Pumpkin and Furballs?

As it’s autumn, I thought that talking about pumpkins was in order. But pumpkins and fur balls? Absolutely. In fact, canned pumpkin is an excellent way to help your cat contend with them. But let’s backtrack a bit.
 
When cats groom themselves, especially if they are “super-groomers”, they can swallow the fur they’re grooming. Normally, the fur simply passes through their digestive system along with the food they eat. But if they groom too much, or if they are long-haired cats, the fur can “ball up” in the stomach without passing south. It then just sits there causing nausea, decreased appetite, and vomiting which can go on for days. Then miraculously, Whiskers vomits the darn thing up, and all is well. Until it happens again a few days later.
 
Several products are marketed to help the fur pass southward without building up and causing problems. The oral ointment type and specially formulated treats are readily available. Also, people will give their cat olive oil regularly. But in my view, giving cats the ointment and olive oil is cumbersome, and they often don’t seem to like it. And we all know that with any given cat, treats are hit or miss. Furthermore, it seems that their efficacy is variable.
 
So, my favorite remedy in this situation is canned pumpkin (without additives, fillers, spices, or sugar). In my experience, it works great. That’s not to say that your cat will never get another fur ball. But the canned pumpkin really does seem to cut down on the incidence a lot.
 
Next, and best of all, many cats seem to eat it just fine mixed into their food. Go figure! It’s also very nutritious, so you can feel good about giving it to him or her. And lastly, it’s very affordable as one can should last a while.
 
When you first open the can, make several one-inch pumpkin balls and freeze them together in a container. Then defrost one pumpkin ball at a time in a separate container keeping it in the fridge for daily use. You can mix about one-half teaspoon into each meal and adjust the amount according to his or her size, changes in stool (too much can cause loose stool), and response. And as always, if your cat has any pre-existing conditions, or should you have any questions or concerns, speak to your veterinarian.
 
Well, that’s all for now. So, until next time, stay well, and love the animals!

© 2021 Eugene Aversa, DVM