Hairballs in Cats: Normal, or a Sign of Something More?

Every cat owner knows the sound: that 3am retching before a hairball appears on the carpet. The occasional hairball is a normal part of being a fastidious groomer — but frequent ones are worth paying attention to.

Why cats get hairballs

Cats groom constantly and swallow loose hair, which usually passes through and out in their stool. Sometimes it collects in the stomach and comes back up as a hairball instead. Long-haired cats and heavy groomers are most prone.

Reducing hairballs

• Brush your cat regularly — the more loose hair you remove, the less they swallow. Long-haired cats benefit from daily brushing.
• Good hydration and the right diet help hair pass through. Some cat foods are formulated to reduce hairballs.
• Hairball remedies (mild pastes) can help hair move through the gut — ask your vet.
• Keep them at a healthy weight and encourage play, which supports good gut movement.

When to see the vet

Contact your vet if your cat is bringing up hairballs very often, or if you see repeated unproductive retching (trying to bring one up but nothing comes), along with poor appetite, lethargy, constipation or a swollen tummy. In rare cases a hairball can cause a blockage, which is a serious emergency. Frequent hairballs can also be a sign your cat is over-grooming due to stress, allergies or skin problems — all worth a check-up.