If you’ve ever lived with a cat, you probably know that familiar “hack, hack… splat!” routine. It’s not the most pleasant part of having a feline roommate. Hairballs might seem like a normal part of cat life, but there is a little more to the story. Here’s why they happen and when you should be concerned. 

What is a Hairball?

A hairball is just what it sounds like – a damp clump of fur your cat swallowed while grooming themselves or other pets. In the medical world we call them trichobezoars. Cats have tiny barbs on their tongues, which do a great job cleaning their coats but also pull out a lot of loose hair. Most of that hair travels safely through your cat’s digestive system and ends up in the litter box. Every now and then, though, some of that hair clumps together in the stomach, and your cat will eventually regurgitate it back up in that familiar tidy little tube of fur. 

One thing to keep in mind is even though most people say “cough up a hairball” what is actually happening is retching and vomiting. They do sound very similar in cats, though!

Why Do Some Cats Get More Hairballs Than Others?

Some cats are especially prone to hairballs. Long haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons swallow more fur naturally. Cats that groom themselves more often, or those with allergies or itchy skin can end up with more hair in their system, too. 

Seasonal shedding in spring and fall also means there’s extra loose hair to deal with. And older cats, or those that may not move as much, can have slower digestive tracts and that can cause hair to stick around in their stomachs leading to more hairballs.

When to Worry

A hairball every now and then is pretty normal, but if your cat is gagging or vomiting more often, losing interest in their food, becoming lethargic, or you notice changes in the litterbox with their stools it’s probably time to check in with your vet. Sometimes what sounds like a stubborn hairball can actually be a sign of something more serious, like asthma, a stomach problem, or even an intestinal blockage. In rare situations some hairballs that sit in the stomach for a long period of time can harden into a dense mass that may need to be surgically removed.

How to Help Prevent Hairballs

You can do a lot to help your cat cut down on hairballs. Regularly brushing your cat is especially important when they are shedding or have long hair, since less loose fur around means less risk of it being swallowed. If your cat is plagued by hairballs a little too often for your carpets to survive much longer, consider asking about hairball-control foods and treats. These are specially formulated to help hair move more smoothly through your cat’s digestive system. Always ensure fresh water is available, as staying hydrated also supports healthy digestion and can move those hairballs along. There are gentle hairball remedies and lubricants that we might recommend in certain situations, but they aren’t for every cat. And of course, keeping up with annual veterinary checkups—or scheduling a visit sooner if something seems “off”—helps catch potential problems early.

Bottom Line

Hairballs aren’t usually a big deal, but they shouldn’t be a constant part of your cat’s life. Trust your instincts; if your cat seems uncomfortable or is having trouble, don’t hesitate to contact us. We’re always here to help keep your furry family members feeling their best!

Author: Cheryl Miller, RVT, CVBL, FFCP (Veterinary), VCC

If you would like to schedule an appointment to discuss a water fountain for your cat or if you’re looking for brand suggestions tailored to your pet, please call or text us at (843) 966-3362. If you’re a current client, you can also schedule an appointment with Dr. Doug Cifranick online, or you can schedule a virtual appointment directly with Cheryl here.

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