Cat Hairballs: Causes, Remedies and When to Call the Vet

Hairballs form when a cat swallows loose fur while grooming and some of it collects in the stomach instead of passing through. An occasional hairball is common. More than one a week, or retching with nothing coming up, is a reason to call your vet.

What causes hairballs in cats?

Cats spend a large part of their waking hours grooming, and they swallow loose hair as they go. Most of that hair passes through the digestive system. Sometimes it gathers in the stomach with digestive juices and forms a ball, which the cat then vomits up.

Some cats are more prone to hairballs than others:

• Long-haired cats.
• Cats that overgroom.
• Any cat during shedding seasons in spring and fall.

How often is normal?

An infrequent hairball, about once a month or so, is not a cause for alarm. If your cat brings up more than one a week, ask your vet for advice. Some vets go further and say that regular hairballs are a sign of a health or behavior issue that should be looked into, even though they are common.

How can you reduce hairballs?

• Brush your cat regularly. Brushing removes loose fur before your cat swallows it. Brush daily during shedding season. See our picks for the best cat brushes and combs.
• Ask your vet about diet. If hairballs persist, a vet may suggest a fiber-rich hairball-control food.
• Use laxatives or lubricants only on your vet’s advice. These can help hair pass through the digestive system.
• Look into overgrooming. A cat that grooms excessively may have pain or a skin problem, so book an exam.

When should you call the vet?

Call your vet if your cat:

• Brings up hairballs more than once a week.
• Retches or gags repeatedly without producing anything.
• Is lethargic.
• Stops eating.
• Is not passing stool.
• Seems to have belly pain.

In rare, severe cases a hairball blocks the digestive tract. This can need surgery, so do not wait if you see the signs above.

Is it a hairball or something else?

Vomiting in cats has many possible causes besides hairballs. The Cornell Feline Health Center lists poisonous plants, spoiled food, internal parasites, inflammatory bowel disease and swallowed objects among them. If your cat vomits often and there is little hair in it, do not assume hairballs are the cause. Our list of signs that your cat may be sick covers other things to watch for.

Frequently asked questions

Do long-haired cats get more hairballs?

Yes. Long-haired cats are more prone to hairballs than short-haired cats.

Are hairballs dangerous?

Usually not. The risk is a hairball that causes a blockage, which is an emergency.

Why don’t I see hairballs from my outdoor cat?

Outdoor cats are more likely to bring them up outside, so owners often never find them.