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My senior cat has nightly hairballs. What's the best treatment?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My cat is 13 years old and has recently starting throwing up hairballs on a nightly basis. What is the best treatment for this? I changed her diet to hairball control and her treats and am awaiting a delivery of some cat grass. Please help!

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Debi Matlack

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 9th, 2016

Brushing her may be the missing step in reducing her hairball production. If she will tolerate a shedding tool, use one to get the majority of the loose hair off her and then use a soft brush daily. My cats tolerate a natural bristle brush very well, it's a brush meant for people and they're pretty inexpensive. The more hair you can get off her, the less she'll ingets while grooming. Also, get her a tube of hairball medicine, the most common brand is Petromalt. Most cats like the flavor so it's easy to give, but if she doesn't take it easily wipe a bit on her face or paws so she has to groom it off. This helps move the hair through and out the other end rather than her vomit them up.

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