Parenting-Furkids
Cats => Caring For Your Cat => Topic started by: Middle Child on October 18, 2011, 08:28:23 PM
-
I've ordered the Nutiva organic extra virgin coconut oil to try for hair balls. I like that it can be given with (or without food). I like that it's not full of junk like hair ball remedies are.
I asked my vet about using straight vaseline and she was against it. Even after I pointed out that it's the same thing that is in the hair ball remedies, she maintained that vaseline is not meant to be eaten and she would not feed it to any cat.
But..I HATE giving them the laxatone, petromalt and cat lax, and they hate getting it. I hope they like the coconut oil. I've read such glowing things about the health benefits, and usually I am very skeptical of things that have such a "cure all" reputation. But I have just had enough of this hair ball gunk.
Thing is, I'm going to have to cut back on the hair ball gunk gradually, as I do this time of year anyway. So, if someone who uses coconut oil would please post how much to give and how often, I would appreciate it.
If it turns out to be a good thing, I guess I'll be including a tube of laxatone in gift packages to my friends who have cats this year, since I tend to stock up. LOL!
-
I give it to my cats, same brand. I have posted about this on here somewhere before.
You can just give them a few licks off your finger every day for a week, then a few times a week thereafter.
Here is a link about it.
http://www.onlynaturalpet.com/products/Nutiva-Organic-Coconut-Oil-Dog-Cat-Supplement/255005.aspx
-
Thanks Shadow. It may have been a post from you who got me thinking about it in the first place. I bought that same brand but I got it at Amazon for half the price, plus free shipping, since I signed up for auto-ship. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Virgin-Coconut-15-Ounce/dp/B001EO5Q64/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1
-
Thanks Shadow. It may have been a post from you who got me thinking about it in the first place. I bought that same brand but I got it at Amazon for half the price, plus free shipping, since I signed up for auto-ship. :)
http://www.amazon.com/Nutiva-Organic-Virgin-Coconut-15-Ounce/dp/B001EO5Q64/ref=pd_rhf_gw_p_t_1
Yes it was probably me, I did not get mine from this site, I got it at my local health food store for only 10$ :)
I use it on my skin and hair too. :)
-
Hmmm product looks interesting.
We only have one feline that horks up hair balls from time to time. It seems to be just a few months out of the year. Are there certain times of the year that are more hair ball-ish?
-
Shedding season where I live is from March through October. But my senior boy gets very sick from ingested hair. He always has, but the illnesses are getting more frequent, in spite of my efforts, as he ages. I suspect a motility issue but he can't take cisapride because he takes phenobarbital for seizures.
His fur is so fine, it just seems to build up and coat his insides. Then he gets diarrhea, inappetence and vomiting for several days until he finally passes all the fur. When he starts to pass it, it comes out in long flat mats, that's how I know it's in there coating his guts.
He has liver damage from the phenobarbital, and I am just hating having to put this hair ball stuff in him every other day. It's so full of icky things, you know? He's been getting these episodes most of his life, but they've progressed from two or three times a year to every five weeks, and now, as of today, only four weeks have passed since the last episode. I know how to take care of him, when he stops eating he gets large doses of the laxatone three or four times a day, and sub q fluids to keep him hydrated, until he passes the stuff and starts eating again.
I keep thinking I am resigned to these illnesses of his, but it takes it's toll not just on him, but on me too. Not just the worry over him either, but the work involved. Cleaning the carpets, because of vomit and tracked diarrhea, the constant cleaning of the litter boxes, giving him the sub q fluids, (which he does not allow willingly) worry worry worry. I'm not complaining, I don't begrudge the work, though it is hard on me, it is what it is, but if I can find a way to make it easier on me, and on him, I could use the respite.
All the hair ball stuff has artificial things in it. For a healthy cat, maybe not a big deal, but for him, it can't be good. And he hates it. He's a lamb about taking it, but oh how he hates it.
I am pinning a lot of hope on the coconut oil.
