All cats lick their fur. During this natural procedure for animals, some of the hair enters the gastrointestinal tract. Sometimes this causes intestinal obstruction and other serious problems, the solution of which requires the intervention of a veterinarian. A special product, Malt-paste, helps prevent such problems in long-haired and short-haired cats. It helps to get rid of hair naturally, promotes its release along with feces, without causing disturbance to the animal.
The dangers of excessive licking
Excessive licking of fur, accompanied by regurgitation of pieces of it, indicates that the cat has problems. If a pet licks itself until a small bald spot appears, then in places where there is no hair, infection may occur. This makes cats begin to lick themselves even more diligently. This creates a vicious circle, from which it is very difficult, but necessary, to get out.
Advantages and disadvantages
The use of Malt paste for cats has many advantages:
- Due to its pleasant taste, animals eat the medicine on their own.
- Can be added to food.
- Effectively copes with the removal of hair from the intestines and prevents problems with the digestive system.
- Can be used for pets of any age. Has no contraindications.
- Does not cause allergic reactions or side effects.
- The dosage is easy to calculate and does not depend on the age of the animal.
- Can be combined with any medications.
- The results of use are visible after the first dose.
The disadvantages include the need to use the product over a long period. The paste should be given continuously or regularly every month. Another disadvantage, some cat owners consider the need to store the medicine in the refrigerator.
Symptoms of the presence of hairballs in a cat's stomach and what it means
Some symptoms can indicate that a cat's stomach is filled with fur. The most basic of them is lack of appetite. Food simply cannot fit into a full stomach. In this case, the pet usually walks around the bowl, but does not eat anything. This is due to the fact that the brain simultaneously receives signals about low glucose levels and a full stomach.
There are also symptoms such as:
- loss of shine in wool;
- cough, frequent vomiting;
- accumulation of hair on the fangs;
- lethargy, fatigue and apathy towards everything;
- constipation lasting several days.
Limitations and side effects
The instructions do not contain any restrictions on the use of Malt paste for cats. You can give the medicine to kittens and adult pets, old and sick animals. The medicine has no contraindications and is approved for cats of different ages and breeds.
The drug does not cause side effects. It does not contain components that can cause an allergic reaction, toxic poisoning or other negative reactions of the body. Even with long-term use, provided the recommended doses are followed, side effects will not occur.
Note! Do not exceed the dose indicated in the instructions for use, since the drug has a laxative effect.
How to get fur out of your stomach
The main mistake of the owners is to let everything take its course. This can lead to the most disastrous consequences, so it is necessary to take the necessary measures as soon as you notice signs of hairballs in your cat’s stomach. This can be done at home without the use of drugs. Grow special healthy grass at home or let your pets go for walks more often, feed them with special food for removing hair.
However, today one of the most effective methods is a paste for removing hair from cats. It smells pleasant for cats, and also contains ballast substances and vegetable oil, improves digestion. You don't have to forcefully try to feed your pet the medicine.
How it works
Gastrointestinal problems due to fur occur in many cats. Animals of any age constantly lick themselves. Due to the rough surface of the tongue, parts of the hairs and fuzz enter the stomach and become clumps. Often pets try to get rid of them on their own and vomit. A large lump can cause intestinal obstruction, as well as nausea, constipation and other digestive system problems.
Malt paste has the following effect:
- softens lumps and promotes their exit from the body along with feces;
- stimulates the intestines, thereby improving the movement of hair that has entered the body;
- eliminates nausea, vomiting and other unpleasant symptoms.
Since the product contains minerals and vitamins, the drug has a positive effect on the entire body:
- improves the functioning of the liver, kidneys and other organs;
- strengthens the immune system;
- replenishes reserves of essential minerals;
- improves the condition of the skin and coat.
The composition does not contain dangerous components that have a toxic, mutagenic or other negative effect.
Note! The substances included in the composition are not able to accumulate in the body or cause addiction, so the medicine can be used for a long period.
What is malt paste
Malt paste is a mixture for removing trichobezoars (the scientific name for hairballs). It has an enveloping effect and a pleasant smell that attracts cats. Basically, malt paste contains the required set of components:
- lipitas;
- proteins;
- fiber;
- ash substances.
Some pet product manufacturers add other components that help increase the effectiveness of the medicine.
How and when to use
According to the instructions for use, Malt paste is prescribed to cats for digestive problems caused by hairballs. They may be accompanied by the following symptoms:
- nausea;
- vomiting;
- anxiety;
- constipation, etc.
The medicine can also be used for preventive purposes. The use of the drug is especially important for animals with long hair. It is recommended to start feeding the paste from the moment of the first molt.
