Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

Cat Hairballs: Our Vet Explains How to Treat Them

Written by: Dr. Samantha Devine DVM (Veterinarian)

Last Updated on September 21, 2024 by Catster Editorial Team

cat choking or gagging

Cat Hairballs: Our Vet Explains How to Treat Them

VET APPROVED

Dr. Samantha Devine Photo

WRITTEN BY

Dr. Samantha Devine

Veterinarian, DVM

The information is current and up-to-date in accordance with the latest veterinarian research.

Learn more »

Yuck! Your cat had retched up something long and hairy. Is it a mouse that didn’t get digested? Chances are that your cat has just vomited up a hairball. Let’s look at what causes hairballs and how you can try to help prevent them.

divider 3 paws

What Are Hairballs in Cats?

Hairballs have a slightly more scientific name, a trichobezoar. They are generally cylindrical rather than the round shape that the name “hairball” implies. They get this shape from passing through the esophagus, which is a long and tubular structure that connects the mouth to the stomach.

Some cats produce “wetter” hairballs with a looser consistency. If that is the case, talk to your vet to rule out other causes of vomiting.

💛 😺 Speak To a Vet Online From the Comfort of Your Couch!
PangoVet

If you need to speak with a vet but can’t get to one, head over to PangoVet. It’s an online service where you can talk to a vet online and get the personalized advice you need for your pet — all at an affordable price!

Hairballs are just that—a wad of hair. Your cat gets hairballs when grooming themselves and dislodges hairs that they swallow. As your cat swipes its tongue across their hairs, backward-angled papillae on the tongue grasp the hairs. During the grooming process, your cat will generally swallow these hairs. Unfortunately, they can’t digest the hair, and it has to go somewhere. Some hairs pass uneventfully through your kitty’s gut, while others return as a hairball.

cat vomit with hairball
Image Credit: KanphotoSS, Shutterstock

What Are the Signs of Hairballs in Cats?

The main sign of hairballs in cats is seeing the coughed-up hairball. You might also hear your cat retch to produce the hairball.

Hairballs vary slightly in appearance, such as size, although they are usually roughly the same color as your cat’s hair. Hill’s Pet points out gastric secretions usually make the hairball slightly darker than your cat’s natural hair color. Typically, about an inch wide, they can be an inch to 5 inches long.

What Are the Causes of Hairballs in Cats?

Unfortunately, your cat’s fastidious grooming habits are the root cause of their hairballs. Situations when a cat grooms more than normal are often associated with an increased frequency of hairballs.

There are other causes of hairballs in cats as well:
  • Cats with long hair coats tend to have hairballs more commonly than shorter-haired kitties.
  • Animals tend to shed more as the weather gets warmer, so expect more hairballs as your cat sheds after winter.
  • Older cats groom more frequently than younger cats, and males are more likely to develop hairballs.
  • If your cat has a health condition that leads to excessive grooming, they are more likely to develop hairballs. Some common conditions include fleas, anxiety or stress, hyperesthesia, or allergies.

3 cat face divider

How Do I Care for a Cat With Hairballs: 5 Methods

You likely can’t completely prevent or eliminate hairballs in your feline family member. Still, there are steps you can take to minimize hairball formation.

1. Use Flea and Tick Medication

owner with gloves applying flea treatment to cat
Image Credit: Anastasiya Tsiasemnikava, Shutterstock

Keep your cat on flea and tick prevention every month, even if they are an indoor-only cat. External parasites can cause significant itching and may cause your cat to groom excessively, leading to more hairballs. (These parasites can also transmit diseases and other health issues, such as tapeworms.)


2. Groom Regularly

Brush your cat regularly. If you remove loose hairs daily, your cat has fewer hairs to groom away and ingest. If your cat doesn’t tolerate brushing right away, you might be able to get them used to it over time with patience and positive reinforcement. Consider also talking to your veterinarian or local groomer about options for your cat. Some cats do well by being shaved periodically.


3. Fish Oil Supplements

fish-oil-capsules-in-wooden-table
Image Credit: sasirin-pamai, Shutterstock

Fish oil products like Welactin can help decrease itching and strengthen your cat’s skin barrier. It can be helpful in allergic cats. Less itching tends to result in less licking. Speak to your vet about this option before applying it to your cat.


4. Hairball Control Foods

You can also look into food options to help combat hairballs. Some pet food companies make specific hairball control or hairball remedy foods. Your veterinarian can suggest one that is well-suited for your cat. These foods tend to be higher in fiber. If your veterinarian suspects a food allergy, they might suggest putting your cat on a diet designed to help with food sensitivities, which could help minimize your cat’s overgrooming from allergies.


5. Vet-Prescribed Laxatives

woman giving medicine to a cat
Image Credit: GrooveZ, Shutterstock

Your veterinarian may suggest a laxative product, such as Laxatone, which can help move hairs through the gut and decrease hairball production. These products are petroleum-based and help the hairs pass. Depending on the product, you can give these orally or place a small amount on your cat’s paw for them to lick off and ingest.

yarn ball divider

Signs That You Should Have Your Cat Examined for Hairballs

If your cat is repeatedly vomiting hairballs or making multiple attempts to produce a hairball unsuccessfully, you should have them evaluated by a veterinarian.

Other reasons to have your cat examined include:
  • Vomiting food
  • Lethargy
  • Inappetence
  • Feeling hotter than usual (febrile)

cat paw divider

Frequently Asked Questions

Should I worry about hairballs in my cat?

If your cat only produces hairballs occasionally, you likely have nothing to worry about. If your cat has hairballs regularly or also vomits food, you should have your veterinarian examine your feline. Hairballs can sometimes cause an intestinal obstruction, but GI issues such as gastric lymphoma or food allergies can also cause vomiting.

Will my vet run any tests if my cat has hairballs?

Your veterinarian will likely run several tests to evaluate your cat’s health after they perform a thorough physical exam. Blood work, a urinalysis, intestinal parasite screening, and an ultrasound or radiographs (X-rays) are useful to check for abnormalities linked to vomiting or hairball formation.

divider-catclaw1

Conclusion

Hairballs don’t have to be a furry problem. Between a health exam to ensure there aren’t issues that need to be treated and good grooming and nutrition, you can avoid many hairballs.


Featured Image Credit: sophiecat, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

PangoVet Image Speak With A Vet Online

Get Catster in your inbox!

Stay informed! Get tips and exclusive deals.
Catster Editors Choice Badge
Shopping Cart

Pangolia

© Pangolia Pte. Ltd. All rights reserved.