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New Purina Hairball Formulas Help Minimize Hairballs Before They Even Start

ST. LOUIS, Mo. (February 14, 2003)—As a cat owner, you've come to appreciate your pet's endearing nuances: purring, pouncing and meowing. But what do you do when your cat isn't meowing as much as meeaaaacking?

Now, thanks to Purina 's innovative science and technology, the 68 percent of cat owners who say their cat has problems with hairballs can breathe a collective sigh of relief. Purina's extensive research has led to the development of the first-ever method to use a natural emulsifier in addition to fiber to minimize the formation of hairballs before they even start.

Stop The 'HAIR'assment

"Since all cats swallow their hair as part of the daily ritual of self-grooming, the formation of hairballs is a normal part of a cat's digestive process," says Purina scientist and hairball expert, Wendy Anderson, DVM, Ph.D. "The new technology provides cat owners with an alternative for battling hairballs."

The patent-pending technology utilizes a soy lecithin emulsifier, which prevents dietary fats in the cat's stomach from combining with undigested hair and thereby forming a hairball. Once the hairball is broken up, the hair can pass more easily through the cat's digestive system.

Hairball Diets—Add One

Though fiber continues to be important to effective hairball control, this unique, new system provides less fiber than typical hairball formulas on the market. Lower fiber levels are gentle on your cat's stomach and increase nutrient absorption.

"Typically, hairball formulas contain more fiber than other cat diets; however, the reduced fiber levels in Purina's new system create vital benefits necessary for a cat's overall health and well-being," says Anderson.

Avoid a Hairy Situation

So, if you are one of the many cat owners who are disgusted by the mere sound of their cat coughing up a hairball or have tired of discovering hairballs in your laundry basket, shoes, or dresser drawers, relief is just around the corner. This new technology is available at your local grocery store in a Purina ONE® Advanced Nutrition Hairball Formula and at pet specialty stores in a Pro Plan® Hairball Management Formula.

Cat owners interested in learning more about the new technology used in Purina hairball formulas should see their veterinarian or visit www.purina.com.

Purina ONE and Pro Plan hairball formulas are manufactured by Nestlé Purina PetCare Company. The North American headquarters for Nestlé Purina PetCare is located at Checkerboard Square in St. Louis, Missouri, where Ralston Purina Company was founded more than a century ago. Nestlé Purina PetCare promotes responsible pet care, humane education, community involvement and the positive bond between people and their pets. One of the leading global players in the pet food industry, Nestlé Purina PetCare is part of Swiss-based Nestlé S.A.—the world's largest food company.

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