Hack the Hairball!

Question:  My cat is vomiting all the time and losing weight.  I think he may have hairballs, what is the best hairball remedy?

Answer:  Is your cat’s hacking getting the best of you?  There are many hairball remedies on the market.  Some of these remedies work great, others not so much.  Laxatone is a supplement which can be given to help lubricate the hairball and move it through the intestinal tract.  Using Laxatone generously during an actual hairball episode can help to move the obstruction.  Often this takes several teaspoons rather than just a small squeeze.  Hairball treats are also marketed, often these require too many to be effective.  Many cat food companies also make hairball foods which certainly can keep the number of vomiting episodes down in many of our cats. 

​The part of your question which concerns me is that you mentioned weight loss.   Usually cats do not lose weight with hairballs unless significant or severe.  I would recommend trying the hairball remedies first, but if it is not helping, bring your cat into your vet for a check-up.  Diagnostic testing such as blood work and x-rays are sometimes needed to help find the answer to the vomiting.  Diseases such as thyroid disease, diabetes, inflammatory bowel disease or food allergies can all cause vomiting in cats and are often accompanied by weight loss.  If you cat is eating things around the house- hair bands, string, toys/stuffing, the vomiting could indicate a blockage, either partial or complete, and the cat should be seen immediately.