I'm paying $14.71 for a two pack, (15 oz jars) no shipping fees or tax, so I think that's a pretty good price. :)
-
Hi MC!
Have you considered giving him canned pumpkin? For some reason, Pookie had a LOT of hairballs this year, despite getting combed every night, and since I don't like the products out there, I started giving him about a teaspoon-tablespoon of canned pumpkin every night and it really helped move things along. I kept waiting for Pookie to decide he didn't like the stuff, but he kept eating it, so I kept doing it. Now that it's cooled off here in the Northeast, and he's not shedding nearly as much, I haven't been giving it to him and ((knocks wood)) he's been fine.
Just a suggestion. grouphug
-
Thanks Pookie. Pumpkin has long since been rejected in this house. :) Coconut oil is my last hope. Poor boy he's so sick tonight, he wasn't even able to keep the laxatone down.
The good news is, he isn't hiding away in his Safe/Sick Spot. He's found a warm corner here in the living area (I turned the heat on tonight, as it is a cold wet night) where he can see and be seen. He likes me to know how pitiful he is, when he's feeling poorly, but not really really bad. If he's really really bad he hides away in his Sick Spot under my bed. I'll have to try again with the laxatone again later tonight. And Sub q fluids.
(https://parenting-furkids.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi693.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv291%2Fbrightlight44%2FTolly%2F2dfae25a.jpg&hash=68d1dc4a6f40c782dee6432285ad7d409add6b87)
-
Hi MC!
I was searching for something else but found this and thought you might find it helpful. I don't know if you've tried the Slippery Elm but maybe that would help? As for the rest, I only skimmed through it but it also mentions Laxatone which you're already using.
http://www.facekitty.com/2009/03/home-remedies-for-hairballs-in.html
Sending hugs and purrs that things improve! grouphug grouphug
-
Thanks for the link Pookie. I read the article. I was so shocked that some people advise putting a human hair conditioner on cats. What are people thinking? I don't even like to use hand lotion around my cats. What goes on the cat goes in the cat. Sheesh!
I've heard of using slippery elm for constipation problems in cats, which is not my boy's problem. I do have one, possibly two with some constipation issues (one has always had, the other, my c/d eater, is recently starting to have trouble in that area) but the coconut oil supposedly is good for that too.
I'm also rethinking my grooming tools. I used a regular comb for years, then switched to a furminator knock off, but I've read of so many people who now use the zoo groom, I'm going to get one and see how it goes over.
My main goal is cutting down on the amount of hair ball remedy the cats have to take, especially my senior boy, if not eliminating it altogether. I still don't know if the coconut oil should be given every day..or how it's going to work for them.
The coconut oil, so I've read is good for me too, and can be used as a hand lotion, so now I will be able to put lotion on my hands at home! bananamiddlechild
-
My vet had some concerns about the coconut oil.
She found two references., not to coconut oil specifically, but to medium chain fatty acids/triglycerides. What she found out is that cats should NOT have medium chain fatty acids. I did exhaustive searches before starting the coconut oil, but never used just the right terms to bring up what my vet found. Well her findings were from veterinarian websites that I did not have access to.
So do not use coconut oil for hairballs in cats.
-
My vet had some concerns about the coconut oil.
She found two references., not to coconut oil specifically, but to medium chain fatty acids/triglycerides. What she found out is that cats should NOT have medium chain fatty acids. I did exhaustive searches before starting the coconut oil, but never used just the right terms to bring up what my vet found. Well her findings were from veterinarian websites that I did not have access to.
So do not use coconut oil for hairballs in cats.
Do you have the links for that??
-
It's a vet only site www.vin.com
I took a picture of the page she gave me see the section that says contraindications. Also down at the bottm under dosages "do not use in cats"
(https://parenting-furkids.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi693.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv291%2Fbrightlight44%2F1e9d3ede.jpg&hash=636f229f5261a13e13654535d2a1ef36d6ee2c6e)
(https://parenting-furkids.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi693.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fvv291%2Fbrightlight44%2F4c1b50e7.jpg&hash=7872053f40ed2b80a5fe2b84f6a3586aa9639f69)
-
PS I think the other site she used was the UC Davis University Vet site.
