https://www.chewy.com/education/cat/grooming/secrets-controlling-cats-hairballs
Hairballs in cats are a natural result of their frequent self grooming behavior.
During grooming, a cat’s tongue, which is covered in tiny hook like structures, collects loose fur and debris. While this helps keep their coat clean, it also leads to the ingestion of significant amounts of hair.
Since a cat’s digestive system cannot break down fur, the hair typically passes through the digestive tract and is expelled in the stool. However, some of it can accumulate in the stomach, forming a compact mass of fur, food, and mucus - commonly known as a hairball.
Cats often attempt to expel these hairballs by retching or gagging, particularly after meals.
While occasional hairballs are common, frequent occurrences may indicate an underlying health issue.
Signs of concern include repeated unsuccessful retching, persistent vomiting or diarrhea, constipation, loss of appetite, and visible discomfort. These symptoms may suggest complications such as intestinal obstructions or gastrointestinal upset.
In such cases, a veterinary consultation is recommended to rule out more serious conditions and to determine the best course of action for treatment or prevention.
Preventive care is key to managing hairballs. Regular brushing helps remove loose hair before it can be ingested, with long haired breeds requiring more frequent grooming.
Bathing or professional grooming can further reduce shedding. Nutritional strategies also play an important role; specially formulated hairball control diets contain added fiber to help move ingested hair through the digestive system.
These diets often include essential fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Providing fresh water at all times is also crucial to assist with digestion. In persistent cases, a veterinarian may recommend additional support such as lubricants or laxatives to aid in hairball passage.
Chewy editorial team reminds you that hairballs can be more than just a messy inconvenience - they can impact your cat’s comfort and well being. That is why they are committed to helping you find practical, effective ways to minimize them through regular grooming, proper nutrition, and preventive care.
Because when your cat feels better, your whole home does, too.
