Cat hairballs: What they are and how to help

By Kristia Goodnight

Owning a cat comes with plenty of positives, from cuddling up together on a rainy day to laughing at their late-night zoomies. But cats also come with some not-so-fun aspects. And finding a slimy hairball tops the list. They can be a normal part of life - or a sign that something is wrong. Let’s talk about what exactly cat hairballs are and how to help your cat pass them.

What causes hairballs in cats?

A cat hairball (medical name: trichobezoar) is essentially a small clump of fur that accumulates in a cat's stomach. Cats groom themselves often by licking their fur, and during this process, they inevitably swallow some of their own fur.

While cats can’t digest their own hair, most of it passes through their digestive tract without any issues, but sometimes, it can collect in the stomach and form a hairball. When a hairball becomes too big to pass through the intestines, a cat will typically vomit it up.

This can be a bit alarming to see, but it's relatively normal behaviour for cats.

What does a cat hairball look like?

A cat hairball typically looks like a small, wet, cylindrical mass of compacted fur. It may or may not be accompanied by liquid, depending on what was present in your cat’s stomach when they vomited.

A hairball is typically somewhat tubular, due to having passed through the narrow oesophagus of the cat.

The colour of a hairball generally matches the cat's fur, and it can range in size, but most are about one to two inches long. They often appear matted and dense and can be unpleasant to handle due to their slimy texture from the cat's digestive fluids.

How often do cats pass hairballs?

How often you’ll find a cat hairball can vary greatly depending on your cat's grooming habits, the length of their fur, and their overall health. Most cats may experience a hairball once every few weeks or months.

If your cat is passing frequent hairballs - more than once a month, reach out to your veterinarian to discuss potential causes and treatment options.

What causes frequent hairballs?

Frequent hairballs can be caused by several non-concerning factors, here are some of the common causes:

• Long hair: Long-haired breeds like Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls may have more issues with hairballs simply because they have more hair.
• Excessive grooming: Cats that groom themselves excessively are more likely to swallow more fur, leading to more frequent hairballs. This over-grooming can be due to stress, anxiety, or skin irritation.
• Shedding season: During spring and fall cats shed more, which may lead to more hairballs.
• Diet: A diet that doesn’t support the natural passage of hair through the digestive tract can contribute to the formation of hairballs. Diets low in fibre or moisture might not help the hair move as smoothly through the intestines. Feeding high-quality cat food can help prevent hairballs.
• Age: Senior cats might groom more frequently because they spend more time resting or indoors. They also may be less active, affecting how well their digestive system works.
• Underlying health issues: Sometimes, frequent hairballs can be a sign of underlying health issues. Food allergies, pests, and other factors can cause skin problems that cause itching or irritation and can lead to excessive grooming. Additionally, digestive tract issues might prevent hair from passing normally through the intestines.

What are the signs of a hairball?

Usually, cat owners are aware of a cat hairball by either finding a hairball (on their favourite rug) or witnessing their cat vomiting up a hairball.

Some cats may show signs of distress or discomfort, such as excessive meowing or restlessness, especially if the hairball is causing discomfort.

The cat might then make hacking and gagging noises and appear to be struggling as if trying to cough something up. This behaviour can be sporadic and might happen several times before a hairball is vomited up.

Then they likely will vomit up the hairball itself, which can be accompanied by a small amount of bile or food.

How can I help my cat cough up a hairball?

Helping your cat manage hairballs involves both expelling any current hairballs and taking steps to reduce the formation of new ones. Here are some effective strategies:

Over-the-counter hairball medicine

Hairball-control gels like Laxatone work by lubricating the swallowed hair, allowing it to pass more easily through the digestive system. These gels typically contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil.

It’s important to follow the dosage instructions on the product and consult with your veterinarian before starting any new treatment to confirm that it’s suitable for your cat’s health.

Hairball food and treats

Many cat food brands offer hairball control formulas. These foods are high in fibre, which helps to improve the health of your cat's coat, reduce the amount of hair ingested, and facilitate the passage of any ingested hair through the digestive tract.

Many brands also offer treats formulated to reduce hairballs that cats are happy to snack on.

Feline stool softeners and laxatives

Stool softeners and laxatives can help if your cat is having difficulty passing hair through their intestines. However, these should be used cautiously and only with veterinary supervision because overuse can disrupt normal bowel function.

Cat grass or malt-based treats

Cat grass helps by providing fibre, which aids in digestion and can help push the hair through the digestive system.

