Hairballs in Cats: Causes, Symptoms and How to Help Prevent Them

Hairballs are a common concern for many cat owners. While the occasional hairball can be a normal part of feline grooming, frequent hairballs may suggest that your cat needs a little extra support with grooming, diet or digestive health.

Understanding why hairballs happen and what you can do to reduce them can help keep your cat more comfortable and may also lower the risk of more serious problems developing. In this guide, we explain what causes hairballs in cats, when they may be a concern, and how diet, grooming and supplements may help.

If you are looking for everyday cat healthcare products, digestive support or supplements, you can explore our cat collection and cat supplements for helpful options suited to your cat’s needs.

This article is intended for general guidance only and should not replace professional veterinary advice. If your pet is unwell or showing concerning symptoms, please contact your veterinary surgeon.

What are hairballs?

Hairballs, also known as trichobezoars, are clumps of swallowed hair that collect in a cat’s stomach. Cats are naturally very clean animals and spend a large part of the day grooming themselves. As they lick their coat, loose hairs are swallowed.

Most of this hair passes through the digestive system without causing problems. However, some hair may stay in the stomach and form into a hairball, which is then usually brought up by vomiting.

Hairballs are often tubular rather than round, because they have passed up through the oesophagus on the way out.

Why do cats get hairballs?

The main reason cats develop hairballs is grooming. A cat’s tongue has tiny hook-like structures that catch loose fur very effectively, but this also means hair is easily swallowed.

Some cats are more likely to get hairballs than others, including:

• Long-haired breeds such as Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls
• Cats that shed heavily, especially during seasonal coat changes
• Cats that groom excessively
• Older cats, who may become more thorough groomers over time
• Cats with skin problems, stress or parasites that lead to overgrooming

If your cat is grooming more than usual, it may be worth checking whether there could be an underlying issue such as itchy skin, fleas, discomfort or anxiety. Keeping up with routine parasite prevention can help reduce skin irritation, and you can browse our cat flea, tick and worming products if you need support with preventative care.

What does a hairball look like?

A hairball is usually a damp, sausage-shaped clump of fur that your cat vomits up. It may contain food, fluid or bile as well as hair. Some cats make retching or coughing sounds before bringing one up, which can sometimes be mistaken for choking or a respiratory problem.

An occasional hairball may not be unusual, but frequent episodes should not be ignored.

Are hairballs normal?

Occasional hairballs can be normal, especially in long-haired cats. However, regular vomiting is not something to dismiss as simply “one of those cat things”. If your cat is bringing up hairballs often, seems uncomfortable, or is retching without producing anything, it is sensible to speak to your veterinary surgeon.

In some cases, what looks like a hairball problem may actually be vomiting due to another cause, such as digestive upset, food sensitivity, inflammatory bowel disease or another medical issue.

Signs that hairballs may be causing a problem

Most hairballs are passed by vomiting, but occasionally they can contribute to a blockage in the digestive tract. This is less common, but it can be serious.

Contact your veterinary surgeon promptly if your cat shows any of the following signs:

• Repeated retching without bringing up a hairball
• Frequent vomiting
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy or hiding away
• Constipation or difficulty passing faeces
• Diarrhoea
• Abdominal discomfort
• A sudden change in behaviour

If your cat seems unwell, is unable to keep food down, or is showing signs of pain, seek veterinary advice as soon as possible.

How to help prevent hairballs in cats

Regular grooming

One of the simplest ways to reduce hairballs is to remove loose fur before your cat swallows it. Brushing is especially helpful for long-haired cats and during periods of heavy moulting.

Try to make grooming a calm, positive routine. Even short daily brushing sessions can help reduce the amount of hair your cat ingests.

Support healthy skin and coat condition

A healthy coat may shed less excessively, and cats with healthy skin are less likely to overgroom because of irritation. If your cat has dandruff, itchy skin or patchy fur loss, it is worth speaking to your vet, as these signs may suggest an underlying skin problem.

You may also find it helpful to explore our cat skin and coat products and cat vitamins if your veterinary surgeon recommends additional nutritional support.

Encourage good hydration

Drinking enough water helps support normal digestion. Some cats naturally drink very little, particularly if they eat mostly dry food. Encouraging water intake may help food and swallowed hair move through the gut more comfortably.

You can help by:

• Providing fresh water in several places around the home
• Using wide, shallow bowls that do not touch the whiskers
• Trying a pet water fountain if your cat prefers running water
• Speaking to your vet about whether adding wet food could help

Review your cat’s diet

Diet can play an important role in hairball management. Some cat foods are designed to support digestion and help swallowed hair pass more easily through the intestines rather than collecting in the stomach.

Hairball diets typically contain a balance of fibre to help move hair through the digestive tract. Good overall digestive health is also important, so a nutritious, complete diet suited to your cat’s age and lifestyle is a sensible foundation.

If you are considering changing your cat’s food, do so gradually over several days to avoid upsetting the stomach. You can browse our cat food and treats and cat digestion products if you are looking for supportive options.

Consider supplements if recommended

Some supplements may help support digestion, skin and coat health, or normal bowel movement, which may reduce the chance of hair accumulating in the stomach. Depending on the product, this might include added fibre, oils or ingredients designed to support digestive transit.

Not all supplements are suitable for every cat, and it is always best to choose products carefully. If your cat has ongoing digestive symptoms or a medical condition, check with your veterinary surgeon before starting anything new.

We offer a range of cat supplements and premium supplements that may be useful as part of a broader care plan.

Can hairball remedies help?

Some cats may benefit from specially formulated hairball pastes, gels or feeds, but these should be used appropriately and ideally with veterinary guidance if hairballs are frequent. These products are generally designed to help swallowed hair pass through the digestive tract rather than being vomited back up.

It is important not to rely on remedies alone if your cat is regularly being sick. Repeated hairballs can sometimes be a sign that something else is going on, including overgrooming, skin disease or digestive illness.

When should you speak to your vet?

You should contact your veterinary surgeon if:

• Your cat gets hairballs frequently
• Your cat is vomiting often, with or without hair
• Your cat is losing weight or eating less
• Your cat is grooming excessively
• Your cat has signs of skin irritation or fleas
• Your cat is constipated or seems uncomfortable
• You are unsure whether it is a hairball or another health problem

Your vet may want to examine your cat, discuss diet and grooming habits, and rule out other causes of vomiting or overgrooming. If prescription treatment is recommended, you can read more about how to order a prescription medicine through Vetscriptions, or visit our prescription FAQs for further guidance.

Simple tips to reduce hairballs at home

• Brush your cat regularly, especially if they are long-haired
• Keep up with flea prevention to reduce itch-related overgrooming
• Offer a complete, balanced diet
• Encourage good hydration
• Ask your vet whether a hairball diet or supplement may help
• Monitor vomiting frequency rather than assuming it is normal

Conclusion

Hairballs are common in cats, but frequent hairballs are not something to ignore. In many cases, simple steps such as regular grooming, dietary support and maintaining healthy skin and digestion can make a real difference. Just as importantly, knowing when to seek veterinary advice can help identify any underlying problem early.

At Vetscriptions, we are here to help UK pet owners access trusted pet healthcare products and clear, practical guidance. If you would like to explore supportive options for your cat, you can browse our cat collection, cat digestion products and cat supplements. If you are ever unsure about your cat’s symptoms, please speak to your veterinary surgeon for personalised advice.

For more information about who we are and how we support pet owners across the UK, visit our About Us page or contact us if you need help finding the right product or understanding your prescription options.