Cat Hairballs 2025: What’s Normal, What’s Not & When to Worry 🐱✨

By Dr. Duncan Houston BVSc

That awful retching sound at 3AM… followed by a soggy clump of fur. If you live with a cat, hairballs are part of life—but how many are too many? And when are they a sign of something more serious?

I’m Dr. Duncan Houston, veterinarian and founder of Ask A Vet. Let’s break down what’s normal, how to prevent excessive hairballs, and when it’s time to call your vet.

🧶 What Exactly Is a Hairball?

• A hairball (trichobezoar) is a wad of ingested fur that your cat can't pass through their digestive tract
• It’s usually cylindrical, not round—shaped like the esophagus
• It may contain bile, food, or mucus

📈 What’s Normal?

• 1–2 hairballs per month is typical for most cats
• Long-haired cats or heavy groomers may have slightly more
• Increased frequency, gagging without producing hairballs, or weight loss is NOT normal

🕵️♂️ Common Causes of Excessive Hairballs

• Excessive grooming (often due to stress or allergies)
• Long-haired breeds (Persians, Ragdolls, Maine Coons)
• Low-fiber or poor-quality diets
• GI motility issues or underlying digestive disease

🩺 When to Worry

• Retching/gagging without producing a hairball
• Constipation, diarrhea, or decreased appetite
• Weight loss or lethargy
• Dry heaving, abdominal pain, or vomiting foam

In rare cases, hairballs can form intestinal blockages requiring surgery.

🧼 How to Reduce Hairballs at Home

1. Groom Daily

• Brush your cat every day, especially long-haired breeds
• Use slicker brushes, combs, and de-shedding tools

2. Add Fiber

• Switch to a hairball-control diet with added fiber
• Or add canned pumpkin, psyllium, or bran (vet-approved portions)

3. Use Hairball Remedies

• Pet-safe lubricants (e.g., Laxatone, Nutri-Vet) to help pass fur
• Start with a small amount 2–3x per week

4. Reduce Stress

• Hairballs often increase in stressed cats (new home, guests, boredom)
• Provide vertical space, hideaways, toys, and consistent routines

👨⚕️ When to See a Vet

• More than 2 hairballs per week
• Dry heaving without results
• Loss of appetite, vomiting, constipation
• Chronic weight loss or poor coat condition

🔗 Ask A Vet Tip

Use Ask A Vet to upload a video of your cat’s gagging, track hairball frequency, or ask a vet if your cat’s symptoms are normal.

📋 Summary Excerpt

Hairballs are common—but they shouldn’t be constant. A vet explains what’s normal, how to reduce hairballs, and when they signal something more serious.

❓ FAQs

• Q: How many hairballs are too many?
  A: More than two per week is excessive. Also watch for gagging without results or appetite changes.
• Q: Can hairballs make my cat vomit?
  A: Yes, but persistent vomiting may point to something else—get it checked out.
• Q: Do hairball-control diets really work?
  A: They can! Added fiber and omega-3s help some cats pass fur more easily—but brushing is still key.