2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC CAT

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Noreen&DC&Frisky

Noreen&DC&Frisky

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DC is prone to hairballs.
I don't want to use the malt syrup based stuff from the vet because hit throws his BG way out of wack.
I'm just wondering what most people use.
I've also posted in the Lantus forum.

This is the link:
viewtopic.php?f=9&t=36314
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

I've used a hairball gel that you can buy at Petsmart and Petco...I want to say it is a Laxatone one, but it is listed as 'natural' and costs twice as much as the other ones do. It has no malt, no sugars, and no grains--nothing that should up a sugar cat's numbers.
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

I prefer Vaseline to the other hairball treatments, cat does too. I use a small amount and apply it to his paw like lip gloss. He licks it right off.

He has short hair and a general lack of interest in grooming- he figures thats our job, but I do notice an increase in "presents" if I don't give him Vaseline every few weeks.
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

Hi Noreen,

I put this salmon oil in my cats' food: http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/ ... 99060.aspx

It works really well. If I think they need a little extra something I will give them a little olive oil, too. We sometimes use the Laxatone when it's a more urgent problem. Also, putting Benefiber (very little) in food can help (with extra water). Experiment carefully with any supplements though. Sugarcats can be so sensitive.

Wendi
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

Thanks for all the ideas everyone.
I think I will have to try different things.
DC will lick the vaseline if I open the jar, I just don't like the idea of him ingesting a petroleum based product on a regular basis.
I haven't been able to find a place to get VetBasis in Canada yet, but I'll continue to look.
I will also look for the Salmon Oil.
I might look for the Laxatone, since he also gets constipated since I switched to all wet food.
He never had a problem when he ate kibble.
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

Laxatone has glucose in it, so I would try adding some Benefiber to food first. I never had any luck finding VetBasis where I live either. Kitties are so fickle. If I give Petie Benefiber, it can make his constipation worse (or any additional fiber, for that matter). But, Scrapper never has problems when I give it to her every day. Petie now takes Miralax every day because he has had some serious blockage issues. Your vet can help you with doses if you want to try these things, or you can search the board. There is some trial and error, which is no fun at all! But, constipation issues can get really serious, plus, it can make BGs go up.

With my kitties, I give Scrapper 1/8 teaspoon of Benefiber daily, spread out in her wet food over three meals a day (with added water). That works for her and she's a long-haired cat. She had an issue switching from dry food to wet only, also. It can take time, but it's really worth it to switch completely.

Petie gets a level 1/4 teaspoon of Miralax daily (also spread out over three meals with added water). We started with 1/8 teaspoon. Both Miralax and Benefiber are tasteless and odorless, but adding water is essential.

You can also add pumpkin, or give pumpkin (canned, nothing but pumpkin) for constipation (fiber). Hairballs and constipation are common problems to have at one time.

I had a real issue getting Petie on a good regimen, here's the link to my post here if it helps: viewtopic.php?f=28&t=4632
 
Re: 2/8 DC What is the BEST THING FOR HAIRBALLS IN DIABETIC

Damn. Thanks for the info Phoebe! And I just found something about Chamomile being bad for cats too...http://www.ibdkitties.net/naturopathic.html . Looks like I'll be looking for some salmon oil soon (and mixing that into the food would be way easier than the smear down their leg!).
 
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