Hairballs

I searched a bit around on this topic, but I couldnt find the answer to my question

'What do the hairball gels actually do?'

I know it is a lubricant of some sort. But does this mean it facilitates the coughing-up of the hairball or does the hairball take the backdoor with the gel?

I recently find many unpleasant presents around my place. Unfortuantely, I am not sure which of the 2 cats it is. They never had hairballs before... except one which I found ages ago....

I am using the gel now, but it doesnt seem to help - and that's why I also got confused on what the gel is actually supposed to do
Any idea on what to do?

Originally Posted by x-ta-Z

...'What do the hairball gels actually do?

Click to expand...

The idea is to lubricate the digestive tract - and any unusually large "objects" therein - so the result is that everything (including any hair mass) just slides right through (yes, and out the backdoor!).

NOW....most common "hairball remedies" are white petroleum based. If used long term, they can prevent essential nutrient absorption...see Lubricant Laxatives here.

There are better commercial product choices,
one and another.

The Cat Lube contains some natural lubricants, Slippery Elm and Marshmallow. My own solution is to mix 1/8 teaspoonful of Slippery Elm into an ounce of "stinky" wet food and serve as a "treat" daily to each of my chronic hairball-pitching guys.

Wow!
Thanks for the info. I'll see that I buy somethng more suitable then...

One thing struck me after posting...most cats who have "hairball issues" don't just suddenly start "overnight"...I noticed you mentioned only one other incident "ages ago". If you've actually seen hair in the upchuk, then proceed to treat as a hairball problem. If, OTOH, there's no evidence of hair, then what you have is the onset of unexplained vomiting - which should be checked out.

For true hairballs, there's alway the prevention/mitigation angle - the up-front aspect of things...

You haven't said anything about "brushing" your cats...so, if it applies, I think that would be the best place to start.

Originally Posted by x-ta-Z

...I'll see that I buy somethng more suitable then...

Click to expand...

So, if you're not already "brushing", maybe add a tool to your list. (The following will probably open the discussion floodgates of just what's best to use...but, I'll get my two cents in first!) I have found that a metal comb like this (I couldn't find the right picture - you want to look for a small one) works best for both my long and short hair cats. (OK - batten down the hatches!)