What is a trichobezoar you ask?
It’s a damp wad of undigested hair, moistened by bile and other digestive fluids
You know this as a hairball.
Hairballs are seldom shaped like balls- they are most often slender and cylindrical, often looking like a long sausage.
The elongated shape occurs as it passes through the narrow food tube (esophagus) after leaving your cat’s stomach, then being deposited on your newly cleaned bed..
At Home Remedies that work
LUBRICATION. An easy way to treat hairballs is by using petroleum jelly (Vaseline). Place 1/4 inch in his mouth. If he is uncooperative, then you can place it on his front paws. Use twice daily for 5 days. Tastier versions are available from pet supply stores, such as Felaxin and Laxatone. These are flavored with added nutrients to make the petroleum jelly go down easier.
A FIBER DIET. Additional dietary fiber will aid in the expulsion of hair from the stomach through the intestinal tract. If your cat gets hairballs on a regular basis, then they should be on a high-fiber diet. There are specific Veterinary diets higher in fiber. Another option is to add canned pumpkin to their diet; most cats like it. Give 1/2 to 1 teaspoon daily per 10 lbs of body weight.
GROOMING. The less hair your pet has, the lower number of hairballs. Brushing your cat daily will remove loose fur before your cat has a chance to swallow it.
HAIRBALL REMEDY DIETS. There are a few specific hairball diets. They contain additional dietary fiber as well as papain, a compound found in pineapple to aid in digestion.
PINEAPPLE JUICE. This is used to treat hairballs in rabbits, and may be effective in cats. It contains an ingredient, bromelain, which can break down some hair. The dose would be 1 tsp twice daily, if you can get it into your cat – good luck!
HERBAL:
1/4 teaspoon psyllium husks
1/2 teaspoon of marshmallow root tea, or 10-15 drops of the tincture
Best Wishes
Dr Andrew J
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