Hairballs are bundles of loose fur that collect inside a cat’s digestive system. As cats clean themselves, they naturally swallow some hair. In most cases, this hair travels through the gut and is passed out in the litter tray. Occasionally, however, the hair is brought back up and vomited instead.

Before vomiting a hairball, cats often make loud gagging or retching noises, which can sound alarming. While this usually looks unpleasant, it is not normally dangerous.

How common are hairballs?

Bringing up the occasional hairball is considered normal for many cats. For some, this may happen every few weeks. If your cat is being sick more often than this, or if vomiting becomes a regular event, it’s important to seek advice from your vet.

Cats shed a surprising amount of fur each year, and most of it passes through the digestive system without causing problems. Long-haired cats tend to be more prone to hairball-related vomiting than short-haired cats.

Why do hairballs develop?

A cat’s tongue is covered in tiny backward-facing hooks that help remove dirt and loose fur from the coat. When grooming, this fur is swallowed. Normally, the digestive system moves the hair along smoothly.

Hairballs may become a problem if:

• Your cat is shedding more than usual
• The movement of food through the gut is slowed
• There is an underlying digestive condition affecting the intestines

In some cases, conditions such as inflammatory bowel disease can interfere with normal gut movement, allowing hair to clump together. Very rarely, a hairball can cause a blockage that requires surgical treatment.

Factors that can increase hairball problems

Cats tend to groom more when they are uncomfortable or stressed. This means hairballs may be more common in cats who:

• Have skin allergies or fleas
• Are experiencing pain or anxiety
• Live in stressful environments

Excessive grooming leads to more swallowed hair, increasing the risk of hairballs.

Helping your cat with hairballs

Hairballs are usually not serious, but repeated vomiting can be unpleasant and may signal an underlying issue.

Contact your vet if your cat:

• Is vomiting frequently
• Has a reduced appetite
• Is losing weight
• Seems generally unwell

You can also help reduce hairballs at home by:

• Regular grooming, especially for long-haired cats, to remove loose fur
• Managing stress, such as providing quiet resting areas, separate feeding and toileting spaces, and safe hiding spots
• Following veterinary dietary advice, if a special diet is recommended for digestive health

Some products claim to help cats pass hairballs more easily, often using oils or lubricants. At present, there is no strong scientific evidence that these are effective, and long-term use may interfere with the absorption of important nutrients. Always speak to your vet before using these products.

When to seek veterinary advice

If hairballs are becoming a frequent issue or your cat’s behaviour or health changes, it’s best to have them checked by a vet. They can help rule out underlying problems and recommend safe, effective ways to support your cat’s comfort and wellbeing.