Why Does My Cat Vomit Hairballs? 7 Ways to Reduce Hairballs
The Short Answer
Occasional hairballs are a normal side effect of grooming: cats swallow loose fur, most of it passes through the gut, but some clumps in the stomach and is vomited up. You cannot eliminate them completely, but regular brushing, more water, and a vet check if vomiting becomes frequent can cut them sharply. At ChicFind, start with the Kyakya Self-Cleaning Pet Brush, which lifts loose fur before your cat swallows it.
Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?
A cat's tongue is covered in tiny backward-facing barbs that work like a comb. Every time your cat grooms, those barbs catch loose and dead hair, and the cat swallows it. Most of it travels through the intestines and leaves in the stool. When too much hair collects in the stomach at once, it forms a clump — a trichobezoar, better known as a hairball — and the cat vomits it up. Because it passes through the narrow esophagus, it often looks tube-shaped rather than round.
Long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons, heavy shedders, and compulsive groomers swallow more fur. Shedding season, dry air, stress, itchy skin, and fleas can all increase grooming — and therefore hairballs.
What Is Normal, and When Should You Worry?
An occasional hairball in a cat that is otherwise eating, drinking, toileting, and behaving normally is usually not a cause for alarm. About one hairball every week or two is normal for some cats, though many go much longer. What matters most is a change in pattern.
Contact your veterinarian promptly if your cat retches repeatedly without producing anything, vomits food as well as hair, vomits much more often than usual, stops eating, becomes lethargic, strains in the litter box, or seems to have a sore belly. These signs can point to a blockage or to another condition entirely, such as asthma or inflammatory bowel disease — and this article cannot diagnose your cat.
7 Ways to Reduce Hairballs
1. Brush regularly — the single most effective step
Every hair you remove with a brush is a hair your cat cannot swallow. Short-haired cats usually benefit from brushing once or twice a week; long-haired cats often need daily brushing. Keep sessions short and gentle, with a reward afterward so grooming becomes a habit. The Kyakya Self-Cleaning Pet Brush is designed for this routine: its one-click hair release clears the bristles in seconds, so you are more likely to stick with it.
2. Try a steam brush during shedding season
When shedding peaks, loose fur ends up everywhere — including in your cat's stomach. A steam brush lightly mists the coat, helping loose hairs cling to the bristles instead of floating away. ChicFind's Cat Steam Brush for Shedding is a useful option for cats that tolerate a gentle mist.
3. Add more water to your cat's day
Good hydration supports digestion and helps swallowed hair move through the gut. Many cats prefer running water to a still bowl, which is why a fountain can help. Our 3L USB Pet Water Fountain for Cats & Small Dogs keeps water circulating and fresh, encouraging cats to drink more on their own.
4. Ask your vet about a hairball-control diet
Diets with extra fiber can help more swallowed hair pass in the stool instead of clumping in the stomach. Do not switch food abruptly, and ask your vet first — especially if your cat has a sensitive stomach or is on a prescription diet.
5. Reduce stress and over-grooming
Anxious, bored, or competing cats may groom far more than usual. Regular play, a quiet resting spot, separate food and litter areas in multi-cat homes, and a predictable routine all help. If over-grooming starts suddenly, look for the cause — fleas, itchy skin, a new pet, a move — and ask your vet if it continues.
6. Keep up with flea control and skin care
Itchy skin makes cats groom more, so staying current on flea prevention and watching for bald patches or redness helps catch skin problems before they become a hairball problem.
7. Know when to skip home remedies and call the vet
Hairball pastes can help some cats by lubricating swallowed hair, but they are no substitute for veterinary care when vomiting is frequent. As a small, independent pet store, we would rather point you to your vet than sell you a product your cat does not need.
Hairball Remedies Compared
| Approach | How it helps | Effort | Best for |
|---|---|---|---|
| Regular brushing | Removes loose fur before it is swallowed | Low — a few minutes, weekly or daily | Almost every cat, especially long-haired breeds |
| Steam brush | Mist helps loose fur stick to bristles during shedding season | Low — same as brushing | Heavy shedders and cats that tolerate mist |
| More water (fountain) | Supports digestion and movement of hair through the gut | Very low — set up once, refill as needed | Cats that ignore a still water bowl |
| Hairball-control diet or paste | Fiber or lubrication helps hair pass in the stool | Low — but check with your vet first | Cats that still have frequent hairballs despite grooming |
Pros and Cons of Regular Brushing
Pros:
- Less loose fur swallowed means fewer hairballs.
- It reduces shedding at home and lets you spot skin lumps, fleas, or mats early.
- Most cats learn to enjoy short sessions, which double as bonding time.
- It costs nothing after the brush itself.
Cons:
- It will not eliminate hairballs completely — cats always swallow some fur while grooming.
- Long-haired cats need daily brushing, which takes commitment.
- Some cats resist brushing at first and need a slow introduction with treats.
- Brushing alone does not fix frequent vomiting — that still needs a vet check.
A Simple Weekly Routine
Brush two to three times a week (daily for long-haired cats), keep fresh water available, and note how often hairballs appear. If the frequency rises, or your cat shows any warning signs above, call your vet.
New to ChicFind? First-time customers can save 10% with code WELCOME10 at checkout, with free U.S. shipping on every order.
Frequently Asked Questions
How often is it normal for a cat to vomit hairballs?
An occasional hairball — roughly once every week or two for some cats — is usually normal if your cat is otherwise eating and behaving normally. A sudden increase is worth a vet visit.
Can I stop my cat's hairballs completely?
Probably not. Cats groom themselves, so they will always swallow some fur. The realistic goal is fewer hairballs, through brushing, hydration, and managing shedding and stress.
Do long-haired cats get more hairballs?
Yes, generally. Long coats shed more fur and take longer to groom. Daily brushing makes the biggest difference for these cats.
Is my cat vomiting a hairball or just vomiting?
A hairball episode usually involves hacking and retching, followed by a tube-shaped clump of fur. Repeatedly vomiting food or liquid is a different pattern and should be checked by your vet.
Do hairball treats and pastes actually work?
They can help some cats by adding fiber or lubrication so hair passes through the gut more easily. They work best alongside brushing and hydration, not instead of them — and ask your vet before starting one.