It's not a home remedy, but Cat Lube doesn't contain petroleum (my Smudge won't eat petroleum-based hairball remedies either, even Temptations treats!) and my N=1 says that the chickeny flavor is quite enjoyable. It's helped him a lot, and he's an extremely fluffy Maine Coon. I just break it up over his kibble - it's kind of the kitty version of marshmallows in his cereal (almost literally, as marsh mallow is one of the demulcent herbs it contains!)

Love, Columbine