My vet gave me Lax-Aire for Rumor when she had a hairball blockage. He told me to use it as directed for all the cats to help with hairballs. Luckily three of my five love the taste and I can smear it on the paw of the other two. It's like Petromalt but it is softer and easier to smear on a paw. Petromalt is too stiff and balls up in their fur, I understand you problems with it.

I tired Petromalt and only Ripley is willing eat it, the rest gag from it.

I've also noticed since I switched my guys to Nutro Complete Care Indoor their hairballs have decreased and I haven't had to use Lax-Aire.