If your cat has hairballs, it can be uncomfortable for both you and your cat. Fortunately, there are some cat hairball remedies that you can rely on to reduce the number of hairballs your cat has, if not eliminate it completely. Whether you have a kitten or an older cat, it is worth having a hairball remedy on-hand if you end up needing it.
We reviewed dozens of cat hairball remedies to figure out which one was the best. We looked at formulation, price, and availability, among other factors. We also considered if the cat hairball remedy had positive reviews or if it had been tested to work.
We found that Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel offers the best combination of long-term and short-term benefits. When used properly, it can stop your cat from having hairballs altogether. That way, your cat can live a much happier life, while enjoying one of our favorite cat treats.
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Hairball Remedies
| Editor's Picks | Brand | Rating |
|---|---|---|
| Our Top Pick | Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel | 4.2 |
| Runner Up Pick | Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats | 4.2 |
| Best Budget Pick | Dechra Cat Lax Cat Hairball Remedies | 4.3 |
| Best Chewable Hairball Remedy for Cats Pick | Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid | 3.8 |
| Best Gel Hairball Remedy for Cats Pick | TOMLYN Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats | 4.5 |
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel
The Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel is our top pick for cat hairball remedies. When it comes to fighting hairballs, Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel gives your cat the best combination of short term and long-term effects. It provides immediate relief for hairballs since it lubricates the hairs that form them. This can cause those hairballs to fall apart.
Over time, using this product can slow down or eliminate your cat’s hairballs altogether. Since it lubricates hairs, they cannot stick together. That means that your cat can pass them faster making it harder for a hairball to fully form.
Another long-term benefit is the formula for Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel. It does not include any artificial colors or flavors. These chemicals can hurt your cat’s health over time, which is why they were left out. It’s worth mentioning that it comes in a delicious salmon flavor, which your kitty is sure to adore.
Nutri-Vet Cat Hairball Support Paw Gel Key Features:Â
- Salmon-flavored
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No petroleum jelly
- Can eliminate hairballs over time
Our Runner Up Pick: Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats
Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats is our runner up pick for cat hairball remedies. Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats is tuna-flavored, which most cats enjoy. You can give it to your cat daily to help stop the formation of hairballs. It lubricates cat hairs so that they are passed quickly and easily. With all of the hairs leaving so quickly, hairballs cannot form.
One of the best features of Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats is its formula. It is formulated to be used every day for the best long-term results. However, it is also designed to be gentle on your cat’s stomach so that he or she won’t be uncomfortable when trying to pass hairs.
If you are worried about giving your cat a laxative, there is not much to worry about. Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats uses food-grade ingredients and follows advanced safety and testing procedures. You cat is safe with Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats as long as you use it as directed.
Vetoquinol Laxatone: Oral Hairball Lubricant Gel for Cats Key Features:Â
- Tuna-flavored
- Gentle on your cat’s stomach
- Formulated for daily use
- Made using food-grade ingredients
Best Budget Pick: Dechra Cat Lax Cat Hairball Remedies
Dechra Cat Lax Cat Hairball Remedies is our best budget pick. This effective cat hairball remedy provides the same level of performance as more advanced cat hairball remedies, but it does so at a more affordable cost. At just $5, there is no reason to not help your cat avoid hairballs.
Aside from helping your cat with hairballs, Dechra Cat Lax Cat Hairball Remedies also provides the vitamins and nutrients needed to improve your cat’s health. It is fortified with Vitamin E and cod liver oil to promote healthier skin. That way, your cat has stronger and healthier hair that is less likely to fall out and become a hairball.
Dechra Cat Lax Cat Hairball Remedies Key Features:Â
- Fortified with Vitamin E for healthy skin
- Contains Cod Liver Oil
- Breaks down hairballs in cats
- Can be used long-term to reduce hairballs
Best Chewable Hairball Remedy for Cats Pick: Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid
Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid is our best chewable hairball remedy for cats. Wanting to help your cat avoid hairballs is a good thing, but it can be difficult to get some cats to take their hairball remedy. Chewable remedies can make this process easier by giving it to your cat in a form that he or she can enjoy. Cats often prefer to chew on things when they are available. So, even a difficult cat may choose to take a chewable remedy over other forms.
