by Princess Spanky Pants ~ The Real, Original, Heather T
Member since:
October 13, 2006

Kittens- Hairball remedies?

August 21, 2008 01:51 PM EDT
views: 334 | rating: 9.9/10 (14 votes) | comments: 20
Ok, we've had the kittens for just over a week now, and they've all settled in very nicely. Little Kirese, the shy one of the bunch, has become a total lap kitty, and loves sitting on our shoulders when we type!

All three have done some gagging and coughing over the past week, which is due to hair balls. I've never had a cat I had to treat for hairballs (My parents always did it), so I have no idea what works, and what doesn't, but I want to get it taken care of as soon as possible, so they don't have any further problems.

So, anyone have any recommendations on what products work, which ones don't, what to avoid, etc?http://media-files.gather.com/images/d366/d890/d744/d224/d96/f3/full.jpg
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Comments: 20

Angela A. Aug 21, 2008, 1:55pm EDT
I don't really know what works for furballs..
I just changed my cat's diet to what's called an Indoor formula. It seems to make them cough up furbulls a lot less frequently.
By, the way..
Awwww! I love kitties!
I plan to do an indoor food when they're 1, but the kitten formulas don't have an indoor one. :(
I've never had a cat have hairballs in my life.
Nick H. Aug 21, 2008, 2:10pm EDT
see, two of them have gotten pretty bad about it. I had cats growing up, never had this problem with them though. but, the cats I got were usually a bit older too.
Robyn F. Aug 21, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
my longhaired cats get them all the time if i dont treat them. theres this gel in a tube, just follow directions, usually a one inch peice of the 'gel' a couple times /week takes care of it. some like the taste, but if not, just smear it on a paw or near theit mouth and they will lick it off.
Robyn F. Aug 21, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
are you sure the coughing is from hairballs?
Robyn F. Aug 21, 2008, 2:16pm EDT
also there are hairball trats that have that gell stuff inside....
Yeah, I'm pretty sure it's from hairballs. They gag, like they're trying to cough something up, or like something is stuck in their throats, and usually keep at it for a few minutes before they settle down.
Amanda C. Aug 21, 2008, 2:47pm EDT
such cute kittens!

like Robyn, I know that we used to get this gel stuff in a tube when I was younger and we had a cat that had that problem. Not sure what it was called though..
I don't know if there is a certain age that kitty has to be to use the stuff though.
Pie S. Aug 21, 2008, 3:16pm EDT
I have no idea.I just wanted to say you have the cutest babies!!!!!
I know thre are a few different types of gel for cats, I was just wondering if there were any that were bad for them, or that people have had a bad experiance with. I'll check the pet shop later today for what they have!

Thanks everyone!!
Wanda H. Aug 21, 2008, 3:23pm EDT
I use PetroMalt for hairballs. It works really well and the cats like it's taste. If that doesn't seem to work, I would see a vet. For one to have hairballs would be reasonable but if all three have the cough it might not be hairball problems. Think about seeing a vet. Like when you get their shots.

They are adorable.
Vic Needs Coffee Aug 21, 2008, 4:32pm EDT
No clue, sorry.
Heather ~of the Whippets~ M. Aug 21, 2008, 4:38pm EDT
I'm not familiar with the different gels, but I must say that you have adorable kittens!
Rebecca [Future Teacher] Aug 21, 2008, 4:39pm EDT
Hm...I've never had a cat with gagging/hairballs. I'd think about seeing a vet if it continues or call a petshop/vet and see what they recommend.
Diana B. Aug 21, 2008, 4:54pm EDT
I know there are several types of cat food that specifically help treat hairballs such as Purina One and possibly Iams (not sure). You can ask someone who works at a petstore what options are available food-wise to assist with the problem. Also, I know that there is a kind of grass that pet stores sell that is suppose to aid in digestion and supposedly helps with reducing hairballs. I forget what kind of grass it is, but I am sure someone at a pet store will know or can point you in general direction.
Marci M. Aug 21, 2008, 6:05pm EDT
So far my girls have only gagged a couple of times. The vet saiid the food you use helps a lot. I feed them science diet and haven't had problems. Theyy are sooo cute. Glad the shy one has come aroond!
Auntie M
Denise B. Aug 21, 2008, 7:51pm EDT
sorry never had a cat
Marsha S. Aug 21, 2008, 11:19pm EDT
pretty trio there.....when we got the new kitten, man he was coughing up fur balls like crazy, I thought he was really sick but after a couple of days it stopped.
Rae M. Aug 25, 2008, 10:00pm EDT
They actually have special food for that.

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