Cats and Mineral Oil

So I first read that mineral oil helped with cat hairballs. Soon after, I read giving them mineral oil by itself can actually cause sickness and even death!

I had put it in my cats bowl, but as soon as I read that (and before she had the chance to eat any, thankfully) I went and emptied it, washed my hands, and gave her a brand new bowl. However while I was in this process I was being distracted by my mother, and now I'm concerned: if I still had a bit left on my fingers or something can that still do any damage..? Thanks for any help, just a very paranoid "mama".

I'm so glad you read about the dangers of mineral oil before your cat ate it.  That stuff is toxic. Not even safe for humans (in my opinion).  If you washed your hands, I think you're fine.  If you want to give something to your cat for hairballs, try organic coconut oil.  1/4 teaspoon a day should help keep kitty clear of hairballs.

thanks for the reply! i actually ended up picking up some hairball remedy treats this morning that my cat seems to enjoy so far. if they don't end up working out i will definitely go with the coconut oil! thank you!