The formula for Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid has been vetted by a variety of experts. It was developed by an experienced veterinarian and accredited by NASC. It has been refined over the years to be more effective while staying gentle on your cat’s stomach. You can use it daily for the best results and the dosage is low enough to be adjustable for different size cats.
To help you administer it daily, Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid has a chicken flavor. It is made using all natural chicken flavoring so that it takes naturally to your cat. Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid is safe for younger cats too. As long as your cat is older than 12 weeks, he or she can take Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid without any concerns.
Vet’s Best Cat Hairball Relief Digestive Aid Key Features:Â
- Chicken-flavored
- Formulated by an experienced veterinarian
- Chewable pieces
- NASC-accredited formula
Best Gel Hairball Remedy for Cats: TOMLYN Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats
TOMLYN Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats is our top recommendation for a gel hairball remedy for cats. If your cat won’t take a chewable, then this is a fantastic vet-formulated hairball remedy gel to try out. For starters, it’s super easy to administer, especially considering its tasty catnip flavor. All you have to do is spread it on something, and your cat will likely lick it off. Many cat owners put it on their cat’s nose so he or she will lick it.
One of the best features of TOMLYN Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats is its formula. It simultaneously helps to eliminate and prevent furballs, making it an effective all-round solution to this bothersome problem.
So how exactly does it banish existing hairballs? It lubricates any hair your cat has ingested, so it can smoothly pass through its digestive tract and subsequently pass through their stool. This gel also features omega -3, -6, and -9 fatty acids, which are known for promoting skin and coat health in cats, among other benefits.
TOMLYN Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel for Cats Key Features:Â
- Both prevents and eliminates hairballs
- Omega -3, -6, and -9 fatty acids
- Catnip flavor
- 4.25-oz tube
Who Should Buy a Cat Hairball Remedy
Anyone who owns a cat could potentially need a cat hairball remedy at some point over the course of pet ownership. Either you find the hairballs around the house or see your cat struggling to cough up a hairball. Before trying to see which over the counter hairball remedy works best, be sure to call your veterinarian to rule out any underlying health concerns.
Important Features to Consider
A cat hairball remedy product should have several important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting a cat hairball remedy:
- Flavor. Cat hairball remedies come in a variety of flavors. If your cat has specific flavor preferences, you can choose a flavor they would like the most.
- Application. Cat hair remedies come in chewable tabs, pills, gel, and liquids. The application method is determined by each cat and how he or she responds to different forms. Since cats can be picky eaters, not all cats will willingly take all of the application forms. Check out our list of the best cat water fountains to ensure that your pet has access to fresh water after application.
- Size. Some cat hairball remedy formulas are available in containers of different sizes.
- American made. A few hairball remedies are made in the United States where there are stricter rules and oversight over the manufacturing process and ingredients.
- Guarantee. A guarantee means that you can easily return the product if it ends up not working for your cat. Most cat hairball remedies come with a guarantee.
- National Animal Supplement Council (NASC) Quality Seal. The NASC Quality Seal ensures high quality and safe ingredients are used in the products that meet its standards. It is the pet equivalent to the FDA.
- Natural ingredients. Some cat hairball remedy formulas are made with only natural ingredients. These ingredients give your cat extra benefits like stronger and healthier hair.
- Multivitamin. There are both standalone cat hairball remedy formulas and ones that have other vitamins and supplements in it. This includes cod liver oil.
Frequently Asked Questions
What is a cat hairball remedy and how does it work?
Cat hairball remedy is an over the counter cat product that helps to lubricate your cat’s digestive system so your cat is able to pass hairballs through feces. Many of the cat hairball remedies use oil or petroleum-based ingredients to provide lubrication. You give your cat the product orally, either as a gel that they lick or as a pill. Other measures, such as keeping your cat well-groomed and brushing your cat regularly, can also help. Finally, providing your favorite feline with cat grass to munch on provides a source of fiber that can help your cat digest and pass hairballs.
How can I help my cat pass a hairball?
