Few sounds get a cat owner moving faster than the hack, hack, hack of a hairball on its way up. An occasional hairball is a normal part of life with a cat, but frequent hairballs aren't, and they can be a sign of something that needs attention. This guide explains why hairballs happen, what's normal, when to see the vet, and how to cut down on them.
Why cats get hairballs
Cats spend a big part of each day grooming. Their tongues are covered in tiny backward-facing barbs that catch loose hair, and most of that hair gets swallowed. Usually it passes straight through the gut and out in the litter tray. When some collects in the stomach instead, the cat brings it back up as a hairball. Despite the name, hairballs are usually long and sausage-shaped rather than round, because they're squeezed through the food pipe on the way up.
Which cats get the most hairballs?
- long-haired breeds, like Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls
- cats in a heavy moult, especially in spring
- cats that overgroom because of fleas, allergies, itchy skin, pain or stress
- indoor cats, which tend to shed all year round
What's normal?
An occasional hairball, around once or twice a month or less, is common and usually nothing to worry about, especially in long-haired cats. Many short-haired cats rarely have them at all.
When to see your vet
Book a vet check if your cat:
- brings up hairballs more than once or twice a month
- vomits often, with or without hair
- retches or gags without bringing anything up
- is going off their food or losing weight
- is constipated, or has diarrhoea
- seems lethargic or unwell
Frequent hairballs can be a sign of an underlying problem, like a gut condition that slows digestion, or skin problems that cause overgrooming. See a vet straight away if your cat keeps retching without producing anything, won't eat, has a swollen or painful tummy, or isn't passing stools, as a hairball can occasionally cause a blockage.
How to reduce hairballs
- Brush regularly. Every bit of hair on the brush is hair your cat won't swallow. Brush daily for long-haired cats, and weekly for short-haired cats, more often during moulting season.
- Feed a hairball-control food. These foods contain extra natural fibre to help hair pass through the gut.
- Help them drink more. Good hydration keeps everything moving. Our guide Is your cat drinking enough water? has easy ideas.
- Treat fleas. Fleas are one of the most common causes of overgrooming. Our guide to treating fleas in NZ explains how.
- Reduce boredom and stress. Play and enrichment can help cats who groom out of boredom or anxiety.
Don't give your cat laxatives, paraffin oil or hairball remedies made for people unless your vet recommends them.
Products that help
FURminator deShedding Tool for Long Hair Cats. Reaches through the topcoat to remove loose undercoat before your cat swallows it. FURminator says regular use reduces loose hair from shedding by up to 90%. There's also a Short Hair version. Our guide to cat fur types explains how to use it.
Hill's Science Diet Hairball Control. Natural fibre helps hair pass through the gut and reduces hairball formation. There's also a 7+ version for older cats, and Urinary Hairball Control for cats who need urinary support too.
Royal Canin Hairball Care. Royal Canin's own research shows it reduces hairball formation within 14 days when fed on its own. For indoor cats, Royal Canin Indoor 27 and ACANA Indoor Entrée also help with hairballs.
Inaba Churu. 91% moisture, and an easy way to add extra fluid to your cat's day, which helps keep hair moving through.
Hill's, Royal Canin and FURminator are ordered in especially for you, so allow a few extra days. Switch foods gradually over 7 to 10 days. Not sure what suits your cat? Call or pop into our Oxford store and we'll talk it through with you.
Find hairball help for your cat
Browse our full range of dry cat food and cat treats, with delivery across New Zealand and click and collect from Oxford, North Canterbury. Or get in touch and tell us about your cat. We're happy to help you choose.
This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your cat is unwell, see your vet.