Cat hairball remedies: how to help a cat with hairballs

Cats groom with a rough tongue that pulls out loose hair, and they swallow most of it. Usually the hair passes through. When it builds up in the stomach, the cat brings it back up as a hairball: a damp, sausage-shaped clump of fur.

How often is normal?

Long-haired cats and cats that shed heavily get more hairballs. An occasional hairball is common. Hairballs every week, or a cat that vomits often and calls it a hairball, are worth a talk with your vet: frequent vomiting can have other causes, such as a sensitive stomach or bowel disease.

Remedies that help

1. Brush more often

Every hair you brush out is one your cat doesn't swallow. Brush long-haired cats every day or two and short-haired cats once or twice a week, more during spring and fall shedding. A slicker brush works on most coats. Our cat care guide has more on brushing.

2. Try a hairball gel

Hairball gels coat swallowed hair so it passes through instead of coming back up. Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw-Gel is chicken flavoured and made without petroleum jelly; dab a little on your cat's paw and they lick it off. Follow the label, and don't use gels as a long-term fix without asking your vet.

3. Hairball formula food and treats

Hairball control foods and treats add fibre to help hair move through the gut. They help some cats; brushing still does most of the work.

4. More water

A well-hydrated cat moves food and hair through more easily. Wet food, a water fountain and broth toppers all help; see our cat water fountain guide.

5. Help long coats

For long-haired cats that mat or shed heavily, a professional groom or a trim can cut down the hair they swallow.

What not to do

• Don't give laxatives, oils or medicines made for people.
• Don't use petroleum jelly from your bathroom cabinet; use a product made for cats.

Hairball help at our store

• Nutri-vet Hairball Paw Gel Chicken Flavor For Cats
• Naturpet Hairball Care
• Kit Cat Purrfect Pockets Hairball Control Cat Treat
• Oven Baked Lickable Treats Hairball 12ct
• Safari Flexible Slicker Cat Brush
• Dexypaws Purrfect Massage Cat Shaped Brush For Pets
• Catit Pixi Fountain W Stainless Steel Top

• Cat grooming
• Cat treats
• Cat grooming in Pickering

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