What Should You Do if Your Cat has Hairballs?

Is it normal for my cat to vomit hairballs?

All cats groom/lick themselves, thereby ingesting loose hairs. Normally the ingested hair passes through the stomach and intestines and is eliminated in the cats’ stool. Indoor cats that groom frequently and vomit hairballs may have problems such as skin irritation, fleas or other parasites, or anxiety. Hairballs look like a clump of hair in the shape of a tube. If you notice your cat vomiting hairballs frequently, more than twice a year, you should contact your vet for advice.

How can you prevent hairballs in your cat?

Make an appointment with your veterinarian to discuss specific methods of preventing hairballs in your cat. Your vet can also make sure your cat doesn’t have any underlying problems that could be causing hairballs. Your vet knows your cats’ medical history and can determine the best way to treat and prevent hairballs.

What can you do at home to prevent hairballs in your cat?

• Grooming: brush your cats’ fur daily. Long-haired cats may need to have their hair coats trimmed.
• Regular flea prevention using veterinary recommended products.
• Feed a diet specifically formulated for hairball prevention. These foods contain added fiber that helps improve movement of the hair through the stomach and intestines. Always talk to your vet to assess your cat’s specific dietary needs.

How can you treat hairballs?

Hairball remedies often help cats to pass the hair from their stomach and out in their stool. It’s always recommended that you contact your vet if you notice your cat vomiting hairballs. This may be a symptom of skin irritation, parasites such as fleas, anxiety, or something else that needs to be addressed.

Read more:

Fur Mowing (Overgrooming) in Cats

Food Allergies in Dogs and Cats

Your Complete Guide to Vomiting in Cats

Need to speak with a veterinarian regarding your cat’s hairballs or another condition?

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