Cats are meticulous self-groomers, and that dedication has a side effect: swallowed fur. Most of it passes harmlessly through the gut, but some collects in the stomach and comes back up as a hairball. The odd one is completely normal — but frequent hairballs, or retching that brings nothing up, can point to a grooming problem or something more serious. Here's what causes hairballs, how to prevent them, and when to see a vet.
Is it normal for cats to get hairballs?
Occasional hairballs are a normal part of cat life. When your cat grooms, tiny backward-facing barbs on the tongue catch loose fur, which is then swallowed. Most passes through and out in the litter box; the rest can clump into a wet, cylindrical wad — despite the name, hairballs are usually tube-shaped, moulded by the food pipe on the way up. An occasional hairball, more common in long-haired cats and during shedding season, is nothing to worry about. Frequent hairballs, however, are a sign your cat needs more help managing that fur.
What causes frequent hairballs?
1. Long or thick coats
Long-haired breeds like Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls swallow far more fur simply because there's more of it, making them the most hairball-prone cats.
2. Shedding season
Spring and autumn coat changes flood the digestive system with extra loose hair, so hairballs often spike at these times of year.
3. Over-grooming
Stress, boredom, allergies or skin irritation can drive a cat to groom excessively, swallowing much more fur than normal. Frequent hairballs can be an early clue to an anxious or itchy cat.
4. Not enough brushing
If loose fur isn't removed by you, it's removed by your cat's tongue — and swallowed. Under-groomed cats, or those whose owners have slipped out of a brushing routine, tend to produce more hairballs.
5. Diet and hydration
A low-fibre diet or a dehydrated gut moves fur through the system more slowly, giving it time to clump. Fibre and moisture help fur pass the natural way.
6. Underlying digestive issues
Inflammatory bowel disease and other gut conditions slow the movement of hair and food, so what looks like a hairball problem can sometimes be a sign of something deeper.
When are hairballs a red flag?
Contact your vet — urgently for the first points — if you notice any of these:
- Repeated retching or gagging that brings nothing up
- Loss of appetite or refusing food
- Lethargy, hiding or a hunched, uncomfortable posture
- A swollen, hard or painful belly
- Constipation or straining in the litter box
- Frequent vomiting of food or liquid rather than actual fur
These can signal a hairball blockage in the stomach or intestine, or a different illness masquerading as hairballs, and need prompt veterinary attention.
How to prevent hairballs
- Brush regularly — this is the single most effective step. A good deshedding brush pulls out loose fur before your cat can swallow it; brush short-haired cats a couple of times a week and long-haired cats daily.
- Keep your cat well hydrated with fresh water, a fountain, or some wet food to help fur move through the gut.
- Consider a fibre-rich or hairball-control diet, or a vet-approved hairball gel, to ease passage the natural way.
- Add enrichment and play to reduce stress-driven over-grooming.
- Track how often hairballs appear so you can spot a worrying increase early and mention it to your vet.
Every bit of fur you capture with a deshedding brush is fur your cat won't swallow. A few minutes of grooming a day is the simplest, most effective way to cut down on hairballs — and most cats love the attention.
Shop brushes & grooming tools →Which cats get the most hairballs?
Coat type and personality drive the difference. Long-haired breeds such as Persians, Maine Coons and Ragdolls top the list, and any cat produces more during spring and autumn shedding. Anxious or under-stimulated cats that over-groom swallow extra fur, while cats on low-fibre diets or those who don't drink much are more prone to fur clumping in the gut. Kittens rarely get hairballs because they haven't perfected grooming yet, so hairballs tend to increase as a cat matures. Knowing your cat's normal pattern helps you notice when hairballs have become too frequent.
Not sure if it's just a hairball? Scan the symptom in seconds
MyFurtopia's AI Pet Health Scanner lets you log your cat's vomiting and symptoms to get an instant, vet-informed read on whether it's a routine hairball or a sign to see a vet. It's free to try.
Download the MyFurtopia AppFrequently asked questions
How often is it normal for a cat to have hairballs?
An occasional hairball — perhaps once or twice a month, and more during shedding seasons — is considered normal, especially in long-haired cats. What isn't normal is frequent hairballs (more than once a week or two), repeated unproductive retching, or hairballs paired with a poor appetite. Regular hairballs usually mean your cat needs more grooming help, or that something else is going on and a vet should take a look.
How can I help prevent hairballs?
The single best prevention is regular brushing — removing loose fur before your cat swallows it during grooming. Brush short-haired cats a couple of times a week and long-haired cats daily. Good hydration, a fibre-rich or hairball-control diet, vet-approved hairball gels, and plenty of enrichment to reduce over-grooming all help too. If hairballs are frequent despite this, ask your vet.
When are hairballs an emergency?
Seek urgent veterinary care if your cat is repeatedly retching or gagging without bringing anything up, has stopped eating, seems lethargic, has a swollen or painful belly, is constipated, or is vomiting frequently. These can signal a hairball blockage in the stomach or intestine, which is a genuine emergency. Frequent 'hairball' vomiting that produces only food or liquid also needs a vet, as it may be another illness entirely.
This guide is educational and not a substitute for professional veterinary care. If you're worried about your cat, contact your vet.