special needs/behavioral issues. I have rescued/rehabilitated/re-homed a variety of stray/abused cats. I can offer advice on managing feral cat colonies, rehabilitating strays and finding them forever homes. I can help you to determine whether a cat is stray or feral, there IS a significant difference. Improperly introducing a new cat/kitten can result in aggression between newly introduced cats because cats are territorial by nature and they don't like sudden changes in their environment. To learn more about a peaceful way to introduce a new cat into a home with other cats please check out my previous answers on this subject. Proper nutrition for cats can be confusing, I recommend checking out catinfo.org which was created by a veterinarian (Dr. Lisa Pierson) who takes a common sense approach to explaining feline nutrition. Cat behavior and instincts are different from those of humans, I can help you understand your cat's needs so that you can meet them adequately and have a balanced, psychologically and physically sound kitty. Cats vary in personality, energy level and intelligence, different approaches may be required to achieve results in terms of training and interaction with your feline companion. An intelligent, high energy cat must be kept busy or they will make their own fun. I am NOT a licensed veterinarian and I can't offer medical advice. If your cat is ill/injured my advice is always the same: get prompt medical treatment provided by a veterinarian. If finances are an issue I will try to find resources in your area that can help with medical costs or make other choices to ensure the welfare of your cat.

Experience

I have fostered feral and stray cats, rehabilitated and homed cats that many people recommended euthanasia for. I am willing to make an effort to do the research and ask questions because I care enough to find solutions to behavioral problems rather than giving up. I have an interest in the use of alternative therapies to help provide the best possible care for all cats and I can say in all honesty that I've seen some incredible things happen for some incredible cats and their human caregivers when the right alternative therapeutic modality is used by a qualified veterinarian with expertise and experience in the field.

Education/Credentials
I've earned my diploma as a veterinary assistant with honors.

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