Anyone who has a cat knows about the dreaded hairball, especially in the Valley where it seems like they shed all year long.
So what do you do to help prevent them?
Melissa Gable,
Friends of Animal Care & Control, says the easiest way is to brush your cat.
Gable suggests brushing short haired cats 2 -3 times a week, and long haired cats once a day.
If your cat is stressed by the brush, you have a few options.
Gable says there are several products sold at pet stores that are mineral based and come in a tube.
These products usually have a fish flavor to them, and if you put a small amount on your finger, your cat will just lick it right off.
The product helps to loosen the hairball and keep things moving in the digestive tract.
Gable says there are also treats that are crunchy on the outside, and have the hairball formula on the inside.
Your cats will love these however you’ll want to be careful if you have a cat that is overweight.
Gable says you can also try mineral oil, but you’ll want to be careful because it can deplete your cats’ levels of Vitamin A.
As always if you have any questions consult with your veterinarian.
