How To Prevent Hairballs In Cats

Every cat guardian is familiar with the weird noise their cat makes every couple of weeks, resulting in a compact hairball being choked onto the floor. Even though cat parents generally get used to this after cleaning up a few, they should how hairballs form, how to prevent them from developing as frequently, and the complications that can arise.

Unlike most dogs that take a lick or two at their paws and consider that they have groomed enough, cats have an elaborate beauty routine. Even tiny kittens will start grooming at a very early age and this continues throughout the life of the cat.

Why do hairballs form?

The tongue of a cat is covered with little hooks which pick up dead and loose hairs when the cat licks itself. Cats spend a considerable amount of time during the day cleaning, so they collect a lot of hair during one day that they end up swallowing.  Most of the swallowed hair passes harmlessly through the stomach and intestines and is later deposited in the litter box. However, some hair remains and will develop over time into a hairball.


Hairball symptoms

  • Your cat may have diarrhea as the intestinal irritation from the hairball causes food to pass too quickly through the system.
  • If your cat attempts to vomit but is unable to bring anything up, the hairball may be too large to expel in the normal way.
  • Your cat has no appetite.
  • A large hairball can press also against the lungs, causing the cat to wheeze and cough.

If you think your cat might be affected, consult your vet. If a large hairball is present anywhere in the gastrointestinal system, it will require surgery to remove it. Vet visits can be very expensive so owners should make every effort to prevent hairballs from forming in the first place.

How to prevent hairballs


  • Brush your cat. Not surprisingly, long haired cats are much more likely to develop problems than short haired ones. However, a daily brushing with a good brush will help remove most of the loose hairs before they do begin to form a ball. Starting daily brushing when your cat is young is a good idea not only to help prevent hairballs, but also to get your furry ones used to it. After the brushing session is complete, run a damp cloth over the fur to pick up any stray hairs.
  • Special food: There are wet & dry foods for cats struggling with hairballs including Royal Canin – Hairball Care.
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