What It Is:
Hairballs, also called trichobezoars, are clumps of undigested hair that form in a cat’s stomach during grooming. As cats lick themselves, they swallow loose hair, which normally passes through the digestive system. When too much hair accumulates, it can form a compact mass that is eventually vomited up or, in rare cases, causes a blockage.
Hairballs are common in cats, especially long haired breeds and heavy groomers, but frequent hairballs may signal an underlying issue.
🐾 Common Symptoms
Most hairballs are harmless and pass without trouble, but signs may include:
- Gagging or retching
- Hacking or dry cough sounds
- Vomiting up a cylindrical mass of hair
- Reduced appetite before or after passing a hairball
- Constipation or straining in some cases
- Lethargy if hair accumulates and causes discomfort
- Lack of energy or grooming changes
Hairballs that are not vomited up or passed in the stool can cause more serious problems.
🦠 Causes and Risk Factors
Hairballs form when hair is not digested or passed properly. Contributing factors include:
- Excessive grooming
- Long or thick fur
- Seasonal shedding
- Digestive issues or slow gut motility
- Skin allergies or parasites causing overgrooming
- Stress or anxiety
- Lack of dietary fiber or hydration
Cats with inflammatory bowel disease or chronic digestive disorders may be more prone to hairball problems.
🔍 Diagnosis
Occasional hairballs are normal, but frequent episodes or digestive symptoms may need evaluation.
Your vet may perform:
- Physical exam and grooming history
- Dietary review to assess fiber and hydration
- X rays or ultrasound if a blockage is suspected
- Bloodwork to check for underlying illness
- Fecal exam if parasites or abnormal grooming is suspected
Diagnosis focuses on determining whether the hairballs are part of a larger health issue.
💊 Treatment
Mild and occasional hairballs often do not need treatment. For frequent or problematic hairballs, your vet may recommend:
- Hairball control diets with added fiber
- Petroleum based lubricants to help hair pass through the gut
- Probiotics to support digestion
- Digestive enzyme supplements
- Increased hydration with wet food or water fountains
- Regular brushing to reduce loose fur
- Parasite control to reduce overgrooming
- Behavioral support if stress is a factor
In rare cases, surgery may be needed to remove a blockage caused by a large hairball.
🩺 Prognosis
Most cats with hairballs have an excellent prognosis with basic management:
- Occasional hairballs are normal for many cats
- Frequent hairballs may signal a deeper issue and should be evaluated
- Preventive care and grooming can greatly reduce hairball frequency
The goal is not to eliminate hairballs completely, but to make them infrequent and uneventful.
💡 Cat Owner Note
A hairball every now and then is just part of life with cats. But if your cat is hacking daily or losing interest in food, it may be more than just a little fur. Brushing, better food, and a little help from your vet can keep things moving smoothly, and keep your carpet cleaner, too.
❓ Frequently Asked Questions About Hairballs in Cats
Are hairballs normal in cats?
Yes. Most cats vomit a hairball occasionally. But frequent or difficult hairballs should be checked by a vet.
Can hairballs be dangerous?
Rarely. A large or stubborn hairball can cause a digestive blockage, which may require surgery.
How often should a cat have a hairball?
No more than once or twice a month for most healthy cats. More frequent episodes may indicate a problem.
Do all cats get hairballs?
Most do, but long haired cats and obsessive groomers are more prone to them.
What helps reduce hairballs?
Regular brushing, a high fiber diet, and hairball gels or lubricants can all help reduce formation and improve passage.
Is coughing always a sign of a hairball?
Not always. Hairballs can cause gagging or hacking, but respiratory issues like asthma can look similar. A vet exam may be needed.