Feather balls are a fairly common problem with cats, but usually cats will only spit it out once a week. If your cat has this problem frequently, try using a homemade remedy, such as a special paste or Vaseline. However, if your cat is experiencing symptoms of a digestive tract blockage, contact the nearest veterinarian immediately. In addition, cats with asthma will react badly to ingested fur balls. If this happens, immediately visit the nearest veterinarian for a diagnosis.
Step
Method 1 of 5: Using Homemade Medicine
Step 1. Apply a special anti-hair paste to move the ingested hair
This paste acts as a fur lubricant and is specially made for cats. You just need to rub it on the cat's paws and it will lick itself.
- Apply a piece of the paste to the cat's fur. If your cat keeps moving its paws, try to apply a thin layer of it to the joints of the paws.
- This pasta is sold in flavors that cats love, such as salmon. You can just put it on a plate for the cat to lick.
- Usually, you have to apply this paste several times. Apply the paste to the cat twice a day for 3-5 days until the fur balls are gone.
Step 2. Use 2.5 ml of Vaseline as a cheaper option
This material can act as a laxative in cats to remove the hair balls on their bodies. Apply oil to the cat's paws so he licks them. Apply a little so the cat doesn't try to shake it off.
If your cat shakes the oil clean, place it in an area that is difficult to shake off, such as the underside of the front paws
Step 3. Give your cat 4-6 special hair removal products to prevent him from swallowing the ball again
You can find a variety of peacock fur care products at pet stores. These products can help your cat remove the ball of fur and are effective at preventing the cat from swallowing more fur. Follow the instructions on the sales package to find out the dosage.
- This is an easy solution because you don't need to use a paste or gel that spills easily. Cats usually eat the product right away.
- Once the cat has removed the ball of fur, continue to give the product to prevent it from swallowing more fur in the future.
Step 4. Give special fur ball control feed as a long term solution
Changing the cat's diet will help you deal with this situation. However, this method was also able to prevent the problem from recurring in the future. Look for products that say “Able to control fur balls”.
These foods are made in such a way as to prevent the appearance of hairballs, such as increasing the fiber content or omega-3 fatty acids present in them
Step 5. Add a spoonful of canned pumpkin to your cat's food
Pumpkin contains fiber that can help cats digest fur. Mix it with canned food so the cat will eat it.
Other fiber options to try include oat powder, coconut fiber powder, or psyllium seed husk powder. Mix 2.5 ml of the ingredient in your cat's wet food
Step 6. Pour 1.2 ml of olive oil into your cat's food
Mix it with cat food, either dry or wet. Olive oil acts as a mild laxative so it can help your cat digest the fur balls.
While you can use this method occasionally, don't use it every week. Your cat's body may be more suited to a meat source of fat
Method 2 of 5: Watching for More Serious Symptoms
Step 1. Watch for the cat's loss of appetite
If your cat suddenly stops eating, be aware, especially if it lasts more than a day. This is a sign that the cat needs to be taken to the vet to find out what the problem is.
Not wanting to eat is a sign that the cat's digestive system is blocked by the hairball
Step 2. Watch for when the cat looks like it's about to throw up, but doesn't let out a ball of fur
If your cat often seems to want to throw up, but doesn't pass anything, it's a sign that her digestive tract is blocked. Watch out if your cat shows these symptoms several times a day.
- You also need to check if the cat is passing stools smoothly. If not, it's a sign that he has a gastrointestinal blockage and should be taken to the vet.
- In addition, your cat may have diarrhea because the feces can't completely pass through the blocked digestive tract.
Step 3. Check the cat's stomach and stamina
Place your hand on the cat's belly. If it is louder than usual, it could indicate a gastrointestinal blockage. Cats will also appear lethargic, as if they don't have the energy to do anything.
Method 3 of 5: Taking the Cat to the Vet
Step 1. Take your cat to the vet if he shows more than one symptom
If your cat's digestive tract is blocked, home remedies will not treat it. In fact, a blockage in the digestive tract can result in death if not treated because the cat can't digest the food that comes in.
Also, the problem may not come from the furball. Take the cat to the vet to find out
Step 2. Prepare for a physical exam
The vet will use his hands to examine the cat. For example, the doctor will feel the cat's stomach to see if there are any hardened areas. He will also examine the cat visually.
During this time, the doctor will ask about your cat's medical history, as well as any recent symptoms
Step 3. Prepare to perform diagnostic tests
The vet may do a blood test. He or she may also perform x-rays or ultrasound tests. All of these tests are useful in helping the doctor determine if your cat's digestive tract is blocked, as well as the position of the blockage. This way, your doctor can find the best treatment option for your pet.
Step 4. Be prepared to leave the cat at the vet's clinic for a few days
If the cat does have a digestive tract blockage, the doctor will ask you to leave it at the clinic. He will give the cat a laxative so that the blocked part can return to normal, and will monitor the animal's digestive process closely.
If the blockage is not too serious and the cat does not need to be treated at the clinic, the doctor will recommend home remedies, such as the use of mineral oil
Step 5. Discuss operating options
If a cat's digestive tract is clogged with fur balls, the animal may need surgery. The vet will let you know if the cat's condition is severe enough to require surgery.
Method 4 of 5: Watch Out for Asthma Symptoms
Step 1. Watch the way the cat vomits
Cats with asthma have their own way of vomiting. Usually, he would look down and extend his neck forward while spitting out something. Find out if your cat makes this move.
If your cat shows this posture, but doesn't vomit anything, it could be a sign of asthma
Step 2. Listen to the sound of his cough, not the position he is in when he looks sick
A cat who is coughing looks like he wants to throw up, but he usually pushes harder. The sound of the cough can be heard "dry" or "wet". This indicates the cat is regurgitating phlegm, but swallowing it back.
Cats may stick their tongue out when they cough
Step 3. Notice if your cat is having trouble breathing
The cat may seem to pant more easily than usual. You may also hear heavy breathing after he's been running for a while.
If your cat has difficulty breathing, he will breathe with his mouth open
Method 5 of 5: Preventing Feather Balls From Appearing
Step 1. Comb the cat's fur every day until it is neat, if there are clumps of fur
Featherball can be prevented! Your cat usually ingests its own loose hair. If it is combed, it will not eat it. If your cat has recently had a problem from swallowing a ball of hair, keep brushing the fur every day until it gets stuck in the teeth of the comb. After that, you can adjust the brushing schedule to the length of the cat's fur.
- Cat fur can clump together and become a fur ball.
- Even short-haired cats need to be groomed and brushed!
Step 2. Comb and groom long-haired cats to prevent fur balls from forming
Comb the bristles first, then scrub with a brush. In addition to preventing fur balls, this method will also keep the cat's fur clean and not clumpy. Give your cat affection when grooming its fur, and offer treats so that the animal will obey when it is trimmed.
Clean the combs and brushes you use after you finish grooming your cat's fur
Step 3. Brush the short-haired cat twice a week to keep it tidy
Short hair can also clump. This method can prevent this as well as make it look brighter. While grooming your cat, stroke your cat to make her feel happy. Give a treat that your cat likes as a treat.