Watching your cat retch and try to bring up a hairball can be stressful, especially when there’s little you can do in the moment to help. The good news is that hairballs are a common part of life for many cats, but that doesn’t mean they should happen frequently. Understanding what causes them and how to manage them can help keep your cat comfortable and healthy.
What are hairballs?
As the name suggests, hairballs (also called trichobezoars) form when a collection of fur builds up in your cat’s stomach. Cats naturally swallow loose hair while grooming, thanks to the tiny hook-like structures on their tongues.
Most of this hair passes through the digestive system without issue. However, when it accumulates in the stomach, it can form a hairball that takes up space, sometimes causing your cat to vomit, often along with food.
Hairballs are typically tube-shaped rather than round and are often accompanied by that familiar gagging or retching sound.
What causes hairballs?
Hairballs can affect any cat, but some are more prone than others. Common causes include:
- Frequent grooming: Long-haired breeds or cats that groom excessively are more likely to develop hairballs
- Shedding: Seasonal shedding increases the amount of loose fur your cat ingests
- Skin irritation or stress: Cats may overgroom due to allergies, parasites, or anxiety
- Digestive issues: Slower gut movement can make it harder for hair to pass normally
Kittens and older cats may also experience hairballs differently, kittens groom less efficiently, while senior cats may have slower digestion.
How to help prevent hairballs at home
There are several simple steps you can take to reduce hairball formation:
Regular grooming
Brushing your cat frequently helps remove loose fur before it can be swallowed. Using a brush suited to your cat’s coat type can make a big difference.
Hairball-control diets
Specially formulated foods can help hair move more easily through the digestive tract. Your vet may recommend adding one of these to your cat’s diet.
Encourage hydration
Fresh water supports healthy digestion. Some cats drink more readily from water fountains or when fed wet food.
Hairball remedies
Your vet may recommend a gel or pastes to help lubricate the digestive system and assist hair in passing naturally.
Address overgrooming
If your cat is grooming excessively, consider potential causes like stress, boredom, or skin irritation. Managing these can reduce hairball frequency.
When to visit your vet
While occasional hairballs are normal, more frequent episodes, such as vomiting hairballs more than once a month, are not.
Pay close attention to the following changes in your cat:
- Frequent vomiting (with or without hairballs)
- Gagging or retching without producing a hairball
- Loss of appetite
- Weight loss
- Constipation or difficulty passing stools
- Lethargy or changes in behaviour
If you notice any of these signs, it’s important to see your vet. In some cases, what appears to be a hairball issue may actually indicate a more serious condition, such as a gastrointestinal obstruction.
It can also be very helpful to keep a record of how often your cat is vomiting, whether hair is present, and any changes in their behaviour. This information will assist your vet in reaching an accurate diagnosis and developing the most appropriate treatment plan.
