jenny cares 

Simple changes to your cat’s diet and lifestyle can minimize or prevent hairballs.

N.B.: 
-(1) Conventional hairball remedies contain petroleum jelly...this can stop your cat from absorbing vital nutrients, particularly vitamins A, D, E, and K. 
-(2) Too much soy (as in lecithin) can cause thyroid problems in cats. Use only tiny amounts.

Natural Ways To Prevent Hairballs:

---DAILY BRUSH your cat every day with a wire bristle brush to remove excess hair

---DIET: You can find recipes at holisticat.com. If you do buy prepared cat food, look for those with natural or organic meat

---LECITHIN: since hairballs are 15-30% fat, lecithin can effectively break up that fat–and the hairball. Give your moggies lecithin from egg yolks (not soy) Add only trace amounts. Only required during hairball season.

---FIBRE: Add one teaspoon of any of the following suggestions per meal to increase your cat's fibre intake, during hairball season... fibre helps move the hairball down and out.
- (1): vegetables e.g. mashed pumpkin, pureed prunes, or baby food vegetables 
- (2): psyllium husks -mix 1/4 cup with 3/4 cup of hot water to make a gel
- (3): slippery elm -mix a teaspoon with 1/2 cup of cold water, simmer until it thickens.
If Fluffy turns up his nose at these offerings, soak them in juice from tuna packed in water.
 
---HOMEOPATHY: the homeopathic digestive remedy nux vomica- check with a homeopath or supplier for correct dose. One pellet every four hours for up to five days has been recommended
  
---VET: Don't forget regular visits to your vet

The Care2 article explains how hairballs form. Also check out Holisticat.com. Links below (see yellow highlight)

From Healthy and Green Living, Care2 by Melissa Breyer
Ask questions about your cat at holisticat.com