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Best Cat Treats for Hairballs 2024
Written by Aurus Sy
Veterinary reviewed by:
Published: 04/18/2024, edited: 04/18/2024
The Wag! team conducts independent research and consults pet experts to curate our recommendations. This content is supported by our affiliate pet partners and we may receive a commission on the links provided.
Hairballs are a natural by-product of a cat’s normal grooming routine. Despite the term, hairballs are not round, but sausage-shaped. When a cat grooms themselves, they pick up loose hairs with their tongue, which has tiny, backward-facing barbs that are really good at removing stray hairs from the coat. However, those barbs also prevent hair from being spit back out, so the cat ends up swallowing it. The hair usually passes through the digestive tract and gets pooped out, but it’s not uncommon for a cat to regurgitate a hairball once every week or two.
Cats who cough up hairballs more frequently may benefit from a hairball control treat. These treats work by providing extra fiber, which helps move hair through the digestive tract. It’s easy to spot hairball treats as they usually have the term “hairball control” or “digestive health” on the packaging. Here are Wag!’s picks for the best cat treats for hairballs!
Overview
Inaba Churu Hairball Control
Best poultry-free treat
Inaba Churu Hairball Control cat treats are Inaba’s original Churu formula, with an added insoluble vegetable fiber to support a healthy gastrointestinal tract. Made with wholesome ingredients such as farm-raised chicken and wild-caught tuna, this creamy purée treat is the first of its kind to help with hairball control. It’s also enhanced with vitamin E for antioxidants and immunity and taurine for eye, heart, and nerve health.
Each tube contains 88% moisture and only 6 calories. This lickable treat comes in two flavors: Chicken Recipe and Tuna Recipe.
Inaba Churu Cat Treats
Why Wag! loves Inaba Churu Hairball Control
- Made with only a few, high-quality ingredients
- Has a high moisture content
- Can also be used as a food topper or to give pills
- Contains no grains, preservatives, artificial colors, or carrageenan
- Designed to be hand-fed to promote human-cat interactions
Considerations & concerns
- Some cats won’t eat it
- Expensive
What pet parents say about Inaba Churu Hairball Control
“This works very well and our cats really like it.”
“Our cats love the Churu products. The only hairball control that they eat willingly.”
“The cats love these! They’re expensive but worth it.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Inaba Foods (USA) Inc.
Get Naked Digestive Health
Best low-calorie treat
Get Naked is a brand of nutritious and functional pet treats. Its Digestive Health treats for cats are made with real chicken and only 3 calories each. In addition to being delicious, it offers various benefits: sweet potatoes, prebiotics, and probiotics nurture a healthy digestive system; flaxseeds support skin health; and taurine keeps the heart and eyes healthy.
These grain-free, heart-shaped treats have a soft texture, so cats who are older or have missing teeth can enjoy them too.
Get Naked Cat Treats
Considerations & concerns
- Some cats won’t eat it
- Pet parents say the texture is too crumbly
What pet parents say about Get Naked Digestive Health
“These soft digestive chews are a hit with my long-haired cat who is prone to hairballs & constipation just as a result of grooming herself and ingesting her own fur, they have helped her produce firmer stools and she has less hairballs. They are also enjoyed by my snowshoe who had a history of loose and stinky stools, and I've seen a huge improvement now that she has 2 or 3 of [these] treats daily. I have them on autoship, they're a little pricier than some other treats but they do the trick!”
“My cat is very picky with treats and won’t even eat wet food. But she LOVES these. Only treat I buy anymore.”
“Got these along with some powdered additive for food to give my little girl (kitty) when she started having bathroom problems. Helped get her back to a regulated bathroom schedule!”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright NPICPet.
Zesty Paws Digestion Cat Mousse
Best wet treat
Zesty Paws Digestion Cat Mousse is a tasty treat that promotes gut health in cats of all ages, breeds, and sizes. Its ingredients include chicken, chicken broth, flaxseed oil, and Digestummy, the brand’s premium seaweed. A great source of dietary fiber, antioxidants, and omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, Digestion Cat Mousse boosts your cat’s digestion, cell health, and beneficial intestinal bacteria.
Digestion Cat Mousse is a wet treat that not only tastes good but is actually good for your feline friend.
