Paulie is a cutie!

I never heard of a cat being allergic to Laxatone, but it's not the best response to hairballs, because it coats the inside of the intestine and keeps cats from being able to absorb the nutrients they need from their food. Hairballs aren't a health problem, really - they're actually a normal part of the way a cat's body works, unless the cat gets them so often that they never want to eat.

As far as which food is better - it'll really depend on your cat's specific allergies. But it does take a long time for an allergy to make itself known, and longer (3-4 weeks) for it to quiet after the allergen is removed. I know that a lot of cats are allergic to beef, but it doesn't sound like Paulie's been getting beef anyway. Identifying an allergen can take a really long time. Work with your vet to find strategies to keep Paulie comfortable while you slowly but surely track down the culprit.

Good luck, and gentle pets and tummy rubs to Paulie!

Love, Columbine