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A cat being given an anti hairball treat

Hairballs can lead to digestive problems in cats - prevent them with these specially designed treats! 

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What are the best anti-hairball cat treats in 2024?

By Joseph Chance Content Writer

Published on the

Regardless of whether your cat has short or long hair, it is sure to spend a lot of time licking itself and regularly swallowing hairballs as a result.

Hairballs are dangerous for a cat’s health as they can cause obstructions in the stomach and various digestive problems. That’s why it’s important to give your feline anti-hairball cat treats, which help them to remove these blockages in a natural way.

This type of treat comes in various forms, like paté, kibble and meatballs. You’ll also have many choices when it comes to taste and texture. Some melt in the mouth while others are more crusty. Stick to the recommended daily amounts, for the anti-hairball treatment to be most effective.

Are you adopting your first kitten soon? Welcome them like the Lion King by preparing a healthy and safe living environment. Of course, you shouldn’t forget anti-hairball cat treats either. Read through our product comparison and choose the treats which will best suit your cat.

How can I reduce the number of hairballs my cat swallows?

To stop your cat from swallowing hairballs, you must brush them regularly to remove all the hairs that fall. Cats create hairballs when they clean themselves. Dead hairs gather and stick to the cat’s rough tongue, before being swallowed. As cats are very clean animals and lick themselves frequently, it’s important to brush them just as often.

You should also select a high-fibre diet for your cat. The fibres that can be found in kibbles or wet food help the cat’s gut to do its main job of discharging stools, and also hairballs which get stuck in the digestive system.

You can also give your cat anti-hairball cat treats, which make it easier for food to pass even if it’s not the most digestible.

How to give your cat anti-hairball treats

The best option is to give your cat anti-hairball treats during mealtime or just after, by way of a dessert. If they’re swallowed with kibble or paté, they’ll mix easier in the stomach and be even more efficient. If you opt for anti-hairball paté, you can even put it directly into your cat’s bowl and they won’t notice a thing.

However, these little treats can still be highly effective if you give them to your cat outside of mealtimes. Cats tend to relish their taste and texture. You could give them a few in the evening when you get home from work.

Are anti-hairball treats effective?

Anti-hairball treats are very effective in relieving cats who lick themselves a lot. Ingredients such as malt and oils help obstructions to slide through the intestines and be evacuated naturally.

Digestive transit quickly goes back to normal and the cat will no longer be bothered by constant stomach aches. Your pet won’t be aware of anything as the process is totally pain-free.

Furthermore, anti-hairball cat treats are highly appealing. They are an ideal way to treat your pet all the while relieving their digestion-related discomfort.

How often should I give anti-hairball treats to my cat?

That really depends on the type of treats you choose. Some can be given every day while others only need to be consumed a few days each month. To make sure you don’t get the proportions mixed up, check the producer instructions on the back of the packaging.

You can also ask your vet for advice, especially if the cat has just been neutered. In reality, neutered animals have to change their diet as their required energy intake decreases.

Choose treats which are suited to your pet’s age. Be careful, giving too many may have a laxative effect. On the other hand, if your cat doesn’t get enough, they won’t be effective. You have to find the right balance.

What types of anti-hairball cat treat exist?

Anti-hairball cat treats come in various forms. Nothing’s stopping you from choosing several in order to let your pet try different types.

Most treats come in the form of small mouthfuls to bite into. They’re crunchy on the outside, but tender inside, meaning cats who like this kind of texture will love them.

You can also find meatballs, which are a little larger and can be cut into several pieces before being given to your cat.

Meanwhile, anti-hairball paté has a similar texture to toothpaste. Cats love to lick it softly.

Should I stick to a particular brand of anti-hairball cat treats?

No one brand is better than the others; they each have their own benefits. Some products are very appetising, others are grain-free, GMO free, made with natural ingredients or fresh meat for example.

Nevertheless, you should find the brand which best suits your cat, whether that’s related to the flavours offered, the food texture or efficiency at removing hairballs. Some treats will delight certain cats but disgust others. Everything depends on the cat and you should consider trying several different kinds of anti-hairball treats to find out which kind they like best.

This article is a selection made independently by the Wamiz team. If you click on a link called "affiliate link", the merchant pays us a commission. But that doesn't change anything for you and your pet! Affiliate links are identified as such, for the sake of transparency.
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