Hill's logo

Dealing with hairballs

Pet Care Centre

Almost all cat owners have seen a hairball or heard the disturbing sound of their cat trying to cough one up. Hairballs are easy to recognise as they take the distinctive form of cylindrical (tube shaped) masses of hair. Sometimes a hairball will be accompanied by bile or food particles. Hairballs form in your cat's stomach from hair that they've swallowed, while grooming. Cats are unable to spit the hair out because their tongues are covered with hundreds of small backward pointing barbs. These barbs don't allow hair to move forward out of your cat's mouth. Another reason why they occur is because cats are unable to excrete hair.

Build-up

Usually swallowing hair isn't a problem for cats, but sometimes the hair will build up in the stomach and form a hairball. Longhaired breeds are particularly susceptible to them. If your cat gets the occasional hairball you needn't worry. However if she is getting them regularly or seems to be having serious problems with one, you should talk to your vet.

Problems Hairballs can cause problems if they harden in the stomach and the cat is unable to pass it. Signs that your cat may be having trouble with a hairball include:

  • constipation
  • hard stool with signs of hair
  • coughing or heaving particularly after eating
  • lack of interest in food

Prevention

The best thing you can do to stop hairballs forming is to groom your cat regularly. With longhaired breeds this is a must. Brushing your cat will remove dead hair from her coat making it much less likely for her to swallow loose hair.

Most cats love being brushed, so this is an excellent opportunity to bond with your cat. Be extra diligent with brushing in the springtime when your cat is shedding its winter coat.

There are also some methods you can use to supplement brushing. For example, there are a variety of hairball control foods or supplements that can help.

These work by making it easier for your cat to simply pass hair through their body as part of digestion. Talk to your vet and he or she will be able to recommend the best solution for you.

Related Pet Care Articles

  • Is your cat putting on weight?

    Cat playing with ownerw Learn about the warning signs, symptoms, and treatments of cat obesity and weight management in cats and the conditions that affect on your cat.

  • How to deal with your Cat’s upset stomach

    Lots of pets suffer from upset tummies from time to time. While the specific details sometimes don’t make pleasant reading, it’s important that you know what to expect.

  • Does My Cat Have Dry Skin? - Tips and Advice

    Learn how to spot the signs of excessive dry skin in cats, what could be causing your cat's skin irritation, and how you can help alleviate your cat's dry skin.

  • Caring for a Cat with Sensitive Skin | Hill's Pet

    Cats with sensitive skin have special needs and even healthy cats can sometimes develop poor skin health. Learn more about sensitive skin symptoms in your cat, what you can do to help your pet feel more comfortable and get recommendations on sensitive skin cat food.

  • What causes weight gain? | Hill's Pet

    154502253 Being overweight puts a cat at risk of developing many serious health issues. Weight gain indicates an increase in body fat and usually results when your cat eats too much and exercises too little.

  • Cat Food - Proper Oral Care and the Right Nutrition | Hill's Pet

    Did you know that brushing your cat's teeth is just as important as brushing your own? According to the American Veterinary Dental Society, 70% of cats show signs of oral disease by age 3. Brushing your cat's teeth is easier if you follow this step-by-step guide.

Related products