Dear Boo:

I suppose hairballs are a fact of life for a cat, but my little guy sometimes struggles for days to get those suckers out. Is there anything I can do or give him to help expel the pesky thing?

Patty

Dear Patty:

On the most simple level, you might try using an over-the-counter hairball gel. These act as intestinal lubricants and may help ingested hair to move through the gastrointestinal tract. (Don’t use these gels with food or medication as they may prevent absorption of nutrients and medicine). The gel can be given daily to try bring up a ‘pending hairball’ and can be used two to three times weekly as a hairball preventive. Alternatively, (or additionally), you could try an over-the-counter hairball diet (such as Science Diet Hairball, or Science Diet Hairball Light if your little guy is chubby, etc.).

Sometimes chronic hairball issues can be associated with underlying inflammatory bowel disorders. In those cases, if the above measures are not of help, sometimes a diet change, possibly to a prescription hypoallergenic diet, may be indicated.

Additionally, in some cases it is difficult to distinguish between a ‘hairball cough’ and a cough from underlying bronchitis or asthma. If a cat’s cough is non-productive, dry, and does not eventually lead to production of a hairball, that kitty needs to be checked for allergic or other lung disease.

I get hairballs every now and then myself. I have long hair, though my doctors tell me that hairball issues are independent of coat length. Sometimes my appetite is a little off for a few days until that darn hairball finally comes up. Good luck to your little guy!

Boo,