Hairballs form because cats swallow loose hair while grooming themselves. Most of this hair passes harmlessly through the digestive tract with poop. Occasionally, however, some hair remains in the stomach, where it clumps together and is eventually vomited out as a hairball.
An occasional hairball is usually normal, especially in long-haired cats, older cats, and cats that groom themselves frequently. However, frequent hairballs may suggest that your cat is swallowing more hair than usual or that the hair isn't moving through the digestive system efficiently.
Why does this matter?
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Hairballs are usually more of a nuisance than a serious health problem, but repeated episodes shouldn't be ignored. Frequent hairballs may be associated with excessive grooming caused by allergies, parasites, skin irritation, pain, stress, or anxiety. They can also occur if the digestive tract isn't moving hair through normally.
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Hydration and digestibility may also play a role. While they won't stop hairballs completely, adequate water intake and a highly digestible diet can help support normal gastrointestinal movement, allowing swallowed hair to pass naturally in the stool instead of accumulating in the stomach.
What do vets generally agree on?
Occasional hairballs are normal according to vets, but repeated hairballs deserve investigation. Regular grooming by the pet parent, especially for long-haired cats, helps reduce the amount of loose hair that is swallowed.
A highly digestible diet with adequate moisture can also support normal digestive function and help ensure that swallowed hair passes through poop as it should. BLEP fresh cat food is packed with high-quality protein and zero fillers, making it highly digestible. It also contains an adequate amount of moisture, but for more, you can always add BLEP bone broths for cats to the meal. It improves hydration and the collagen in it also nourishes skin and coat.
When to be careful?
Contact your veterinarian if your cat:
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Produces hairballs more than once or twice a month.
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Repeatedly retches or coughs without bringing up a hairball.
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Stops eating or drinking.
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Has constipation, diarrhoea, or persistent vomiting.
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Becomes lethargic or loses weight.
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Has difficulty breathing or wheezes.
Persistent coughing without a hairball may indicate feline asthma, respiratory disease, heart disease, or another condition rather than a digestive problem. Likewise, repeated unsuccessful attempts to vomit a hairball could occasionally indicate an intestinal obstruction, which requires prompt veterinary attention.
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