Hairballs 101: What Every Cat Owner Needs to Know

Are Hairballs Normal or a Cause for Concern?

If you’ve ever heard your cat make that dreaded “hacking” sound, only to find a wet, tube-shaped clump of fur on the floor, you’re not alone. Hairballs (trichobezoars) are a common issue for cats, but are they normal—or a sign of a problem?

In this guide, we’ll cover:
✅ What hairballs are & why cats get them
✅ When to worry about hairballs
✅ How to prevent them

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🐱 Let’s get to the bottom of hairballs!

1. What Are Hairballs & Why Do Cats Get Them?

Cats are natural groomers—they spend hours licking their fur to keep clean. When they do this, tiny hooked barbs on their tongue catch loose hair, which is then swallowed.

Usually, swallowed hair passes through the digestive system without a problem. But sometimes, fur clumps together in the stomach, forming a hairball that a cat needs to cough up.

2. Are Hairballs Normal?

🐾 Occasional hairballs (once a month or less) are normal.
🚨 Frequent hairballs (weekly or more) could indicate a problem.

🐱 When Are Hairballs a Concern?

Call your vet if your cat:
❌ Has frequent or daily hairballs
❌ Keeps retching without bringing anything up
❌ Shows signs of constipation or diarrhea
❌ Stops eating or loses weight

💡 Why? Hairballs that don’t pass can cause an intestinal blockage, which is a serious medical emergency.

3. Which Cats Get Hairballs Most Often?

Some cats are more prone to hairballs than others:

✔️ Long-haired breeds (Maine Coons, Persians, Ragdolls)
✔️ Excessive groomers (due to stress or skin issues)
✔️ Senior cats (who may groom more but digest less efficiently)

💡 Fun Fact: Kittens rarely get hairballs because they don’t groom as much as adults!

4. How to Reduce & Prevent Hairballs

✔️ 1. Brush Your Cat Regularly

Brushing removes loose fur before your cat swallows it.

🧹 Best Brushes for Hairball-Prone Cats:
✔️ Short-haired cats: Rubber curry brush or bristle brush
✔️ Long-haired cats: Wide-tooth comb & slicker brush
✔️ Heavy shedders: Deshedding tool (like the Furminator)

💡 Daily brushing = fewer hairballs!

✔️ 2. Try a Hairball-Control Diet

Some cat foods are designed to reduce shedding & improve digestion.

🍗 Look for diets with:
✔️ More fiber (to move hair through the gut)
✔️ Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids (for a healthier coat)
✔️ Limited artificial additives (which can irritate digestion)

🚨 Sudden diet changes can upset your cat’s stomach! Transition slowly.

✔️ 3. Give Hairball Remedies & Supplements

Hairball control products lubricate the digestive tract, helping fur pass through easily.

✅ Best Hairball Remedies:

• Petroleum jelly-based gels (e.g., Laxatone, Tomlyn Hairball Remedy)
• Pumpkin puree (adds fiber)
• Coconut oil or olive oil (small amounts can help digestion)

🚨 Always consult your vet before giving new supplements!

✔️ 4. Increase Water Intake

Dehydration can slow digestion, making it harder for hair to pass.

💧 Encourage your cat to drink more:
✔️ Use a cat water fountain (many cats prefer running water).
✔️ Mix wet food into their diet.
✔️ Add a tiny bit of tuna juice or bone broth to their water.

💡 A hydrated cat = a smoother digestive system!

✔️ 5. Reduce Stress & Over-Grooming

Some cats lick excessively due to stress, boredom, or anxiety.

🐾 Ways to Reduce Over-Grooming:
✔️ Provide interactive toys for mental stimulation.
✔️ Use Feliway diffusers (calming pheromones).
✔️ Ensure a stress-free environment (quiet spaces, predictable routines).

🚨 If your cat grooms obsessively or pulls out fur, see a vet—it could be due to allergies, parasites, or anxiety.

5. When to See a Vet About Hairballs

📅 Book a vet visit if your cat:
❌ Has frequent hairballs (more than once a month)
❌ Vomits without producing a hairball
❌ Has signs of digestive issues (diarrhea, constipation, weight loss)
❌ Appears lethargic or refuses to eat

🚑 Warning Signs of a Hairball Blockage:
🚨 Persistent vomiting or gagging without results
🚨 Loss of appetite or extreme lethargy
🚨 Straining to poop or no bowel movements
🚨 Bloated stomach

💡 A stuck hairball can be deadly—if you suspect a blockage, seek emergency care!