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Non Prescription Medications for Cat Hairballs - Pet Medicine

Hairball

Tackling Hairballs in Cats: Cat Malt, Katalax, and Fureze to the Rescue

As a cat owner, you may have experienced the unpleasant discovery of hairballs left behind by your feline friend. Hairballs are a common issue in cats and can lead to various health complications if not addressed properly. Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are formed when cats groom themselves, ingesting loose fur in the process. While most of the swallowed fur passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in the faeces, some may accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball.

Hairballs are a natural occurrence in cats; however, they can cause discomfort, vomiting, and even intestinal blockage if not managed properly. Cats are meticulous groomers, and this grooming habit is the primary cause of hairballs. Some factors increase the risk of hairball formation, including:

Long-haired breeds: Cats with long fur, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are more prone to hairball forma...

Tackling Hairballs in Cats: Cat Malt, Katalax, and Fureze to the Rescue

As a cat owner, you may have experienced the unpleasant discovery of hairballs left behind by your feline friend. Hairballs are a common issue in cats and can lead to various health complications if not addressed properly. Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are formed when cats groom themselves, ingesting loose fur in the process. While most of the swallowed fur passes through the digestive system and is eliminated in the faeces, some may accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball.

Hairballs are a natural occurrence in cats; however, they can cause discomfort, vomiting, and even intestinal blockage if not managed properly. Cats are meticulous groomers, and this grooming habit is the primary cause of hairballs. Some factors increase the risk of hairball formation, including:

Long-haired breeds: Cats with long fur, such as Maine Coons and Persians, are more prone to hairball formation due to the larger amount of loose fur they ingest during grooming.
Shedding: Cats shed more fur during seasonal changes, increasing the likelihood of hairball development.
Age: Older cats tend to groom more frequently than kittens, making them more susceptible to hairballs.

Hairball formation can lead to various symptoms and complications in cats, including:
Vomiting: Cats often regurgitate hairballs, which may be accompanied by bile or partially digested food.
Gagging and retching: Cats may make hacking or gagging noises while trying to expel a hairball.
Loss of appetite: A cat with a hairball may experience a decreased appetite due to discomfort.
Lethargy: Cats may become less active and more lethargic when dealing with hairballs.
Intestinal blockage: In rare cases, hairballs can cause intestinal blockage, a potentially life-threatening condition that requires immediate veterinary attention.

There are several methods to help prevent and manage hairballs in cats: Regular grooming: Brushing your cat regularly, especially long-haired breeds, can help remove loose fur and reduce the amount ingested during self-grooming. Hairball control diet: Specially formulated hairball control cat food can help promote the passage of ingested hair through the digestive system. Hairball remedies: Products such as Cat Malt, Katalax, and Fureze Hairball Paste can aid in the prevention and management of hairballs.

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Cat Malt - 50g

Cat Malt - 50g

Cat Malt is an effective paste designed to help cats manage hairballs through gentle digestive support. Many cats groom frequently, which causes loose hair to be swallowed. While most of this hair passes through the digestive system without difficulty, some cats struggle to move it along naturally. Cat Malt provides a smooth, palatable paste that assists the natural passage of ingested hair, helping reduce discomfort and digestive upset linked with hairball formation.

Cat Malt is commonly used by owners of cats that shed heavily, groom excessively or are prone to intermittent vomiting caused by hair accumulation. The paste has a mild texture that is easy to administer, and its formulation is designed to support routine digestive movement without acting as a harsh laxative. It is suitable for cats of all ages when used as directed.

How Cat Malt Works

Cat Malt works by providing a smooth, lubricating paste that helps swallowed hair move more easily through the gut. When cats groom, the tiny backward-facing barbs on their tongues catch loose fur. This fur is then swallowed and enters the digestive tract. In an ideal situation, the hair passes through the intestines and is eliminated with the stool. However, cats that shed more, have longer coats, or groom intensely may accumulate hair faster than it can be processed.

Cat Malt paste contains oils and other softening agents that coat the hair and the digestive contents. This coating reduces friction and supports the natural movement of the hair through the intestines. Unlike stronger laxatives, Cat Malt works with the body’s usual processes and does not force rapid elimination. This makes it appropriate for regular or seasonal use as part of a grooming and digestive-care routine.

The paste can be given directly from the tube or applied to the paw, where most cats will lick it off instinctively. Providing Cat Malt several times per week during periods of heavy shedding is a common approach for cats that experience recurring hairball issues.

50g

£9.40
Katalax for Cat Hairballs - 20g

Katalax for Cat Hairballs - 20g

Katalax for Cats is a palatable blend of white soft paraffin, cod liver oil and malt extract that aids in the elimination of hairballs. This can also be used for the ongoing treatment of mild constipation. The texture of Katalax allows the cat to lick it off its paw without stress.

Katalax is a specially formulated paste for cats designed to help prevent and treat hairballs. It contains a blend of ingredients, including white soft paraffin, malt extract, and cod liver oil, which work together to lubricate the digestive tract and aid in the smooth passage of ingested hair. Katalax can be given directly or mixed with food, making it an easy and effective solution for managing hairballs in cats. Always follow the recommended dosage instructions and consult with a veterinarian if you have concerns about your cat's health.

£25.38
Fureze Hairball Paste for Cats - 50g

Fureze Hairball Paste for Cats - 50g

Fureze for Cats: Hairball Prevention Supplement

Help prevent and manage hairballs with Fureze for Cats

Fureze for Cats is a specially formulated supplement designed to reduce the formation of hairballs and support your cat's digestive health. Hairballs are a common issue in cats, especially those with longer fur or those who groom frequently. These compacted masses of ingested fur can cause discomfort, digestive issues, and in severe cases, blockages in the digestive tract.

Fureze works by promoting the natural passage of hair through your cat's digestive system, reducing the likelihood of hairballs forming. It contains a combination of ingredients that lubricate the digestive tract and help the body process and eliminate hair more efficiently. With regular use, Fureze can help keep your cat comfortable, preventing the distress that hairballs can cause.

How Fureze for Cats Works

Supports Natural Hair Passage through the Digestive System
Fureze for Cats is designed to support your cat’s natural digestive processes by helping ingested hair pass through the digestive tract smoothly. The ingredients in Fureze act as a gentle lubricant for the intestines, making it easier for the body to move hair along and prevent it from accumulating in the stomach. As the hair passes more easily through the intestines, it is expelled with regular waste, preventing the formation of problematic hairballs.

This is especially beneficial for long-haired breeds such as Persians or Maine Coons, as well as cats that groom excessively. By reducing the build-up of fur in the stomach, Fureze minimises the risk of hairballs and promotes a healthier digestive system.

Gentle Formula for Daily Use
Fureze is formulated to be safe for daily use, making it a simple addition to your cat’s regular care routine. Administering Fureze is straightforward: it can be given directly or added to your cat's food. This makes it easy for pet owners to ensure their cats receive consistent support for hairball management. The product is highly palatable, ensuring that even the fussiest of cats will accept it without issue.

Regular use of Fureze can provide ongoing benefits by continuously supporting the digestive system and preventing the accumulation of hair. This is especially important during shedding seasons when cats tend to groom more frequently and are likely to ingest more hair.

£11.96
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