Giving your cat an over the counter hairball remedy can help your cat pass a hairball. You can also give your cat hairball reducing food or treats. Some pet owners use a small amount of butter or oil from their kitchen to provide the necessary lubrication to pass a hairball.
Does coconut oil help cats with hairballs?
It is not generally recommended to give your cat regular amounts of coconut oil. While a small amount of coconut oil likely won’t hurt them, you will need to check with your veterinarian about whether it is a good option for your cat. Many cats do not like the flavor and it does contain a large amount of fat. This can cause your cat to have diarrhea.
Does hairball control cat food work?
Hairball control cat food works a little differently than a hairball remedy. The food has an increased amount of fiber that can help push hairballs through the intestines. If your cat is currently suffering from a hairball, it likely won’t be able to provide very quick relief. A hairball remedy should be used in addition to hairball control cat food.
Other Best Cat Hairball Remedies We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat hairball remedies. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat hairball remedies list, they’re the best of the rest and each is still a great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
- Chewable Hairball Remedies for Cats
- Gel Hairball Remedies for Cats
- Paste Hairball Remedies for Cats
- Shampoo/Spray Hairball Remedies for Cats
Chewable Hairball Remedies for Cats
This ActiPet, Hairball Formula makes it easier for your cat to pass a hairball by softening the hair and reducing its size. It is formulated to be petroleum-free keeping harmful chemicals out of your cat. With 60 chewables in each pack, it should last you at least two months in most cases.
Key Features:
- Flavored with chicken and tuna
- Petroleum-free formula
- 60 chewables in the package
- Large cats can have up to three per day
Cost: $12
Doctors Foster + Smith Hairball Support Soft Chew for Cats
Cat owners choose Doctors Foster + Smith Hairball Support Soft Chew for Cats because it is easy on cats’ bodies. It is made with healthy ingredients that can reduce the stress of passing hairballs without causing side effects. Plus, they are flavored so that your cat will enjoy them more. Your cat can take up to two soft chews per day. The pack of 90 should last more than a month, especially if you have your cat on a maintenance plan and is not actively passing a hairball.
Key Features:
- Comes in a soft chew form
- 90 units in a package
- Can take up to 2 per day
- Made for cats over six months
Cost: $30
NaturVet Hairball Aid Plus Pumpkin Cat Hairball Treatment
Cats are not likely to eat something unless they like the taste. These NaturVet Hairball Aid Plus Pumpkin Cat Hairball Treatment are pumpkin flavored so that your cat will enjoy them. A single pack gets you a full month’s supply. The formula is wheat-free, which is better for cats.
Key Features:
- Flavored with pumpkin
- Enough for 30 days
- 60 in one pack
- Wheat-free formula
Cost: $9
Pet Naturals of Vermont – Hairball, Daily Digestive, Skin and Coat Support for Cats
Pet Naturals of Vermont – Hairball, Daily Digestive, Skin and Coat Support for Cats is designed to help your cat pass hairballs and get the daily dose of vitamins he or she needs. It is reinforced with Omega 3 and Omega 6 for a shinier coat. Plus, it has antioxidants from cranberries to help your cat stay healthy. Cats of all sizes can take Pet Naturals of Vermont – Hairball, Daily Digestive, Skin and Coat Support for Cats regularly. There are 160 pieces in the bottle, which is enough to last your cat for months.
Key Features:
- Fortified with Omega 3 and 6
- All-natural ingredients
- No wheat or corn
- Chicken liver flavored
Cost: $13
PetNC Natural Care Hairball for Cat
PetNC Natural Care Hairball for Cats is a good option for cats up to 30 lbs. They can take up to three pieces per day and there are 90 pieces in one pack. Each piece is chicken and cheese-flavored so that your cat will want to eat them. PetNC Natural Care Hairball for Cats is made with human-grade ingredients and meet U.S. food and safety regulations. The original formula was developed by veterinarians so it is completely safe for pets.
Key Features:
- For cats up to 30 lbs.
