Cat Hairball Remedies: Safe and Effective Fixes

Being a pet owner isn't all fun and games. Sometimes, you have to deal with health issues. And even minor ones like hairballs can be stressful.

Hairballs are a fairly common thing for cats, since they're a side effect of self-grooming. If you’ve ever heard your cat making an unsettling hacking sound, chances are, it's a hairball that's gotten stuck.

But hairballs are more than just annoying. They can make your cat feel sick. And in some cases, they could cause more serious issues.

Let's review what causes hairballs in cats, how to prevent them, and when to seek help when your cat has one.

Why Cats Get Hairballs

Cats are able to clean themselves by licking their fur. When they do that, they can swallow loose hair.

Most of that hair passes through their digestive system without causing problems. But sometimes, cat hair can stick around in the stomach and clump together. When that happens, your cat may cough it up in a wet, tube-shaped clump. That’s a hairball.

Long-haired cat breeds, like Persians and Maine Coons, are usually at a higher risk of getting hairballs than breeds with short hair. Cats are also more likely to get hairballs during periods of shedding.

Common Symptoms of Hairballs

There are certain signs that your cat may be deep in the throes of a hairball problem. These include:

• Vomiting up hairballs on a regular basis
• Gagging or retching without hairballs coming up
• Losing their appetite frequently
• Experiencing changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea
• Feeling lethargic and less playful than usual
• Whimpering or showing other signs of distress

Hairball Relief for Cats

There are a number of cat hairball treatment options you can try if your cat experiences hairballs regularly. These include:

• Grooming your cat regularly (if your cat has long hair, aim to brush it daily)
• Shaving your cat if they have long hair or their hair can't easily be brushed
• Using intestinal lubricants that make swallowed hair easier to move through the digestive tract
• Feeding your cat fiber-rich food to help hair move more easily through the digestive tract
• Encouraging regular exercise to maintain a healthy digestive system
• Keeping your cat hydrated with plenty of fresh water

Preventing Hairballs in Cats

It's not uncommon for cats to get a hairball on occasion. But if your cat is struggling with persistent hairballs, it's important to take steps to prevent them from recurring.

You can prevent hairballs in cats by:

• Grooming and brushing on a regular basis, especially in long-haired cats
• Following a hairball control diet/giving food that's rich in fiber
• Giving your cat vet-recommend supplements to lubricate their digestive system and make hair easier to pass
• Creating an interactive environment where your cat can play, thereby avoiding excessive grooming due to restlessness
• Recognizing signs of stress and anxiety in your cat, and addressing them so your cat doesn't compensate with extra grooming as a coping mechanism

When to See a Veterinarian

Much of the time, cat hairballs are more of a nuisance than anything else. They can cause your cat some discomfort, but once they're coughed up, that's the end of it.

However, cat hairballs can also cause stomach issues. And in rare cases, they could cause intestinal blockage, which is an emergency situation that needs to be addressed right away.

If your cat keeps getting hairballs, it's worth a visit to the vet to discuss potential changes to their diet. Your vet may also recommend supplements that are safe for your cat to take that may reduce the risk of future hairballs.

It's important to take your cat to the vet if you notice any of the following:

• Changes in bowel habits, like constipation or diarrhea
• A sudden lack of energy in your cat
• A notable decrease in your cat's appetite
• Weight loss
• Repeated vomiting

These signs don't automatically point to a hairball, and there may be other causes. However, they're all signs that something is going on with your cat. So even if a hairball doesn't end up being the culprit, it's still a good idea to get your cat checked out.

If it is a hairball that's causing your cat issues, your vet may recommend laxatives to dislodge a stubborn one. But never give your cat laxatives without consulting a vet first.

If your vet suspects that your cat has an intestinal blockage, they may try to perform an endoscopy, and your cat may need surgery in severe cases.

Final Thoughts on How to Help Cats with Hairballs

Hairballs are often part of the territory when you adopt a cat. And if your cat gets one every so often, coughs it up, and moves on, you may not need to do much about it.

At the same time, while hairballs aren't usually a life-threatening occurrence for cats, they can be very unpleasant and uncomfortable. So, it's best to try to do what you can to prevent them.

If your cat is getting hairballs frequently, you shouldn't hesitate to consult your vet. There may be some simple, low-cost changes you can make, such as switching to a cat hairball diet, to prevent them from happening so often.

It's worth taking steps to keep your cat in the best possible shape and, just as importantly, reduce your risk of having a hairball turn into a more serious medical issue.