Hairball in my long hair male cat stomach, HELP!

I came across this web site and have read many wise ideas. My cat has a large hairball in his stomach and the vet wants to do surgery, cost 1200.00,

I don't have the money for the operation. he is 17 years of age. I have ordered Swanson product and of course will try this.

Any other idea would be appreciated!!

Thank you

17 years old is awfully old for surgery, I hope your vet knows what he is doing. I would definitely try the hairball remedies first, he can always be x-rayed again to see if it worked. If it isn't bothering him, I'm sure a lot of cats live with those for years. I would research it on the internet, or ask your vet if he has a prescription hairball remedy that might work better.Good luck! 

I agree 17 is really old for surgery. I would be scared to put him through it, unless it was an emergency.

Try the hairball remedies. There is Laxatone, and try mixing some canned pumpkin---no spices, just canned pumpkin in with his food. Or there is always the baby food pumpkin. Make sure that are no additives to it. You can also get the baby squash. 

Good Luck!  

Hairball in cat’s stomach was the constant worry that plagued me often. My most handsome long haired Norwegian Forest cat Jethro who is no more with me suffered with hairball problem. Sometimes he vomited a little portion, and sometimes half the size of my little finger. Most of the times it went back into his stomach. More than once I took him to the vet and he was fed zoolac.

You mentioned “a large hairball.” It worries me. I hope it comes out!

Caroline on this site mentioned the following:

“1/2 capsule of egg lecithin 2x a week has been enough to keep the hairballs at bay here
Egg lecithin emulsifies the fat that binds the hairball tightly together, so they just easily pass through the digestive system.... It's quite nutritious as well.... and they love it”

I never tried this because I was unaware of it.

I pray your cat recovers fast.

I miss my Jethro!

Castle Cat (Devoted and humble servant of late Jethro)

My neighbor once told me she let her cats eat butter because it helped with hairballs, and the cats liked it. I don't know this for fact, but I would like to hear if anyone else has tried it.  Our white cat will sometimes come in the kitchen looking for butter... you know she is looking for it, she goes to the spot on the counter where we usually  keep it and sniffs the air and meows at us.  She doesn't eat much, less than a quarter teaspoon and sometimes two days a week, sometimes not for a couple weeks, but when she asks for it, I give it to her.  (I'm such a sucker for a pretty face   )