Reviewed by Dr. Fiona Lee
All cat owners are familiar with the hacking sound of a cat bringing up a hairball. Hairballs are a common feline issue, especially in long-haired breeds. While occasional hairballs are part of a cat's natural grooming routine, frequent or severe hairballs can signal underlying health concerns.
Read on to understand what hairballs are, how they form and how to manage and reduce them for your cat. From grooming tips to dietary changes and veterinary care, discover the steps you can take to keep your cat comfortable and healthy.
What Are Hairballs?
Hairballs, aka "trichobezoars," are masses of hair that accumulate in a cat's stomach during grooming.1 Cats are known for being clean and fastidious groomers, using their rough tongues to clean their coats and remove loose fur. However, much of the fur they swallow during this process doesn't pass through the digestive system. Instead, it collects in the stomach, forming a ball of fur.
Cats will typically try to expel the hairball through vomiting. While this behavior, along with hair loss in cats, may seem alarming to pet owners, it's generally a natural and harmless part of a cat's life. In fact, most cats expel hairballs a few times a year. But when hairballs become more frequent or severe, it could indicate a problem, such as excessive grooming or digestive issues.
Signs Your Cat Might Be Struggling With Hairballs
While occasional hairballs are to be expected, frequent or problematic hairballs can be a sign of discomfort or even health issues.2 Some common symptoms that may indicate your cat is struggling with hairballs:
- Gagging and retching: If your cat is frequently gagging or retching without producing a hairball, it could indicate excess hair in the stomach or digestive tract that they're having trouble expelling.
- Excessive hacking or coughing: Cats may also exhibit constant hacking or coughing without vomiting a hairball. This could point to an obstruction or irritation in the throat or digestive tract.
- Loss of appetite or lethargy: Cats having trouble passing hairballs may show signs of discomfort, such as a decreased appetite or lethargy. If these symptoms persist, your cat should see the vet.
- Frequent vomiting: If your cat is vomiting regularly and it's not related to hairballs, an underlying issue may need attention.
If you notice these signs, it's important to consult your veterinarian. They can help rule out any other medical conditions and ensure your cat's health isn't at risk.
Hairball Blockages
Occasionally, a hairball can become stuck in your cat's digestive system, leading to a blockage. A hairball blockage is a serious issue and requires immediate veterinary care.3
Symptoms of a blockage include:
- Loss of appetite
- Constipation or inability to defecate
- Diarrhea or abnormal stool
- Abdominal pain or bloating
If your cat exhibits any of these symptoms along with frequent vomiting, seek veterinary help as soon as possible. A blockage can lead to severe health problems if not addressed promptly. Your veterinarian may need to perform an examination or imaging to determine the cause and location of the blockage.
Tips To Reduce Hairballs in Cat
Preventing excessive hairballs is often a matter of managing your cat's grooming habits, diet and overall health. Here are several practical tips to help reduce hairball formation.
Discourage excessive grooming
Overgrooming can exacerbate hairball issues. Cats may overgroom due to stress, boredom or skin conditions.4 If your cat is grooming excessively, consider the following solutions:
- Provide more stimulation: Interactive toys, laser pointers and playtime can help distract your cat and reduce common cat behaviors like overgrooming.
- Use deterrents: Specialized sprays or ointments can deter your cat from licking or grooming certain areas excessively, though these should be used cautiously and under veterinary advice.
Prioritize regular grooming and shedding management
Grooming your cat and brushing them regularly is one of the most effective ways to prevent hairballs.5 By removing loose fur, you reduce the amount of hair your cat will swallow while grooming. The type of brush you should use depends on your cat's coat:
- Slicker brushes/molting combs: Great for removing tangles and mats in long-haired cats.
- Grooming gloves: Perfect for short-haired cats because they help remove loose hair without causing discomfort.
- Professional grooming services: If your cat has a high-maintenance coat, consider taking them to a professional groomer.
Consider dietary changes
A high-fiber diet can help your cat's digestive system move hair through the intestines more efficiently. Foods specifically designed for hairball control contain higher levels of fiber, which can aid digestion and reduce hairball formation.6 You might also consider adding certain supplements to your cat's diet, such as:
- Fish oil: Rich in omega-3 fatty acids, fish oil can help promote healthy digestion.
- Apple or pumpkin: Known for their fiber content, produce like apples and pumpkin can aid digestion and prevent constipation.
- Cat grass: This is an additional source of fiber.
Always check with your veterinarian before introducing new foods or supplements to ensure they're safe and beneficial for your cat.
Promote proper hydration and digestion
Proper hydration is essential for healthy digestion and the prevention of hairballs. Cats that don't drink enough water may experience digestive issues, which can make it harder to pass ingested hair.7 You can encourage your cat to drink more water by offering wet food, which has a higher moisture content. And consider using a water fountain, which can be more enticing to cats than a static bowl.
Explore at-home solutions
There are a variety of at-home solutions to help reduce hairballs:
- Petroleum jelly or fish oil: A small amount of petroleum jelly or fish oil can be given to your cat (under your vet's guidance) to help lubricate their digestive system and assist in passing hairballs.8
- Hairball remedies: Over-the-counter remedies designed to aid digestion or soften hairballs can also be beneficial, as can products designed to prevent overgrooming, but it's best to consult your vet before using them.
Keeping Your Cat Hairball-Free
In some cases, excessive grooming may be a sign of skin allergies, parasites or other medical conditions. A veterinarian can help rule out these issues and recommend the best course of action.
While hairballs are a natural part of a cat's grooming process, frequent or severe hairballs can indicate a health issue that requires attention. By regularly grooming your cat, providing a healthy diet and ensuring proper hydration, you can significantly reduce the occurrence of hairballs. With the right care, most cats can experience fewer hairballs and better overall health.
Pets Best Is Here To Help
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Sources/ Citations
- “Trichobezoars (Hairballs) in Cats," Catherine Barnette (n.d.), VCA Animal Hospitals, https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/trichobezoars-in-cats
- “The Danger of Hairballs," (n.d.), Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine, https://www.vet.cornell.edu/departments-centers-and-institutes/cornell-feline-health-center/health-information/feline-health-topics/danger-hairballs
- “Cat hairball complications," (n.d.), Hebron Veterinary Hospital, https://hvhct.com/blog/pet-care/cat-hairball-complications/
- “Cat Overgrooming: What's Normal and What Isn't?" (3/2022), Bond Vet, https://bondvet.com/b/cat-overgrooming
- “Is Cat Grooming Really Necessary?" (n.d.), Point Vicente Animal Hospital, https://www.pointvicentevet.com/services/cats/blog/cat-grooming-really-necessary
- “Best Cat Food and Treats for Hairballs," Jennifer Coates (4/2020), PetMD, https://www.petmd.com/blogs/nutritionnuggets/cat/dr-coates/2015/february/feeding-your-cat-avoid-hairballs-32516
- “Cat Digestive Problems: Symptoms, Diagnosis, and Treatment," (11/2023), Bond Vet, https://bondvet.com/b/cat-digestive-problems
- “Treating Hairballs in Cats," Hilary Parker and Allison Torres Burtka (6/2024), WebMD, https://www.webmd.com/pets/cats/what-to-do-about-hairballs-in-cats