Hairballs in Cats: Causes, Remedies and When to Worry
That familiar hacking sound at 3 a.m. is the soundtrack of life with a cat. Hairballs are common and usually harmless, but they are not always as innocent as the jokes suggest. Understanding why they happen helps you reduce them and spot the rare ones that are dangerous.
How hairballs form
Cats groom themselves with a rough tongue covered in tiny backward-facing spines that pick up loose hair. Most swallowed hair passes through the gut and leaves in the stool. Sometimes hair collects in the stomach instead, clumping with mucus into a wad. The cat then vomits it up. Despite the name, hairballs are usually sausage-shaped, since they are squeezed through the esophagus.
Who gets more hairballs?
- Longhaired cats, such as Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls, which swallow more fur. See the Maine Coon and Persian profiles, and grooming longhaired cats.
- Heavy shedders, especially in spring and fall.
- Overgroomers, due to allergies, stress or pain. See why do cats overgroom.
- Older cats, whose gut moves more slowly.
- Cats with gut disease, which slows the passage of hair.
How often is normal?
A hairball every few weeks or less is not unusual. Most cats do not need treatment. If your cat brings up hairballs weekly, or more often, ask your vet to look for an underlying cause, such as skin problems or inflammatory bowel disease. See cat vomiting causes.
Signs that need attention
Contact your vet if your cat:
- Retches repeatedly but produces nothing
- Vomits many times in a day
- Loses appetite or becomes lethargic
- Is constipated or passes only small, hard stools. See constipation in cats.
- Has a swollen or painful belly
- Has diarrhea or loses weight. See diarrhea in cats.
- Coughs or wheezes, which may be asthma rather than hairballs. See feline asthma.
A large hairball can lodge in the stomach or intestine and cause a blockage that needs urgent care or surgery. See the emergency warning signs guide.
How to reduce hairballs
Brush regularly. Brushing removes loose hair before your cat swallows it. Longhaired cats may need daily brushing. See how to brush a cat and how to remove mats from cat fur.
Feed a good diet. A high-quality diet supports skin and coat. Hairball-control diets contain extra fiber to help hair pass. Ask your vet before switching. See how to read a cat food label and how to switch cat foods.
Encourage water and movement. Wet food and play keep the gut moving. See how to get a cat to drink more water.
Use hairball products with care. Gels and treats that lubricate or add fiber may help some cats. Use them as directed, and ask your vet before regular use. Avoid home remedies such as butter or oils, which can cause diarrhea and are not proven.
Treat the cause. If overgrooming or skin disease is the reason, treat it. See fleas on cats.
Reduce stress and boredom. See indoor cat enrichment ideas.
What not to do
- Do not give mineral oil or other laxatives unless your vet says so. Mineral oil can be inhaled, which is dangerous.
- Do not ignore frequent retching.
- Do not assume a cough is a hairball. Asthma and heart disease can look similar.
Hairballs in kittens and seniors
Kittens rarely have hairballs because their coats are short and their grooming is less thorough. A kitten that retches often may have swallowed something else or have a digestive problem, and should see a vet. Senior cats may groom less, leading to mats, or more because of pain, and their slower gut makes hairballs more likely. See senior cat care guide for how to support an aging cat.
Seasonal shedding
Cats shed more as the seasons change, usually in spring and early fall. Increase brushing during these periods, and consider a deshedding tool if your cat tolerates it. A few extra minutes a day can noticeably reduce what your cat swallows and what you vacuum.
Choosing the right brush
Short coats do well with a rubber curry brush or a soft bristle brush. Long coats need a wide-toothed comb and a slicker brush to reach the undercoat. Introduce brushing slowly with treats, and keep sessions short and pleasant.
When to see a vet
If hairballs are frequent, if your cat is unwell or if you suspect a blockage, see a vet promptly. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic, and see cat vet visit costs.
Frequently asked questions
How often is it normal for a cat to have a hairball?
Occasional, perhaps once a month or less. More often deserves a vet check.
Are hairballs dangerous?
Usually not, but large ones can cause blockage.
Do hairball treats work?
Some help, mainly by adding fiber and lubricant, but brushing is the best prevention.
Why does my cat gag but not throw up a hairball?
It could be a hairball, but also asthma or other disease. See a vet if it repeats.
Sources and further reading
Health information changes as research does. These organizations publish guidance worth reading alongside our articles.
- CDC Healthy Pets, Healthy PeoplePublic-health advice on pets, zoonotic disease and safe handling.
- American Animal Hospital AssociationAccreditation body and practice guidelines for companion-animal hospitals.
- WSAVA Global GuidelinesGlobal vaccination, nutrition and pain guidelines for small-animal vets.
Tailwisp is independent and written under our editorial policy. Learn who we are, or browse all cat guides.
This article is general educational information, not veterinary advice. Every cat is different. If your cat is unwell, or you are unsure about a symptom, diet change or medication, contact your veterinarian.