Hairballs in cats are a common issue that many pet owners encounter, but what exactly causes them? Hairballs, medically known as trichobezoars, occur when cats groom themselves and ingest loose fur. While most of this hair passes through their digestive system, some of it can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball. Cats then cough or vomit up these hairballs, which is often alarming for pet owners. Although it’s a natural process, frequent hairballs can sometimes indicate underlying health problems like digestive issues or excessive grooming caused by stress. Understanding the causes, symptoms, and preventive measures for hairballs in cats can help owners reduce their occurrence and ensure their pet’s overall health. In this article, we’ll explore why hairballs form, what signs to watch for, and how to manage or prevent them through diet, grooming habits, and veterinary care.

If you own a cat, you know that your feline friend is an excellent self-groomer. That talent comes with a caveat: hairballs! It’s a part of life for just about every cat owner—the question is, do hairballs harm your cat, and can you do anything to minimize this unsightly occurrence? Read on to find out more about hairballs.

What Causes Hairballs?

When a cat grooms herself, tiny barbs on the tongue pick up hair from the coat, which your pet swallows. Most of that ingested hair moves through the digestive tract and is subsequently expelled in your cat’s feces. Some of it, however, remains in the stomach, forming a hairball.

Eventually, your cat will vomit up the hairball, which is typically tube-shaped due to its passage through the narrow esophagus. During this process, your cat may retch and gag for a few moments before finally expelling the hairball. Hairballs in cats are a common occurrence, especially for those that groom themselves frequently.

Are Hairballs Safe?

It certainly doesn’t look pleasant for your cat when she’s retching up a hairball, and it’s most definitely not pleasant for you when you have to clean it up. The question is, does expelling a hairball harm your cat in any way?

Hairballs in cats are a common occurrence and usually not a cause for concern. When a cat grooms itself, it naturally ingests loose fur, and an occasional hairball is just the body’s way of getting rid of it. If your cat coughs up a hairball once in a while, it’s typically nothing to worry about.

However, if your cat’s hairball production is frequent, or if your feline friend has suddenly started expelling hairballs in quick succession, it’s time to see the vet. Also, seek help if your cat is gagging and retching, but not actually producing a hairball—this could mean that the hairball is causing a blockage, which you’ll want to have dealt with immediately.

Can I Help to Minimize Hairballs?

To help reduce hairballs in cats, regular brushing is a must. By removing loose and dead hair with a brush, you prevent your cat from ingesting it, which reduces the chances of hairballs forming. Feeding your cat a specialized diet designed to minimize shedding and help hair pass more easily through the digestive system can also make a difference. Check with your vet to see if this type of food would benefit your cat.

Understanding and Managing Hairballs in Cats in 2025: Symptoms and Solutions

What are the potential complications or dangers associated with hairballs?

Hairballs are a common occurrence for most cats and generally aren’t harmful when they happen occasionally. However, frequent hairball expulsion or unsuccessful gagging and retching without producing a hairball can indicate a problem. In such cases, a hairball may cause a blockage in the digestive tract, potentially leading to serious health issues like intestinal obstructions. These can require immediate veterinary attention. If left untreated, blockages could become life-threatening. Monitoring the frequency of hairballs and consulting a vet when patterns change is crucial for your cat’s well-being.

What are some specific symptoms that indicate a cat may have a problematic hairball?

Symptoms that indicate a cat may have a problematic hairball include frequent hairball production or sudden increased frequency of expelling hairballs. Additionally, if a cat is gagging or retching without actually producing a hairball, this could be a sign of a blockage caused by the hairball. A blockage is potentially serious and should prompt an immediate visit to the vet. Persistent coughing or vomiting without the appearance of a hairball, as well as changes in appetite or bowel movements, may also suggest a more concerning issue.

Are there any over-the-counter products or medications that can help prevent or treat hairballs?

Over-the-counter options for preventing or treating hairballs in cats include specialized hairball control diets and lubricants. Hairball control foods are formulated to reduce shedding and help ingested hair pass smoothly through the digestive system. Lubricants, such as petroleum-based gels, can aid in moving hair through the digestive tract, minimizing hairball formation. Regular brushing is another preventive measure that reduces loose hair ingestion. However, if hairballs become frequent or severe, a vet should be consulted to rule out more serious underlying health issues.

How often is it normal for cats to have hairballs?

It’s normal for cats to have the occasional hairball, especially if they groom themselves regularly. Hairballs typically don’t pose a problem unless they become frequent. If a cat is coughing up hairballs more often than usual or producing them in quick succession, it might indicate an underlying issue. Additionally, if a cat is retching or gagging without successfully expelling a hairball, it could signal a blockage, requiring immediate veterinary attention. Normal frequency varies, but infrequent hairballs usually aren’t a cause for concern.

Are there any natural remedies or home treatments that can help with hairballs?

Brushing a cat regularly helps reduce hairballs by removing loose hair before it’s ingested. This is especially useful for long-haired cats or heavy shedders. A fiber-rich diet can also aid in moving hair through the digestive system, preventing it from accumulating in the stomach. Some cat owners find success with a teaspoon of petroleum jelly or fish oil added to their cat’s food, which can lubricate the digestive tract. However, consult a vet before introducing any dietary changes or supplements to ensure the safety of the treatment.

If you’re curious about what happens during a professional grooming session, check out our article “Take the Mystery Out of Your Dog’s Grooming Appointment“. While focused on dogs, many of the same principles apply to cats, and it can give you a better understanding of how regular grooming can benefit your feline friend.

Does your cat need veterinary attention? Contact us, your local animal clinic in St. Lucie County, FL!

In addition to our comprehensive veterinary services, we also offer Pet Boarding and Grooming for your feline friend. Our experienced groomers can help keep your cat’s coat healthy and minimize hairball formation, while our boarding facilities provide a safe and comfortable environment for your pet when you need to be away. Schedule an appointment today to give your cat the care they deserve.