Hairballs in Cats
Hairballs are a common part of life for many cats, especially those with longer coats or who groom frequently. While occasional hairballs are usually nothing to worry about, frequent or severe cases can be quite uncomfortable for your cat and might even indicate that there's something more going on.
Why do cats get hairballs?
Cats are natural groomers, and they spend a lot of time keeping their coats clean.
As they groom, loose hairs get caught on their tongue and swallowed. Most of this hair passes through the digestive system without any issues. However, some of it can stay in the stomach and clump together to form a hairball. When this happens, the hairball is usually brought back up.
Can diet play a role in hairball management?
A complete and balanced diet helps support your cat’s overall health, including their skin and coat. Some cat parents might even notice changes in coat condition, like a smoother or shinier finish, when feeding a high-quality diet, which can be a nice sign they’re getting what they need.
Hairballs are still a natural part of being a cat. Since grooming is part of their daily routine, swallowing some hair is unavoidable, and the occasional hairball can still happen.
It’s best to think of diet as one part of your cat’s everyday care, alongside regular grooming and general wellbeing, helping to keep everything ticking along as it should.
How can you manage hairballs?
Some cats benefit from additional support:
Regular grooming
Brushing your cat frequently helps remove loose hair before it’s swallowed. This is one of the most effective ways to reduce hairball build-up, especially for cats with dense or long coats, or during seasonal shedding.
Hairball remedies
Hairball pastes or gels can help hair pass more easily through your cat’s digestive system. Common options are available from vets, pet shops, or online retailers.
When should you speak to your vet?
Occasional hairballs are normal, but it’s important to monitor your cat for any changes.
Speak to your vet if you notice:
Frequent or persistent hairballs
Retching without producing a hairball
Changes in appetite or behaviour
Signs of discomfort or lethargy
Regular check-ups are also a good opportunity to discuss hairball management and rule out any underlying health issues that could be contributing.
Supporting your cat’s wellbeing
Managing hairballs is usually about a combination of good nutrition, regular grooming, and keeping an eye on your cat’s overall health.
With the right approach, most cats can stay comfortable and happy with minimal disruption from hairballs.