Zesty Paws Cat Treats
Why Wag! loves Zesty Paws Digestion Cat Mousse
- Made with only a few, high-quality ingredients
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Can also be used as a food topper
- Comes with a 100% satisfaction guarantee
- Made in the USA
Considerations & concerns
- Pricey
- Some cats won’t eat it
What pet parents say about Zesty Paws Digestion Cat Mousse
“My kitty loves this one and the digestion mousse! She comes running for them, and I think her coat is already looking healthier.”
“All three of my cats enjoyed these treats, it is a bit thicker compared to other lickable treats. Packaging is easy to open, too.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Zesty Paws.
Emerald Pet Hairball Support
Best soft treat
If your cat is a fan of soft, moist treats, give these a try. Emerald Pet Hairball Support natural chews contain several beneficial ingredients such as salmon oil, safflower oil, chicory root, papain, and bromelain to help prevent and eliminate hairballs.
Despite all those healthy ingredients, these grain-free, fish-shaped treats have a delicious flavor that make them easy to give to your feline friend.
Emerald Pet Cat Treats
Why Wag! loves Emerald Pet Hairball Support
- Free of grain, corn, and soy
- Contains no artificial ingredients, colors, flavors, or preservatives
- Cute fish shape
- Made in the USA
- Family owned and operated
Considerations & concerns
- Some cats won’t eat it
- May not agree with some cats
What pet parents say about Emerald Pet Hairball Support
“I have a long haired cat who was suffering from almost daily hairballs. Tried these treats to see if they would help and they really do! Went from an almost daily hairball to a healthier once a week. He wasn't very interested in them at first, he doesn't like them as-is. I had to squish the soft treat to release the meaty smell so he would try one. Now he knows, and comes running for the bag as soon as I get home.”
“Don’t leave these out when they are hungry they will rip the bag open if you have rotten kitties[,] my boys are a mess. But these treats smelled good and it seemed to really ease the hairballs my cat with the thickest coat struggles.”
“My kid [likes] it. She ate them all. (4) I [noticed] it did change with less licking. She used [to] throw up [hairballs] a lot but now less licking. It [obviously works] for her. She [chewed] it fine with no problems. (she's 13) Recommend to get it to help with your cats [reducing hairballs] issues.”
Read more reviews on Petco.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright Emerald Pet Products.
The Cat Ladies Cat Grass
Honorable mention
Though it’s not exactly a treat, we’re including The Cat Ladies Cat Grass in our list as an honorable mention as cat grass can also help with hairballs. This brand is personally recommended by Wag!’s very own editor, Kim Rain.
A proprietary blend of wheat, oat, rye, and barley, The Cat Ladies Cat Grass offers a myriad of benefits. In addition to providing hairball control and aiding your cat’s digestion, it is rich in various vitamins and minerals like vitamin A, vitamin B, vitamin K, calcium, iron, magnesium, and pantothenic acid. It also contains chlorophyll, which acts as a natural breath freshener.
The Cat Ladies Cat Grass is available in different kits that make growing your own cat grass easy.
The Cat Ladies Cat Grass
Why Wag! loves The Cat Ladies Cat Grass
- Natural hairball control option
- Organic
- Packed with nutrients
- Available in different kits
- Keeps cats from eating houseplants
Considerations & concerns
- Some cats won’t eat it
- Need to wait for it to grow before giving to your cat
What pet parents say about The Cat Ladies Cat Grass
“I have three cats who all love fresh cat grass. I normally buy a few plants when I’m in the local pet store, but the past few times the plants have been wilted. A friend told me about this kit, and it’s so easy and fun to grow! Plus my cats absolutely love to eat it! I highly recommend it for anyone who has a cat or animal who loves to eat grass.”
“Lulu is an indoor cat who likes to sneak and eat houseplants. I grew cat grass for her and she loves it and is leaving the houseplants alone. I placed it near her cat tree and she likes to pop down for a snack whenever she feels the urge to nibble. I am hoping this also helps her digestion since she has hairballs frequently despite daily grooming.”
“I bought this kit in order to add some grass to my [cats’] diet to help with digestion. The grass grew so quickly and my cats love it. I cut a little every morning and sprinkle it on their food. They love the fresh smell and it has helped with digestion. So glad I bought it.”
Read more reviews on Chewy.
Image sourced from Chewy. Copyright The Cat Ladies.
FAQ
Do hairball treats work for cats?
What are the best treats for cats with hairballs?
What is the best way to treat hairballs in cats?
How many hairball treats should I give my cat?
Is wet or dry food better for hairballs?
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