How long can it take for a cat to pass a hairball?

The time it takes for a cat to pass a hairball can vary depending on several factors, including the cat's diet, digestive health, and the size of the hairball itself.

Generally, a cat may be able to expel a hairball within a few days of it forming, but this process can sometimes take up to a week or more.

Keep a close eye on your cat’s behaviour and bathroom habits, especially if they have had issues with hairballs before. Quick action is the best way to prevent complications.

What if my cat can't pass a hairball?

If your cat is unable to pass a hairball, it can lead to more serious health issues, including intestinal blockages that may require veterinary intervention.

How will I know when my cat needs to see the vet?

Recognizing when a hairball issue in your cat requires veterinary attention involves watching for signs that indicate complications or more severe issues beyond the typical hairball expulsion. Here are key signs that your cat needs to see a vet for a hairball problem:

Persistent gagging or coughing: If your cat is repeatedly hacking, gagging, or coughing over several hours or days without producing a hairball, this could indicate that the hairball is stuck and potentially causing a blockage.

Frequent vomiting: While it's normal for a cat to vomit a hairball occasionally, frequent vomiting (especially without producing a hairball) can be a sign of gastrointestinal blockage or other serious conditions.

Change in appetite: A decrease or complete loss of appetite is a concerning sign, particularly if your cat is also trying to work out a hairball. This could suggest that the hairball is causing discomfort or an obstruction.

Lethargy: If your cat is less active than usual, appears weak, or shows little interest in daily activities, especially in conjunction with attempts to cough up a hairball, they may be experiencing a serious medical issue.

Constipation or diarrhoea: If you notice changes in your cat’s litter box habits, like constipation or signs of diarrhoea, it could be related to a hairball obstructing their digestive tract.

Abdominal discomfort: If your cat shows signs of pain or discomfort around their abdomen (flinching upon touch, vocalising pain, or continuously licking the area), this could be a sign of an internal problem possibly related to a hairball.

Signs of distress: Overall signs of distress, including unusual hiding, restlessness, or agitation in conjunction with other symptoms mentioned above, warrant a visit to the veterinarian.

If you see any of these signs, it's important to contact your veterinarian right away. They can provide guidance based on the severity of the symptoms and may ask you to bring your cat in for an exam.

Monitoring your cat’s behaviour and health closely, especially when you know they are prone to hairballs, can help you catch serious issues early and give your cat the care they need.

How are hairballs diagnosed?

Your vet will begin with a detailed history and physical examination to understand the cat's symptoms, diet, and grooming habits.

Diagnostic tests may follow and may include skin scrapings, an x-ray or ultrasound, faecal samples, or blood work.

Based on the results, your veterinarian will develop a tailored treatment plan, possibly including food changes, medications, and grooming recommendations, to address and prevent further hairball issues.

What is the treatment for a hairball that is causing an obstruction?

Treatment options vary based on the severity of the situation. For less severe cases, your veterinarian may recommend laxatives or lubricants to help the hairball pass through the digestive system. If your cat is dehydrated, they may need fluid therapy through an IV.

In severe cases, where a hairball is causing an obstruction, surgery may be necessary.

Can hairballs in cats be prevented?

While it's not possible to completely prevent hairballs in cats, there are several effective home remedies and strategies that can naturally reduce their occurrence:

Regular brushing: Brush your cat frequently to remove loose hair and reduce the amount that they ingest while grooming themselves.

Specialised cat food: Feed your cat a diet specifically formulated to help prevent hairballs. These foods are typically higher in fibre, which improves both coat health and passing hair through the digestive system.

Smaller, more frequent meals: Feeding your cat smaller portions more frequently can help maintain healthy digestion and prevent hair from clumping together in the stomach.

Proper hydration: All cats should always have access to fresh water. Increased water intake helps keep everything moving smoothly through their intestines.

Increase exercise: Regular play and activity can help keep your cat's digestion healthy and improve their overall well-being.

Reduce stress: Since stress can increase grooming behaviour, creating a calm environment and providing plenty of enrichment (toys, perches, scratch posts) can reduce stress grooming.

However, it's important to note that if your cat frequently develops hairballs, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue that needs to be addressed. Excessive hairballs are not normal and can signify health problems.

If your cat has frequent hairballs, reach out to a veterinarian to properly diagnose and treat the underlying cause, rather than just managing the symptoms at home. Our Lifetime Protection Membership Plus Plan includes 24/7 access to whiskerDocs to answer any of your pet's health questions, including help with hairball questions.