The Best Cat Foods for Hairball Control

The Best Cat Foods for Hairball Control: Hairballs are one of the most common (and unpleasant) issues that cat owners face. If you’ve ever heard the unmistakable sound of your cat hacking one up, you know it’s not fun for either of you. While occasional hairballs are a normal part of feline grooming, frequent occurrences can indicate a need to reassess your cat’s diet.

Fortunately, many cat foods are specially formulated to reduce hairball formation by promoting healthy digestion, supporting coat health, and helping ingested hair pass through the digestive tract more easily. In this comprehensive guide, we’ll explore what causes hairballs, how the right nutrition can help, and review the best cat foods for hairball control in 2025.

What Are Hairballs and Why Do They Form?

Cats groom themselves constantly, using their tongues to clean and smooth their fur. During this process, loose hairs are swallowed. Most of these hairs pass through the digestive tract without issue, but some remain in the stomach and can clump together to form hairballs.

These hairballs are typically coughed up and expelled, but in severe cases, they can cause digestive issues or even blockages. Long-haired breeds and older cats tend to develop hairballs more frequently, as do cats that groom obsessively due to stress or skin conditions.

Signs of Hairball Problems:

• Frequent retching or vomiting
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Decreased appetite
• Lethargy
• Excessive grooming

How the Right Diet Can Help

Feeding your cat a diet specifically designed for hairball control can significantly reduce the frequency and severity of hairballs. These specialized foods work in a few key ways:

• High Fiber Content: Helps move hair through the digestive tract.
• Omega Fatty Acids: Promote healthy skin and a shiny coat, reducing shedding.
• Quality Proteins: Support muscle health and overall wellness.
• Digestive Enzymes and Probiotics: Improve digestion and nutrient absorption.

The Best Cat Foods for Hairball Control in 2025

Here are some top-rated and vet-recommended options to consider:

1. Hill’s Science Diet Adult Hairball Control

Best Overall

• Key Features: High fiber blend, omega-6 fatty acids, and vitamin E
• Protein Source: Chicken
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: Hill’s Science Diet is a long-standing favorite among veterinarians. The formula is scientifically backed and designed for adult cats who struggle with hairballs. It also supports urinary health and a healthy weight.

Ideal For: Adult indoor cats prone to occasional or frequent hairballs.

2. Royal Canin Hairball Care

Best for Fast Results

• Key Features: Proprietary fiber blend, prebiotics, highly digestible proteins
• Protein Source: Chicken by-product meal
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: Royal Canin focuses on digestive transit and helps reduce hairball formation within 14 days. The tailored kibble shape also encourages cats to chew more, aiding digestion.

Ideal For: Cats with frequent or chronic hairball issues.

3. Blue Buffalo Indoor Hairball & Weight Control

Best for Indoor Cats

• Key Features: Natural fiber, L-carnitine, no corn, wheat, or soy
• Protein Source: Real chicken
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: Blue Buffalo uses wholesome ingredients, including real meat and whole grains. Their Lifesource Bits (a mix of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals) support immunity and coat health.

Ideal For: Indoor cats who need hairball control plus weight maintenance.

4. Purina ONE Hairball Formula

Best Budget-Friendly Option

• Key Features: Natural fiber blend, vitamin E and omega-6s
• Protein Source: Turkey
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: It offers great value without sacrificing quality. With real turkey as the main ingredient and added fiber for digestive health, it’s a solid choice for cat owners on a budget.

Ideal For: Cost-conscious cat parents seeking reliable hairball control.

5. Wellness Natural Hairball Control Chicken Recipe

Best Natural Option

• Key Features: High fiber, flaxseed, and probiotics
• Protein Source: Deboned chicken
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: Free from artificial preservatives and by-products, this food appeals to natural pet food advocates. It supports digestion with added probiotics and helps minimize shedding.

Ideal For: Cats with sensitive stomachs or owners looking for holistic nutrition.

6. IAMS ProActive Health Hairball Care

Most Digestive-Friendly

• Key Features: Fiber blend with beet pulp, omega-6 fatty acids
• Protein Source: Chicken
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: IAMS is known for creating well-balanced, affordable formulas. Their Hairball Care version contains beet pulp, which is highly effective in promoting digestive health and moving hair through the system.

Ideal For: Adult cats needing a gentle, effective formula.

7. Solid Gold Let’s Stay In

Best Grain-Free Hairball Food

• Key Features: High fiber from pumpkin and lentils, probiotics
• Protein Source: Chicken
• Form: Dry kibble

Why It’s Great: This grain-free option combines prebiotics and probiotics with unique fiber sources like pumpkin. It’s ideal for cats with grain sensitivities.

Ideal For: Cats with food allergies or grain intolerance.

READ ALSO: The Advantages of Neutering or Spaying Your Dog

Wet Food Options for Hairball Control

While dry food is often formulated for hairball control, wet food can play a supportive role by increasing hydration and aiding digestion.

Notable Mentions:

• Weruva Cats in the Kitchen Funk in the Trunk: Chicken-based with pumpkin for fiber
• Wellness Hairball Control Chicken Pate: High in moisture and natural fiber
• Nutro Perfect Portions Hairball Control: Convenient packaging and balanced nutrition

Additional Tips for Hairball Prevention

• Daily Brushing: Especially for long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons.
• Hydration: Ensure your cat always has access to fresh water.
• Hairball Gels: Petroleum-based or malt-flavored gels help lubricate the digestive tract.
• Regular Vet Checkups: Rule out underlying causes like allergies or gastrointestinal issues.
• Environmental Enrichment: Stress can lead to over-grooming; provide toys and stimulation.

FAQs

How quickly can I expect results after switching to a hairball formula?

You may see reduced hairball incidents within 2 to 4 weeks. However, individual results vary based on the cat’s grooming habits and hair length.

Can I feed hairball control food to my kitten?

Not typically. Most hairball formulas are designed for adult cats. If your kitten is experiencing hairballs, consult a vet before changing diets.

Is wet or dry food better for hairballs?

Dry food tends to contain more fiber, which helps move hair through the digestive system. However, wet food adds hydration and can support digestion when combined with a high-fiber diet.

What ingredients should I look for in a good hairball formula?

Look for high fiber (like beet pulp or cellulose), omega fatty acids, quality protein, and probiotics. Avoid artificial fillers and excessive carbohydrates.

Can homemade cat food help with hairballs?

It can, but homemade diets must be nutritionally complete. Consult a vet or pet nutritionist to ensure it meets all dietary needs and includes adequate fiber.