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- Formulated by veterinarians
- Made in U.S. facilities
Cost: $8
TOMLYN Hairball Remedy Laxatone Chews
TOMLYN Hairball Remedy Laxatone Chews have a long history of helping cats prevent the development of hairballs. It is packed with Omega 3 and 6 to give your cat healthier skin. It breaks down easily to be gentle on your cat’s stomach. You get a bag of 60 chews that can last a long time. Plus, these chews are flavored with chicken so that any cat wants them.
Key Features:
- 60 chews in a pack
- Comes in a resealable bag
- Chicken-flavored
- 35 years
Cost: $10
VetriScience Laboratories Hairball Digestive Support for Cats
The VetriScience Laboratories Hairball Digestive Support for Cats gives you two packs of soft chews (120 total). They are formulated to reduce hairballs, but also to improve your cat’s overall health. Omega fatty acids, zinc, and biotin are included for improved skin and GI health. That way, your cat is not so disturbed by hairballs and can pass them easily.
Key Features:
- Flavored like chicken liver
- Comes in 2 packs
- Filled with Omega fatty acids
- Supports GI tract health
Gel Hairball Remedies for Cats
Petromalt Sentry Malt Flavored Hairball Relief
This option is formulated for cats as young as four weeks old, so you can give it to your cat early on to make it a part of your routine. Aside from addressing hairballs, Petromalt Sentry Malt Flavored Hairball Relief can relieve the symptoms associated with hairballs, including constipation, vomiting, and dry coughs.
Key Features:Â
- Petromalt technology
- Relieved constipation
- Formulated for cats older than 4 weeks
- Reduces hairballs over time
Cost: $15
GNC Pets Ultra Mega Hairball Formula Yummy Chicken Flavor
Since some cats don’t like to eat soft chews, you can try this GNC Pets Ultra Mega Hairball Formula Yummy Chicken Flavor. It is a chicken-flavored gel, so it is easy to administer. Your cat will need about two teaspoons per day. It has added vitamins and nutrients to help improve your cats health.
Key Features:
- Petrolatum and vegetable oil-based formula
- Added vitamins for healthy skin
- Chicken-flavored
- Gel form is easy to administer
Cost:Â $18
Laxatone (2.5 oz) by Vetoquinol
Laxatone (2.5 oz) by Vetoquinol works as a laxative to help your cat pass hairballs. It breaks down the oils that help form hairballs, which stops them from forming. That way, your cat won’t struggle to spit it out. It uses mineral oil as a base for a healthier formula. It has a delicious maple flavor that most cats enjoy. It can also support your cat’s overall skin health since it has Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids.
Key Features:
- Contains petrolatum and mineral oil
- Can be given to pregnant animals
- Contains Omega fatty acids
- Formulated veterinarians
Cost: $11
NaturVet Natural Hairball Aid Plus Catnip Gel for Cats
Cat owners choose NaturVet Natural Hairball Aid Plus Catnip Gel for Cats because it is easy to give to their cats. It includes catnip so that no cat will turn it down. There are many healthy ingredients including four different types of oil. Plus, it is petrolatum-free for a healthier formula. You can give it kittens that are more than four weeks old, which is a great option for keeping younger cats comfortable and happy. It is also packed full of fiber, fat, and protein so that it supports your cat’s development.
Key Features:
- Contains catnip
- Petrolatum-free formula
- Contains soy protein
- Chicken-flavored
Cost: $22
Richard’s Organics Hairball Remedy – Tuna Flavor
Richard’s Organics Hairball Remedy – Tuna Flavor makes passing hairballs much easier. It is formulated to stick to and lubricate hair so that it cannot form hairballs. This gel is formulated to be petroleum and petrolatum-free, which is much better for your cats’ long-term health. The tuna flavor appeals to cats and offers an alternative to the usual chicken flavors in most treats and medications.
Key Features:
- Petroleum and petrolatum- free
- Formulated for healthy skin and coat
- Breaks down hairballs before they form
- Includes Beeswax and Lecithin
Cost: $8
PetArmor Naturals Petroleum Free Hairball Remedy for Cats, 3 oz
PetArmor Naturals Petroleum Free Hairball Remedy for Cats, 3 oz can help your cat by reducing the size and rate of growth of hairballs. It is made with all natural ingredients and is formulated without petroleum products. That way, your cat is not exposed to harmful or dangerous chemicals.
