Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hello All,

So I have had this stray cat that adopted us a few years back. Our neighbor does not fix his cats so there are 20 around. She was starving to death and we could not watch. She is now ours and a very endiring pet. She even comes when called by her name.

I would pet her as often as possible but after some time would stop because she had a huge flea problem that disgusted me. Her entire rear was covered in droppings and HUGE! scabby wounds. Welp I used advantage for 3 months and it's all gone! It took 2 months to work completely. But they are officially gone! I am so happy.

Welp to get on with it. She has a HUGE hair ball problem. For awhile my grandfather was giving her those hair ball treats. Wishkers or something like that. Didn't work at all. I found some gel tube stuff at petco and gave her that. It worked pretty well at first. She would only have them once a week or so and they would be small. But now she has them again. I am wondering if anyone knows of something that will work? My parents have two cats that are 8 years old and they have NEVER had a hair ball! So ugh yeah. Any suggestions?

If she hasn't had a vet visit in a while, you may want to take her in to see if there may be a problem causing the vomiting. It sounds like it is strictly hairballs from what you say, tho.

I have a cat that has had hairball/vomit problems his whole life. Some things I've found that work are hairball recipe food. Science Diet Hairball Formula dry food mixed with regular food has always helped. I mix it 1/3 Science Diet Hairball to 2/3 Regular food.

I also find the tube stuff and hairball treats work, but you have to treat them as medicine and follow the instructions. Both can be given a couple times a week. There are newer treats you may want to try. Friskies has come out with a new Hairball Treat that seems to work well on my cat...

Regular brushing helps, as well. At least once a week.

Good Luck.
-----
Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

If she vomits food more than hairballs, then elevating the food dish often helps with this problem.
-----
Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

You mention the hairball treats didn't work. One thing you have to remember with them is they aren't like normal treats. They are medicine. You can't give one or two at a time. You have to follow the instructions and give 4-6 at a time, all at once, a couple times a week. Giving one or two a day won't do anything.
-----
Tammy
Stanley and Pookey

Hi There,

I personally do not have a lot of faith in so-called "hairball remedies" whether they be special food, treats, or anything else that is supposed to help. My vet doesn't believe in them either.

What I recommend is regular brushing. This works very well in my household, and most of the cats really enjoy it. I am owned by 10 cats and hairballs are rare here.

Regards,
PHKitkat

Thanks all for the suggestions and help. My grandfather is the one who feeds the cats. He only gives them a few of those treats and then a few regular ones in their food. I don't get it! lol! Though the few times I have to feed the cats I give them all to her at once. And it's just hair balls. I've thought about brushing but man! she has so much fur! And our brush is horrible. When I get a job I'll go get a brush and as soon as I have some debts paid off I will take her to the vet. I dont know if she has ever been to one. Not with us anyways. I also wonder if it is worth it to take her to the vet because I'm sure she's pretty old. However there is a clinic with in walking distance that is low cost. Last time I spoke with them a visit with all the shots would be 80 bucks and I think equil to get her fixed. She's never been pregnant as long as we have had her though.