How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats

How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats: Hairballs are a common concern for cat owners, especially those with long-haired breeds. While occasionally coughing up a hairball is normal, frequent or severe episodes can be uncomfortable for your cat and worrying for you. Fortunately, with proper grooming, nutrition, and home strategies, you can significantly reduce hairball occurrences.

This in-depth guide explores what hairballs are, why they form, and how to prevent them effectively.

What Are Hairballs and Why Do Cats Get Them?

Hairballs, or trichobezoars, are wads of undigested hair that cats expel by vomiting. Since cats groom themselves by licking, they inevitably swallow loose fur. Normally, this hair passes through the digestive tract and exits in the feces. However, some hair may remain in the stomach and form a mass that is later vomited.

Cats most prone to hairballs:

• Long-haired breeds (Persians, Maine Coons)
• Older cats (due to more grooming)
• Cats with skin issues or allergies
• Overgroomers (from stress or boredom)

Symptoms of hairballs include:

• Gagging, retching, or hacking
• Vomiting hair or bile
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Loss of appetite (if blockage occurs)

While hairballs are often harmless, chronic occurrences can point to deeper issues and may require veterinary attention.

1. Brush Your Cat Regularly

Regular grooming is the most effective way to reduce hairballs. Brushing removes loose fur before your cat can ingest it.

Tips:

• For short-haired cats: Brush 2–3 times per week.
• For long-haired cats: Daily brushing is best.
• Use the right tools:
  • Slicker brush for general grooming
  • Deshedding tool (like a FURminator) to remove undercoat
  • Rubber grooming gloves for sensitive cats

Start brushing in short sessions and reward your cat with treats to make grooming a positive experience.

2. Feed a Hairball Control Diet

Many commercial cat foods are formulated specifically to reduce hairballs. These diets typically include:

• High-fiber content to help move ingested hair through the digestive tract
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for skin and coat health
• Easily digestible proteins to support gastrointestinal function

Brands like Hill’s Science Diet Hairball Control, Royal Canin Hairball Care, and Purina One Hairball Formula are trusted by veterinarians and pet parents alike.

3. Encourage Hydration

Proper hydration helps your cat’s digestive system process and pass hair naturally. Unfortunately, many cats don’t drink enough water on their own.

Ways to increase water intake:

• Provide multiple water bowls around your home
• Use a cat water fountain (cats prefer moving water)
• Add water or low-sodium broth to wet or dry food
• Feed wet or canned food, which contains more moisture

4. Add Fiber to Their Diet

Fiber helps bulk up stool and move hair through the intestines more efficiently. If your cat’s current food is low in fiber, consider supplements.

Safe fiber options:

• Canned pumpkin (plain, not pie filling)
• Hairball gels with malt or petroleum jelly
• Psyllium husk (in small doses, vet-recommended)
• Fiber-rich treats and chews

Always consult your veterinarian before adding fiber supplements, especially if your cat has existing digestive issues.

5. Reduce Overgrooming Behavior

Excessive grooming can stem from anxiety, boredom, or skin problems. Identifying and addressing the cause is key.

Steps to take:

• Enrich your cat’s environment with toys, scratchers, and perches
• Establish a play routine to reduce stress
• Use pheromone diffusers like Feliway to calm anxious cats
• Rule out allergies or fleas with your vet’s help

If grooming is compulsive or self-harming, behavioral therapy or medication may be necessary.

6. Use Hairball Remedies and Lubricants

Hairball remedies help lubricate the digestive tract so hair can pass through instead of being vomited. They typically come in gel or paste form.

Popular products:

• Laxatone
• Nutri-Vet Hairball Gel
• Vet’s Best Hairball Relief

Most are flavored to appeal to cats. Administer a small amount 1–2 times per week. Do not overuse, as too much can interfere with nutrient absorption.

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7. Keep Your Cat’s Living Area Clean

Your cat sheds throughout your home. Keeping their environment fur-free can reduce the amount of loose hair they come into contact with and ingest.

Tidy-up tips:

• Vacuum regularly, especially around bedding and favorite lounging areas
• Wash your cat’s bedding weekly
• Use lint rollers or pet hair removers on furniture
• Groom your cat outside or over a towel to contain loose hair

8. Schedule Regular Vet Checkups

While hairballs are usually benign, persistent or severe cases could signal an underlying issue like:

• Gastrointestinal motility disorders
• Intestinal blockage
• Food allergies
• Parasites

A vet can perform diagnostic imaging, recommend prescription diets, or suggest medications if needed.

9. Trim Excess Fur in Long-Haired Cats

If brushing isn’t enough, you can reduce shedding further by trimming or professionally grooming your long-haired cat.

Safe practices:

• Use blunt-tipped grooming scissors
• Focus on problem areas like the belly or rear
• Consider a professional groomer for a “lion cut” every few months

Never shave a cat entirely unless medically necessary; their coat regulates body temperature and provides protection.

10. Watch for Warning Signs

Hairballs shouldn’t happen weekly. If your cat vomits frequently, stops eating, or shows signs of distress, it may be more than just hair.

Red flags include:

• Dry heaving without producing a hairball
• Lethargy or hiding
• Weight loss
• Straining in the litter box

Seek veterinary help if these signs persist, as a blockage may require immediate intervention.

FAQs

How often should I expect my cat to have a hairball?

Once every few weeks is normal, especially in long-haired cats. More frequent occurrences may warrant changes in diet or a vet visit.

Are hairballs dangerous?

Occasionally, yes. If hair accumulates into a blockage, it can cause a life-threatening intestinal obstruction requiring surgery. Monitoring and prevention are key.

Can indoor cats get hairballs too?

Absolutely. Hairball risk is more about grooming habits and fur type than outdoor exposure. In fact, indoor cats may groom more out of boredom, increasing the risk.

Do hairball control foods really work?

Yes, many cats respond well to high-fiber, hairball-specific diets. Results can vary, so trying different formulations and monitoring progress is recommended.

Can I use petroleum jelly alone for hairballs?

While a tiny dab may help, it’s safer to use products formulated for pets. Too much petroleum jelly can interfere with nutrient absorption and upset your cat’s stomach.

What if my cat refuses to take hairball gel?

Try rubbing a small amount on their paw—they often lick it off instinctively. You can also look for treats or flavored gels with better palatability.

Can brushing replace other hairball prevention steps?

Brushing is the foundation, but it works best when combined with a supportive diet, hydration, and environmental enrichment for full effectiveness.