Key Features:
- No petroleum
- All natural ingredients
- Safe around children
- 3 oz bottle
Paste Hairball Remedies for Cats
Beaphar Hairball Paste for Cats
Beaphar Hairball Paste for Cats helps cats prevent hairballs and improves their immune system. It contains bio-mos, and prebiotic that helps build cat’s immune systems and digestive systems. Your cat will see fewer hairballs and better intestinal health over time.
Key Features:
- Bio-Mos included
- Prevents hairball buildup
- No added sugar
- Natural ingredients
Cost: $15
Hartz Hairball Remedy Plus Paste for Cats
You can give this Hartz Hairball Remedy Plus Paste for Cats to older cats and to kittens. The salmon flavor is a less common option and can be a welcome change for cats that normally get other flavors. It has Omega 3, 6, and 9 fatty acids, which can help your cat grow a full, lush coat. Plus, it is fortified with vitamin E.
Key Features:
- Contains Omega 3, 6, and 9
- Fortified with Vitamin E
- Salmon-flavored
- Gentle enough for kittens
Cost: $13
The Well & Good Hairball Relief hairball paste can help your cat with hairball buildup. It is formulated to stop hairballs from forming by making the individual hairs easier to pass before they stick together. Because of this, your cat will be far less likely to cough up hairballs. If you continue to use it long-term, the hairballs will not be able to form.
Key Features:
- Fish-flavored
- Formulated for cats as young as four weeks old
- Prevents hairballs from forming with prolonged use
- 5 oz per bottle
Shampoo & Spray Hairball Remedies for Cats
Epic Pet Health Cat Digest Natural Odorless Cat Supplement Spray
If you have a cat that is picky about what he or she eats, try this Epic Pet Health Cat Digest Natural Odorless Cat Supplement Spray. You apply it directly to your cat’s food. That way, your cat won’t be aware that he or she ate it. Epic Pet Health Cat Digest Natural Odorless Cat Supplement Spray helps with digestion including stopping hairballs from forming. It can also help fight constipation over long-term use. You can give it to your cat up to three times each day making it easy to modify the doses to fit your cat’s needs.
Key Features:
- Can be used up to three times per day
- Fights constipation
- Was a finalist for the Martha Stewart Award in 2015
- Apply directly to food
Cost:Â $36
FURminator Hairball Control Shampoo
You can also try this FURminator Hairball Control Shampoo if you don’t want your cat to eat the hairball control solution. Instead, this shampoo coats your cat’s hair with anti-hairball formulas so that they are pretreated to prevent hairball buildup. This shampoo also helps with shedding. It is paraben-free and dye-free to give your cat healthier, long-lasting hair.
Key Features:
- No parabens
- Pretreats hair before ingestion
- No chemical dyes
- Reduces shedding
Cost: $8
FURminator Hairball Prevention Waterless Spray for Cats
Another option is this FURminator Hairball Prevention Waterless Spray for Cats, which you can use to help your cat without taking a bath. You spray it directly on your cat’s fur to pretreat them to fight hairball buildup. If your cat sheds excessively, this spray can help with that too. It is filled with natural ingredients, vitamins, and minerals that strengthen your cat’s hair.
Key Features:
- Sprays directly on your cat
- No bathing needed
- Reduces shedding
- Made from natural ingredients
Cost: $8
Hartz Groomer’s Best Shampoos and Sprays
One of the more affordable options that you can buy is this Hartz Groomer’s Best Shampoos and Sprays – Groomer’s Best Hairball Control. It is specially formulated to remove excess hair, strengthen the hair that your cat has, and condition it for better hair. It has a light fresh scent that won’t annoy people or your cat. There is more in the bottle than most other options without having a higher price. If your cat struggles with hairballs, then this is an affordable and long-lasting solution.
Key Features:
- Highly affordable
- Contains microbeads
- Includes a conditioner for softer and more manageable hair
- Fresh scent
Cost: $4
