If you own a cat, you know that your feline friend is an excellent self-groomer. That talent comes with a caveat: hairballs! It’s a part of life for just about every cat owner—the question is, do hairballs harm your cat, and can you do anything to minimize this unsightly occurrence? Read on to find out more about hairballs.

What Causes Hairballs?

When a cat grooms herself, tiny barbs on the tongue pick up hair from the coat, which your pet swallows. Most of that ingested hair moves through the digestive tract and is subsequently expelled in your cat’s feces. Some of it, however, remains in the stomach, forming a hairball.

Eventually, your cat will vomit up this hairball. (Usually, hairballs are tube-shaped rather than round, since they’ve passed through the narrow esophageal tube.) Retching and gagging may occur for a few moments before the actual hairball is expelled.

Are Hairballs Safe?

It certainly doesn’t look pleasant for your cat when she’s retching up a hairball, and it’s most definitely not pleasant for you when you have to clean it up. The question is, does expelling a hairball harm your cat in any way?

The occasional hairball shouldn’t cause your cat any problems—it’s a normal part of life for almost any cat who grooms themselves on a regular basis. So, if your cat simply coughs up a hairball every now and again, there’s nothing to worry about.

However, if your cat’s hairball production is frequent, or if your feline friend has suddenly started expelling hairballs in quick succession, it’s time to see the vet. Also, seek help if your cat is gagging and retching, but not actually producing a hairball—this could mean that the hairball is causing a blockage, which you’ll want to have dealt with immediately.

Can I Help to Minimize Hairballs?

There are a few things you can do to help minimize hairball production in your cat. First, brush her regularly—when you remove loose and dead hair from the coat by trapping it in the brush, you’re lessening the amount Fluffy swallows! You can also consider feeding your cat a specialized food, made to help reduce the amount that your cat sheds and help ingested hair flow through the digestive tract smoothly. Ask your vet if this might be a good choice for your pet.

Our Advice on All About Hairballs in 2024

Are certain breeds of cats more prone to developing hairballs than others?

Yes, certain cat breeds are more prone to developing hairballs, primarily due to differences in coat length and density. Long-haired breeds, such as Persians, Maine Coons, and Ragdolls, tend to ingest more hair during grooming, increasing the likelihood of hairball formation. These breeds require regular brushing to remove loose hair and minimize ingestion. While all cats can develop hairballs, those with longer, thicker coats face a higher risk and may benefit from diets or supplements designed to enhance coat health and reduce shedding.

How does a cat’s age impact their likelihood of developing hairballs?

Cats’ likelihood of developing hairballs can indeed be influenced by age. Young kittens, while still learning to groom efficiently, may ingest less fur and thus experience fewer hairballs. As cats mature into adulthood, their grooming habits become more thorough, leading to an increased intake of hair and a higher likelihood of hairball formation. Senior cats, particularly those with declining grooming habits due to age-related issues like arthritis, may have a varied risk. However, age itself isn’t a direct cause but rather affects grooming behavior, which in turn influences hairball development.

Can hairballs be a sign of an underlying health issue?

Hairballs can occasionally signal underlying health issues in cats. While it’s normal for cats to expel hairballs, frequent or severe occurrences might indicate gastrointestinal problems, such as inflammatory bowel disease, or issues related to excessive grooming, like stress or skin disorders. It’s essential to monitor the frequency and severity of hairball episodes. If a cat is producing hairballs more often or showing signs of distress, it warrants professional evaluation. At our veterinary clinic in Treasure Coast, FL, we’re equipped to assess and address the root causes of excessive hairball production, ensuring your cat’s health and comfort.

Can a cat’s diet play a role in the formation of hairballs?

A cat’s diet can significantly influence the formation of hairballs. Diets rich in fiber can help facilitate the movement of ingested hair through the digestive tract, reducing the likelihood of hairball formation. Specialized cat foods designed to support a healthy coat and minimize shedding can also play a crucial role. Such diets not only aid in the smoother passage of ingested fur but may also reduce the amount of hair a cat swallows during grooming. For cats prone to hairballs, discussing dietary options with a veterinarian can provide tailored advice to mitigate this issue.

Can regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer help reduce the frequency of hairballs?

Yes, regular grooming sessions with a professional groomer can significantly reduce the frequency of hairballs in cats. These sessions help remove loose and dead hair, which decreases the amount of hair a cat ingests during self-grooming. Professional groomers are also skilled in handling cats of all coat types, ensuring thorough grooming that might be difficult to achieve at home. For long-haired breeds or cats prone to frequent hairballs, professional grooming can be an essential part of a preventive care strategy to minimize hairball formation.

Does your cat need veterinary attention? Contact us, your local animal clinic in St. Lucie County, FL!