-
Im going to look into this more, thanks for the photocopies :)
-
Hi MC here is the links
http://avmajournals.avma.org/doi/abs/10.2460/ajvr.71.4.435
also
don’t know if this is the article but Dr. Wendy Brooks rights for VIN. But this states that long chain triglycerides are the problem.
The second step in treatment is dietary though success has been mixed. Traditionally, rather nasty tasting Medium Chain Triglycerides have been used in lymphangiectasia treatment. Triglycerides (a fancy word for “fats”) are very long molecules. Some are longer than others. The more usual dietary fats are called “Long Chain Triglycerides” and, when absorbed into one’s body, must be repackaged into fat globules called “chylomicra” and are normally absorbed into the lacteals. In lymphangiectasia, we want to reduce the pressure in the lymph vessels. We want less lymph. The idea was that if the patient ate shorter fat chains, the fats could be absorbed right into bloodstream directly and bypass the lymph system altogether. Whether or not this actually happens is still a matter of controversy but the addition of Medium Chain Triglycerides (or “MCT’s”) in conjunction with a low fat diet are common recommendations in the therapy of lymphangiectasia.
http://www.marvistavet.com/html/intestinal_lymphangiectasia.html
-
The following is quoted from an article written by Dr. Linda Kennedy MS SLP ND "Coconut Oil for Pets? The effects of coconut oil are not only limited to humans. It is safe for use in domestic animals like cats and dogs too. Coconut oil helps minimize flea allergies and helps eliminate odours from pet coats. Consumption of coconut oil by cats also helps to eliminate fur balls. Coconut oil can even by applied directly to the skin to promote healing of scratches and bites. Recommended dosages are ½ teaspoon per day in cats and 1 to 2 teaspoons a day for dogs depending on body weight." http://www.tiana-coconut.com/benefits_coconut_oil.html
http://healthypets.mercola.com/groups/healthypets/forum/t/101030.aspx
I think the key is to make it extra virgin, organic and give it in small doses.
-
I'm not going there again. While my vet and the oncologist said they doubt the coconut oil had anything to do with his cancer, how can they know for sure. Sure he had illnesses but it was three weeks after I started the coconut oil that he started swelling up, and he was gone 19 days later.
The other three liked it a lot, and their coats were glossy but.....for me, it's not worth the potential of risk. Those pages my vet gave me on medium chain triglyceride fatty oils were very specific that cats should not have medium chain oils from any source, including coconut oil.
-
Despite the potential risks of using coconut oil I am going to try it for "Baldy". I bought some raw, organic, extra virgin, cold pressed, fair trade, GMO free, coconut oil today (how is that for a mouth full?). I figured that was the best kind possible - it also came in a glass jar which is also recommended. I tried rubbing it on his fur for the first time today - starting with just a small patch to see if he is allergic to it as well. I'll try keep everyone updated on how this is going.
If this doesn't work the next try is local raw honey and then Silver Biotics. I'm really willing to just try anything at this point!
Backstory:
Baldy (he really has no name) is a four year old DSH cat. He has been mostly bald since the age of two due to severe allergies. He was surrendered to the shelter 6 months ago and they asked me to see if I could help him so I have had him for the past several months. I've tried everything I could think of - limited ingredient diets (as in just plain raw duck and salmon) for several weeks. Neem Oil Shampoo, DE, Vetericyn, salmon oil, skin supplements, allergy shots (steriods), etc etc. He is allergic to chicken, turkey, fleas, grass, most other green plants, any sort of allergy medication/shot, most hypoallergenic shampoos and other supplements, and likely more that I haven't found out yet.
Every vet he has been to has recommended euthanizing him.
-
A little more since it is to late to edit my post.
He also scratches his skin raw, my clipping his nails helps control that a little. But that is another reason why I am so desperate to find something that actually helps!
