Cat hairball FAQs
Chewy
Why do cats get hairballs?
Cats inadvertently develop hairballs when they groom themselves. “When a cat grooms, they swallow some of the loose hair from their coat,” says Dr. Jamie Whittenburg, veterinarian and owner of Kingsgate Animal Hospital in Lubbock, Texas. “Cats are especially prone to ingesting loose hair because they have spikes on their tongues called lingual papillae. The hair becomes caught in the spikes and the cat then swallows it.”
Since cats cannot digest hair, it must pass through the digestive system and come out in the cat’s stool. However, sometimes hair becomes trapped in the stomach, creating a hairball.
Is it normal for cats to throw up hairballs?
All cats can develop the occasional hairball. Long-haired cats are especially prone to them. If your cat gets a hairball once in a while, it’s usually not cause for alarm. But if your cat is throwing up hairballs frequently, it needs to be addressed.
“Once a month normally is not as big of a deal, once a week is a little bit too much,” says Harper. “When people tell me that their cat vomits every day or every week, it’s a problem.”
Can hairballs be dangerous?
Cats often vomit up hairballs — what some people call “coughing up” hairballs — but if hair becomes lodged in the small intestine, it can cause a life-threatening obstruction, which could require surgery.
“A cat that is vomiting or retching, lethargic, or does not want to eat may have an obstruction from a hairball,” Whittenburg says. “Defecating does not rule out a hairball, as feces are stored in the colon and intestinal obstructions occur in the small intestine.”
What should you do if your cat is throwing up hairballs?
It’s important to make an appointment to see your veterinarian if you suspect your cat is having an issue with hairballs. Harper says that cats that get frequent hairballs may have some kind of underlying skin condition causing them to over-groom themselves, and as a result, develop hairballs. Red rashes or areas with very short hair or no hair at all are all cause for concern and should be shared with your veterinarian, explains Harper.
After checking your cat for other health concerns, your vet can discuss the best ways to address your cat’s hairballs, including increasing brushing to cut down on how much hair your cat swallows while self-grooming, as well as using one or more hairball remedies, such as a hairball gel, food, treat, or supplement.
How can you prevent hairballs?
According to Whittenburg, the best way to reduce hairballs is through daily brushing. “Removing the hair before the cat has a chance to swallow it works wonders,” she says. Cats with recurrent severe issues can also benefit from shaving, but other measures, like hairball food and treatments, may still be necessary.
