Hairballs in cats: causes, prevention and when to see the vet
, by Michael van Wassem, 5 min reading time
Why do cats get hairballs, what can you do yourself, and which signs mean a visit to the vet? A practical explanation.
A cat that now and then brings up a slimy, hair-filled sausage is doing something very common. Still, it helps to know when a hairball is part of normal life and when something more may be going on.
The short answer
A hairball forms when a cat swallows hair while grooming and the hair does not leave with the stool but clumps together in the stomach. An occasional hairball is normal for many cats. Frequent vomiting, retching with nothing coming up, or a cat that will not eat or cannot pass stool needs a visit to the vet. You can reduce hairballs by brushing your cat regularly, especially during the shedding season.
How does a hairball form?
A cat's tongue is covered in tiny barbs. They pick loose hairs out of the coat, but the hair has to go somewhere. Most of it simply passes through the digestive tract and leaves in the stool. Some stays behind in the stomach and forms a clump. Your cat brings it up, usually as a long, damp sausage rather than a round ball.
Why do some cats have more trouble than others?
- Coat length: long-haired cats swallow more hair.
- Shedding: in autumn and spring there is more loose hair in the coat.
- Excessive grooming: itching, stress or boredom can make a cat lick far more often.
- Slow digestion: in older cats or cats with gut problems, hair passes through less easily.
💡 Good to know: a hairball is not always the cause of vomiting. Food sensitivity, stomach and bowel problems, kidney disease and asthma can also look like a hairball. Have repeated vomiting checked.
Normal, or time for the vet?
| What do you see? | What does it usually mean? |
|---|---|
| An occasional hairball, cat is otherwise fit and eating well | Usually no cause for concern. Do keep track of how often it happens. |
| Vomiting hair or foam weekly or more often | Make an appointment. Another cause may be involved. |
| Retching or coughing with nothing coming up | Call the vet, especially if your cat has trouble breathing. |
| Eating little, lethargy, belly pain or no stool | Contact the vet straight away: this can point to a blockage. |
⚠️ Please note: never give your cat medicines or remedies on your own for a suspected blockage. Your vet will decide what is needed.
Preventing hairballs: what works in practice?
Brush regularly
Every hair that stays in the brush is a hair your cat cannot swallow. For short-haired cats, a few times a week is often enough. Long-haired cats benefit from daily brushing during the shedding season. Start calmly, keep sessions short and reward your cat. A rubber brush or glove works well on short coats, a wide-toothed comb and a detangler on long coats.
Look at diet and fluids
Cats that drink little often have slower digestion. Wet food and a drinking fountain or several water spots help fluid intake. Special food with extra fibre exists for cats prone to hairballs. It does not help every cat, so check with your vet whether it suits yours. Pastes and supplements are not medicines: always follow the instructions on the pack and ask for advice if in doubt.
Address the cause of excessive grooming
Is your cat licking bald patches or fixating on one spot? Itching, a skin problem or stress may play a part. Have it checked and provide enough play, rest and hiding places.
Common mistakes
- Waiting to brush until the coat is already matted.
- Writing off every bout of vomiting as a hairball.
- Forcing a cat to be brushed, so that she starts avoiding it.
- Using a paste or special food without looking at fluids and brushing.
Checklist: limiting hairballs
- Brush short-haired cats a few times a week and long-haired cats more often.
- Brush extra during shedding.
- Provide fresh water in several places.
- Note how often your cat vomits and what is in it.
- Call the vet for retching without result, not eating or no stool.
Frequently asked questions
How often may a cat cough up a hairball?
There is no fixed number. An occasional one is normal for many cats, but weekly vomiting is a reason to talk to your vet.
Do short-haired cats get hairballs too?
Yes, although less often. They also swallow hair, especially while shedding.
Can hairballs be dangerous?
Sometimes a clump of hair gets stuck in the stomach or bowel and causes a blockage. That is an emergency for the vet.
Does a hairball paste help?
Some owners see an improvement, but the effect differs from cat to cat. Brushing and enough fluids remain the basis.
Summary
Hairballs come from swallowed hair. Regular brushing, enough fluids and attention to stress or itching limit them. If you see frequent vomiting, retching without result or a cat that will not eat, go to the vet.
Conclusion
A hairball is part of life for many cats, but repetition is a signal. A fixed brushing routine prevents most of them and helps you notice sooner when something else is going on.
Sources and note
This article gives general information based on commonly accepted veterinary knowledge, as shared by veterinary faculties and clinics. It does not replace a diagnosis or treatment by your vet.
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