Hairballs in cats: why they vomit them
The cat vomited hair again? A few hairballs a year are normal for many cats. Frequent or very large ones are a reason to look closer.
Why hairballs form
When grooming, the cat swallows hair. Some passes through the gut, some collects in the stomach and is vomited. Long-haired and heavily shedding cats face this more often.
What helps
Regular brushing is the simplest and most effective measure. Special pastes or higher-fibre foods sometimes help hair move further, but discuss them with a vet.
When it is not normal
If vomiting is very frequent, the balls are large, the cat loses appetite, loses weight, becomes lethargic or develops constipation, see a vet. Sometimes something else is hiding behind ‘just a hairball’.
What not to do
Do not give human laxatives. Do not ignore frequent vomiting. Do not assume ‘all cats do it’ — frequency matters.
Common questions
Does cat grass help?
Some cats use it to induce vomiting, but it does not solve the cause. Brushing remains the main step.
Should I change the food?
Higher-fibre diets are sometimes suggested, but decide after talking to a vet.
Will a long-haired cat always have hairballs?
The risk is higher, but regular grooming greatly reduces how often they appear.
You can find vets and groomers in the Petty catalogue.
Places and specialists in the Petty directory:
Grooming