I checked the archives about this, and would also like any input from you about this problem. My cat has trouble with hair balls and I can't brush him. He has a problem with too much handling. Is there anything besides mineral oil or OTC medicine that I can feed him. I doubt that the cantankerous old grouch would touch mineral oil. The store bought stuff gives him TERRIBLE gas.(The dog left the room!)

-- Ardie /WI (ardie54965@hotmail.com), December 31, 2001

Answers

Have you tried any other kind of oil? I think its the "slick" effect that counts! I've given Fuzzbutt peanut oil mixed in her food since she was old enough to lick her own fur and she's never had any problems.

-- Sue (sulandherb@aol.com), December 31, 2001.

I have some friends that leave an open container of petroleum jelly on the floor which their cats lick out of at will. If you don't think your cat would go for this (I know my cat wouldn't!) you could try rubbing it on their nose or feet - some place that they HAVE to lick it off. I like to use Un-petroleum jelly. It is made with natural ingredients. Hope this helps!

-- Bren (wayoutfarm@skybest.com), December 31, 2001.

fuzzbutt ? lol roflmao hehehhee

thanks i needed a good laugh

gene

-- gene ward (gward34847@aol.com), December 31, 2001.

Our vet gave us a tube of Cat Lax. Our cats loved it (probably mousie flavored) and it did help with the hair balls. It also contained vitamins & minerals to help his coat. I think it was about $4 a tube.

-- Charleen in WNY (harperhill@eznet.net), December 31, 2001.

Almost all the brands of catfood now have hairball formulas. They work great. Also, you could apply the petroleum right unto his front leg. They don't like being dirty and will lick it off.

-- Dee (gdgtur@goes.com), December 31, 2001.

Try butter (not margarine). Some of my cats are fussy enough that they will do all they can to avoid licking petroleum jelly or even hairball remedy off their fur. But they never refuse butter!!

-- Marcia (HrMr@webtv.net), December 31, 2001.

LOLROFPIP......Fuzzbutt? Dog left the room? Lovin' it. I haven't had such a good laugh in days! Thanks gang!

-- Susan in Northern Michigan (cobwoman@yahoo.com), December 31, 2001.

I too got a giggle out of fuzzbutt. Ranks right up there with another Tom cat I knew, Dickie Bird. Now, I say if the cat gas made the dog leave the room it must be REALLY BAD!! My friend Shannon says bacon and sausage grease work too. Heck, she had 15 cats so I guess she might know? Glad my cat has short hair, and shows no tendencies, but maybe that's becasue of the butter and grease she insists on licking off the plates, platters, and uncovered pans. (Or maybe the big fat rats??)

-- Marty in KS (Mrs.Puck@Excite.com), December 31, 2001.

Hi Ardie, I have been dosing my 20 year old long haired housecat with Metamucil (the cheaper store brand though) for many, many years now with excellent results. Make sure it is the kind with no flavorings or added sugars, and use 1/4 teaspoon per small size can of cat food ( the three ounce size), or 1/2 teaspoon per 5.5 ounce size of canned cat food, mix in thoroughly.

The grease based hairball remedies all give the old girl the "runs", so the Metamucil works perfectly and passes the hair with no problems.

-- Annie Miller in SE OH (annie@1st.net), January 01, 2002.