The biggest problem for cats is hairball formation, which can lead to constipation and even intestinal perforation, ultimately resulting in the animal’s death. This is primarily a risk for older and sick individuals that have a weaker vomiting reflex or do not have access to fresh grass, as they are so-called indoor cats that use litter boxes exclusively. Daily grooming with a tongue as rough as a grater causes the cat to swallow its own fur, which it must later expel. To prevent hairballs from forming in the stomach, it is essential to create better lubrication that aids in the digestion and expulsion of the hair. This is where cat pastes come in handy.
Cat Paste – Permanent or Temporary?
Now we know that cat pastes are an excellent choice for owners of indoor cats that do not go outside. Usually, cats handle hairballs quite well by simply eating grass, which triggers the vomiting reflex and helps them expel hair along with the grass. In situations where a cat does not have access to grass, pastes can help. These pastes
contain malt and plant oils in their composition, which create a slippery layer in the stomach. As a result, the cat will either expel the hairballs with its feces or vomit them up. However, the goal is the former, as frequent vomiting can weaken the animal. But can pastes be given to a cat for an extended period? It turns out not necessarily, as grass is better. One can order a selected mixture from an online store to provide the cat with essential nutrients and the ability to digest fur swallowed during grooming. This does not mean that cat paste should not be included among cat accessories. It is very useful, but it should not be used long-term. It is also worth paying attention to the composition of cat pastes. It is possible to find those with lower malt content, which would be more beneficial for long-term use.
Cat Paste – Not Just for Hairball Control
Although cat paste is primarily associated with a product that aids digestion, it actually has a much wider range of applications. First of all, one can choose a vitamin paste that can enrich the diet of both kittens and older cats. This form is much better tolerated by cats than tablets, which they often
refuse to eat or require crushing and mixing with wet food. There is much less hassle if one invests in high-quality vitamin pastes. For instance, there are pastes that support a cat’s urinary system, which is particularly sensitive in neutered males. They especially need to be given preparations that strengthen the urinary system and improve kidney function, and mentioned pastes can work excellently for this. For small cats, it is worth providing pastes with calcium and taurine for healthy teeth, bones, and eyesight.