In this guide, we’re going to talk all about hairballs in cats, including how cats get them, what the signs are, how they’re treated, and how we can prevent them at home. 

How Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Hairballs, or trichobezoars, form when cats groom themselves. The tiny, backward-slanted papillae on a cat’s tongue act just like a brush, maintaining the fur and catching dead hair in the process. The dead hair is ingested and accumulates in the stomach, where it all clumps together. 

The more they groom themselves, the more fur they swallow. Below are the factors that affect the development of hairballs in cats. 

Coat Length

As you would expect, long-haired cats and heavy shedders tend to develop hairballs much faster compared to breeds with shorter coats. Common ones include: 

• Maine Coons

• Persians

• Ragdolls

• Himalayans

Health Issues

Cats who overgroom themselves can also form hairballs faster. This can be due to stress and anxiety, boredom, external parasites, or medical conditions such as skin allergies or irritation. Plus, cats may excessively groom a certain painful area, which can be due to injuries or arthritis. 

Digestive Health

If a cat’s gastrointestinal tract doesn’t move efficiently, hair can stay in the stomach. This slow pace might be due to a low-fiber diet, dehydration, and other conditions within the digestive tract, including IBD and constipation.

Age

Older cats may also develop hairballs much faster, especially since they are avid groomers with slower digestive systems compared to younger cats.

How Do You Know if Your Cat Has a Hairball?

It’s normal for a cat to cough up a hairball every now and then, but if it gets too frequent, then it could signal a bigger problem. Below are the signs you can expect if your cat is throwing up hairballs:

Coughing, Gagging, or Retching

You may notice your cat crouching down and sounding like it’s trying to expel hairballs. This may last for a few minutes. 

Vomiting Hairballs

The expelled contents will mostly include the ingested fur, which can be cylindrical and wet. They are often compact and can be slightly slimy. This may also contain stomach fluid, foam, and small amounts of partially digested food.

How Often Are Cat Hairballs Normal?

It’s generally normal for a cat to throw up hairballs once a month, with the most being two per month. However, when it’s weekly or happens multiple times a month, it’s no longer normal. This could indicate issues such as overgrooming, stress, or poor digestive health.

When Are Cat Hairballs Dangerous?

Additionally, there are other symptoms to watch out for that tell you your cat is experiencing something more than hairballs. 

• Loss of appetite and weight loss. In some cases, your cat will be less inclined to eat. This can be due to a hairball getting stuck in the digestive tract, causing nausea and reducing appetite. If this continues, weight loss occurs. 

• Constipation or straining in the litter box. Cat hairballs can slow down the contents of the digestive tract or cause obstructions in the tract itself. This can make it hard for your cat to defecate.

• Lethargy. Cats that are uncomfortable or in pain from a hairball may become less active or retreat to quiet spaces. They may sleep more, avoid social interaction, or seem generally off.

• Blood in vomit. If your cat’s vomit has hairballs mixed with blood, then it could indicate gastrointestinal issues. This can include inflammation, ulcers, and the presence of foreign objects. 

• Bloating or pain in the abdomen. If a blockage happens in the digestive tract, affected cats will experience bloating or pain in the abdomen.