Hairballs are one of those unpleasant little cat problems that seem to show up at the worst possible moment. If your cat is prone to them, this simple trick can help: occasionally add 1/2 tsp cod liver oil or 1 sardine to your cat’s food. It’s inexpensive, easy to do, and uses items you may already have on hand.
This is not an everyday add-in. Oils can build up in a cat’s system and make them ill, so use it only occasionally. Regular brushing also helps reduce the amount of loose hair your cat swallows, which can cut down on hairballs in the first place.
- 🧰 Materials You'll Need
- 🔧 Tools & Equipment
- 🛠️ How to Make a Hairball Remedy for Cats
- 🎨 Customization Ideas
- 🛠️ How to Use It
- 🛡️ Safety Information
- 📦 Storage
- 💸 Estimated Cost
- 🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- ❓ Frequently Asked Questions about Hairball Remedy
- 📌 Love this Simple Hairball Remedy for Cats? Pin it!
- 🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Simple Hairball Remedy for Cats
Materials You’ll Need
- 1/2 teaspoon cod liver oil
- or 1 sardine
- Your cat’s regular food
Tools & Equipment
- Measuring spoon
- Cat food dish
- Fork or spoon, if needed for mixing
How to Make a Hairball Remedy for Cats
- Place your cat’s usual portion of food in a dish.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon of cod liver oil to the food, or top it with 1 sardine.
- Mix lightly if needed so the added oil or fish is distributed through the food.
- Serve immediately.
- Use this remedy only occasionally, not every day.
Customization Ideas
- For picky cats: Mash the sardine into the food so it blends in better.
- For wet food feeders: Stir the cod liver oil directly into canned food for even coverage.
- For dry food feeders: Use just enough oil to lightly coat the kibble so your cat doesn’t leave a slick puddle in the bowl.
- Budget option: Use a single sardine when you have an open can on hand instead of buying specialty hairball products.
How to Use It
Offer this with a regular meal when your cat needs occasional help with hairballs. Do not feed it daily. If your cat coughs up hairballs often, vomits repeatedly, stops eating, or seems constipated, it’s time to call your veterinarian rather than trying to outsmart the problem with pantry fixes.
Brushing helps, too. The ASPCA notes that regular brushing reduces shedding and helps cut down on hairballs, which is a much tidier plan than waiting for one to show up on the carpet later. You can read their general cat care guidance here.
If you need a few more practical pet-care ideas, take a look at Flea Repellent (Cats) or DIY Pet Canned Food Cover.
Safety Information
- Do not feed this every day.
- Oils build up in a cat’s system and make them ill.
- Use plain cod liver oil or a plain sardine. Skip strongly seasoned fish products.
- If your cat has frequent hairballs, repeated vomiting, appetite loss, or obvious discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
- If your cat is on a special diet or has a medical condition, ask your veterinarian before adding oily fish or fish oil.
Storage
- Store cod liver oil according to the package directions.
- Refrigerate any unused sardines after opening and use them promptly.
- Do not leave prepared food sitting out for long periods.
Estimated Cost
About $0.25 to $0.60 per use, depending on whether you use 1/2 teaspoon of cod liver oil or 1 sardine and which brand you buy. Prices vary by store and package size.
🛍️ Need Help Finding Everything?
- Cod liver oil at Walmart
- Great Value Sardines in Water, 3.75 oz
- Cod liver oil on Amazon
- Sardines in water on Amazon
Frequently Asked Questions about Hairball Remedy
No. This remedy is for occasional use only. The original method is very clear on that point because oils can build up in a cat’s system and make them ill.
Either one works for this simple remedy. Use 1/2 teaspoon of cod liver oil or 1 sardine added to your cat’s food. Pick the one your cat will actually eat without turning dinner into a negotiation.
Yes. You can drizzle the cod liver oil over dry food or serve the sardine alongside it. If you use oil on kibble, use only the stated amount so the food is lightly coated, not swimming.
Choose a plain sardine without heavy seasoning. The goal is a simple add-in, not a spicy seafood situation your cat didn’t ask for.
The original tip does not give a fixed schedule, so stick with truly occasional use rather than setting it up as a daily routine. If your cat needs frequent help, ask your veterinarian what’s causing the problem.
Frequent hairballs, repeated vomiting, constipation, or appetite changes deserve a veterinary call. A simple home remedy is fine for occasional use, but recurring trouble needs a better answer than wishful thinking.
Yes. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair before your cat swallows it, which can reduce hairballs over time. It’s one of the simplest prevention steps you can take.
If you’re dealing with a kitten, it’s smarter to check with your veterinarian first. Kittens have different nutritional needs, and this article does not provide kitten-specific guidance.
Store cod liver oil by its package directions, refrigerate leftover sardines after opening, and use them promptly. Also, don’t let prepared cat food sit out for long. That rarely improves anything, including the smell.
📌 Love this Simple Hairball Remedy for Cats? Pin it!
Do you use a simple pantry fix for hairballs, or does your cat act like you’ve personally offended them by changing dinner? Share what worked for you.
🖨️ Print-Friendly How-To: Simple Hairball Remedy for Cats
Simple Hairball Remedy for Cats
Equipment
Materials
- ½ teaspoon cod liver oil
- or 1 sardine
- Your cat’s regular food
Instructions
- Place your cat’s regular food in a dish.
- Add 1/2 teaspoon cod liver oil or 1 sardine.
- Mix lightly if needed.
- Serve immediately.
- Use only occasionally, not every day.
- https://www.budget101.com/wp-content/uploads/2010/01/homemade-cat-hairball-remedy.jpg
- Do not feed this every day.
- Oils build up in a cat’s system and make them ill.
- If your cat has frequent hairballs, repeated vomiting, appetite loss, or discomfort, contact your veterinarian.
- Use plain sardines without heavy seasoning.
