Are cat hairballs a normal nuisance or something serious?

If you have a cat, you've likely been startled, if not perhaps a little revolted by the noise your cat makes hacking up a hairball. While it's concerning, cat hairballs are normally a typical component of a cat's grooming. But are they merely an innocent annoyance, or might they indicate something more problematic about your cat's health?

Cats are fastidious groomers. When they lick themselves clean, the small hook-like protrusions on their tongues trap loose and dead hair, which they inevitably swallow. A great deal of this hair passes harmlessly through the digestive tract and is passed in the feces. Some of it, however, tends to remain in the stomach, where it develops into a hairball, a soggy, matted clump of fur that is later vomited up.

Kittens won't necessarily get hairballs as often as adult cats, just because they're not as committed to grooming. Long-haired cats like Persians and Maine Coons are more likely to get hairballs because of the amount of fur they swallow.


For most instances, hairballs in cats are nothing to worry about. You may observe your cat gagging, retching, or hacking, with the eventual ejection of a tube-shaped matted clump of fur. This is horrid but natural, particularly among heavy shedders or during change of seasons when cats shed excessively.

But there are times when hairballs mean something is amiss:

• Vomiting more than once and not producing a hairball
• Loss of appetite or lethargy
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Unrelated coughing

These signs might indicate that a hairball led to an obstruction of the digestive system, which is a complication needing immediate care from a veterinarian. Large hairballs or long-term accumulation may even necessitate surgery in extreme situations.


Although you cannot get rid of hairballs, you can decrease their occurrence with good care. These are a couple of ways to assist:

• Routine grooming: Daily brushing your cat sheds loose hair before they can swallow it. This is particularly necessary for long-haired cats.
• Dietary supplements: Prescription cat foods designed for hairball prevention are high in fiber, which facilitates the passage of hair through the digestive tract more effectively.
• Hairball treatments: There are numerous over-the-counter gels and pastes that function as weak laxatives to assist in your cat's passing swallowed hair more easily.
• Hydration: Get your cat drinking lots of water. Healthy digestion and transit of hair through the GI tract are aided by good hydration.

While the occasional hairball is no cause for concern, chronic hairball problems need to be brought up with your vet. In some instances, over-grooming can be a sign of underlying stress, anxiety, or skin condition like allergies or parasites. If your cat is grooming or licking one spot over and over, it's worth looking into. Older cats or cats with slower digestive tracts can also be more at risk for hairball complications. Regular checkups allow problems to be caught before they get too severe.

Cat hairballs are a normally unpleasant but largely expected aspect of having a cat. Frequent or persistent hairballs, though, can be a symptom of underlying health issues. The secret is to know your cat's normal behavior and be responsive to deviations from that norm. With a little extra attention, regular grooming, and a balanced diet, you can keep your cat comfortable and healthy and perhaps even prevent the occasional surprise from ruining your carpet.

1. Should I worry about cat hairballs?Occasional hairballs are normal. However, frequent vomiting, gagging without producing a hairball, or signs of distress may indicate a digestive issue. Consult a vet if symptoms persist or worsen.
2. How many cat hairballs are normal?Most healthy cats may produce a hairball once every week or two. More frequent hairballs could suggest excessive grooming, digestive problems, or dietary issues and may require veterinary attention.
3. Is it normal for cats to not have hairballs?Yes, some cats rarely or never have hairballs, especially short-haired breeds or those groomed regularly. A lack of hairballs doesn’t indicate a problem—it may just mean your cat digests fur well.

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