There are two schemes for using Malt paste:
- If the drug is given daily, a single dose is 3 cm.
- If the medicine is used monthly for a week, then the single dose is 5 cm.
During the molting period, the cat is given 5 cm every day until the hair stops falling out. During this period, it is also recommended to comb the coat at least once a week.
It is advisable to feed the paste to the animal in its pure form before meals or 1-1.5 hours after meals. If your pet refuses to eat the medicine, it can be added to the food.
Note! During the period of use of the drug, it is necessary to provide the animal with constant access to clean water.
The duration of treatment is not limited. The drug can be used for continuous use.
Which hair removal paste to choose: the most effective
Pet stores and veterinary pharmacies offer many different pastes for hair removal. Before purchasing one of them, read the instructions, paying special attention to the composition and possible side effects.
Below are the best malt pastes for cats, in our opinion.
Cliny
Malt paste from the domestic manufacturer Cliny can be bought at any pharmacy and, if compared with imported products, this is not only high-quality, but also inexpensive (45 grams - 250-280 rubles). One of the advantages is the attractive smell for cats.
Gimpet
Gimpet paste is also relatively inexpensive (200 grams - 700-800 rubles). Contains natural aromatic malt and vegetable oil, has a brown color and a pronounced odor that attracts cats. This paste is one of the most popular and effective according to customer reviews. The advantages include the smell and lack of sugar.
Gimcat
Gimcat paste has an average price of 610 rubles per hundred grams. The composition is identical to Gimpet, the only difference is the instructions, which require 1 cm more paste. For some owners, this turned out to be a significant difference. The advantages include high efficiency and smell.
Beaphar
The price of Beaphar paste is similar to Gimca (500 rubles for 100 grams). The composition includes oils and fats, milk and dairy products, and products of plant origin. Removes bacteria from the animal's body. The advantages of Beafar paste include improved wool quality and the addition of caramel to improve taste.
Sanal
Sanal malt paste has a pleasant meaty taste, contains vitamin E, has a pronounced preventive effect, and improves appetite. The price is more than suitable for every buyer (170 rubles per 20 grams).
Stop problem
The “Stop Problem” paste is also domestically produced. The composition includes wheat bran, corn oil, milk powder. Sarbic acid is used as a preservative. It is worth noting that the Stop Problem malt paste is a cheap analogue of the Cliny paste.
Kittymalt Hairball Remedy
Kittymalt Hairball Remedy paste contains vegetable oil, vitamin E, salmon oil, glycerin. The price suits the buyer (210 - 240 rubles per 100 grams). One of the advantages is the pronounced fishy smell, but not all cats like it.
Composition and features
Externally, it is a paste-like substance that may have small solid particles. Packaged in polymer or metal tubes of various sizes. Thanks to this packaging, the medicine is convenient to use. The drug is produced by different companies. And although the purpose is the same, the composition may differ slightly. Typically includes:
- malt extract, which is obtained from barley grains;
- milk or animal fats;
- cellulose;
- vitamins;
- yeast;
- macro- and microelements (ash, potassium, phosphorus, etc.);
- thickeners and other auxiliary additives.
It also contains flavoring additives that give the medicine a pleasant taste. Thanks to this, animals eat it independently and with pleasure. When making the paste, only safe emulsifiers, antioxidants and dyes are used.
If the tube is closed, it can be stored at a temperature of 5 to 25˚C, but after opening it should be placed in the refrigerator, otherwise the fats contained in the composition may deteriorate and the medicine will be dangerous for your pet. In addition, the contents of the tube become too liquid, and therefore inconvenient to use. It is important to store the drug correctly. Storage conditions can be found on the packaging or in the instructions for use.
Instructions for use, dosage
Wool paste most often has a standard dosage. For adult cats and kittens, manufacturers recommend squeezing out 3–5 cm of the product and giving it daily. For kittens, the average norm is less – 1–3 cm. Can be done before meals.
Cats willingly eat products that remove the effects of shedding. True, some reviews say that sometimes they have to be added to food. If necessary, it is recommended to double the dosage.
Price and where to buy
Cliny cat hair removal paste is sold in many pet stores.
- "Yandex Market" ():
- Tube 30 ml - from 171 rubles;
- Tube 75 ml - from 269 rubles;
- Tube 200 ml - from 425 rub.
- "ZooPassage"():
- Tube 30 ml - from 158 rubles;
- Tube 75 ml - from 305 rubles;
- Tube 200 ml - from 539 rub.
The prices shown are current as of early April 2020 and may change over time. For the exact cost, see the pet store websites using the links above.
- To remove hair from the stomach
- Hair removal paste for cats
