From:
Russell Prater
Date: 2002-03-22 12:38:00 UTC
Subject: Re: hairballs
> sue wrote:
>
> Okay, I have a stupid question, I've heard that pineapple/pineapple
> juice or papaya will break down hairballs in rabbits. so I'm wondering
> if this would work for ferrets. Just wondering. :-) Many of my guys
> will not take the hairball remedies out there.
I don't know. Never heard this one, but it is possible. Pineapple breaks
down protein which is why you can't put fresh pineapple in jell-o.
Papaya juice contains an enzyme that is called papaine which disolves
protein and is the active ingredient in meat tenderizers. Since hair is
just protein, it is very possible that these two, and especially papaya
juice would cause it to breakdown and pass on thru.
8in1 makes Ferretvite which is loved by nearly all ferrets. They also
make Kittymalt which has the same recipe except they substitute mineral
oil for the corn oil in Ferretvite. I give my crew Kittymalt and they
think they are just getting another treat.
--
Russ, Booger, Bonnie & Clyde
russellprater@w...