-
Strange...I just saw a raw-meat-+-coconut product at the bottom of this article:
http://coconutoil.com/how-to-feed-your-dog-or-cat-coconut-oil/
Anyone else ever heard of that Tropical Traditions brand?
-
Despite the potential risks of using coconut oil I am going to try it for "Baldy". I bought some raw, organic, extra virgin, cold pressed, fair trade, GMO free, coconut oil today (how is that for a mouth full?). I figured that was the best kind possible - it also came in a glass jar which is also recommended. I tried rubbing it on his fur for the first time today - starting with just a small patch to see if he is allergic to it as well. I'll try keep everyone updated on how this is going.
If this doesn't work the next try is local raw honey and then Silver Biotics. I'm really willing to just try anything at this point!
Backstory:
Baldy (he really has no name) is a four year old DSH cat. He has been mostly bald since the age of two due to severe allergies. He was surrendered to the shelter 6 months ago and they asked me to see if I could help him so I have had him for the past several months. I've tried everything I could think of - limited ingredient diets (as in just plain raw duck and salmon) for several weeks. Neem Oil Shampoo, DE, Vetericyn, salmon oil, skin supplements, allergy shots (steriods), etc etc. He is allergic to chicken, turkey, fleas, grass, most other green plants, any sort of allergy medication/shot, most hypoallergenic shampoos and other supplements, and likely more that I haven't found out yet.
Every vet he has been to has recommended euthanizing him.
I missed this post when you made it, Mo. How's it going for this boy? In a nothing to lose situation such as this, I heartily approve the use of coconut oil for him and I hope it is helping him.
Strange...I just saw a raw-meat-+-coconut product at the bottom of this article:
http://coconutoil.com/how-to-feed-your-dog-or-cat-coconut-oil/
Anyone else ever heard of that Tropical Traditions brand?
Haven't heard of it before, but I stopped researching it after deciding it was not safe for cats.
-
(https://parenting-furkids.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi307.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn298%2Ffurryfriends50%2Ffeb2.jpg&hash=2fe92c5708b3035605df1ca93eca3e5900120f17)
Here he is when he first arrived. This is before he started really scratching himself raw. That started a few months later.
(https://parenting-furkids.com/proxy.php?request=http%3A%2F%2Fi307.photobucket.com%2Falbums%2Fnn298%2Ffurryfriends50%2FDSCN5010-1.jpg&hash=cde6da027bc285b232dc97ba8bd141c2ed77615d)
Here is a picture of him tonight, after having coconut oil rubbed on his back (he doesn't let me do more) for a few months. I used about 32 ounces worth of coconut oil.
-
It seems to me that the topical use of coconut oil is working with his obvious allergies. I know it helps heal cuts faster--I just grab it after disinfecting it as if it were an antibiotic ointment & throw a band-aid on it.
One thing I have to point out--though he's getting better, straw and hay are awfully itchy things--used to break me out badly during haying season when storing the baled hay--A solid red, slightly raised rash even in the places I was fully covered. Lord did that itch!!!! I used to think of it as being as bad as poison ivy. After all it contains all the same pollen that the plant had.
After a couple of years of Dr. visits every time, I was relegated to the kitchen to do the cooking for everyone else. Besides being allergic to the pollen in most every plant on earth, I'm also now allergic to:
cats
rabbits
guinea pigs
pet mice
pet rats
hamsters
gerbils
Actually, anything alive and with fur--a LOT of Allerpet is used on my dogs for me to tolerate living with them. They are one thing I think of as not an option to get rid of when I've had to give up everything else, and I've told my Dr's that's where I draw the line.
A coconut based, heavy conditioner is what's used with them when bathing because it seems to help cut down MY problems.
When nothing else helps, anything that works becomes the only option.
-
Oh Mo, wow! I'm so happy for that little boy! Well done! So he isn't taking it internally (except for what he lickes off himself of course) you are just rubbing it in?
Thanks for the update. How wonderful!