How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats

Updated January 2026 | By Hicham Aouladi • ~8–10 min read

About this guide: Written by cat parent and Pawfect Cat Care founder Hicham Aouladi and fact-checked using reputable veterinary sources. For educational purposes only — not a substitute for professional veterinary advice.

The first time I dealt with a real “hairball streak” at home, I honestly thought something was wrong. The sound alone can make you sit straight up — and then you start watching your cat like a hawk for the rest of the day.

Here’s the good news: most hairball problems calm down with a few small habits done consistently — not with one intense “fix everything” day. Below is the simple, low-drama plan I’d use in my own home: brush the right way, support hydration, keep the routine predictable, and know when it’s not actually a hairball.

If your cat overgrooms when stressed, start here: Cat Anxiety: Signs & Solutions. If hairballs spike during seasonal shedding, this helps too: Seasonal Shedding Survival Guide.

Key takeaways

Occasional hairballs can happen — but frequent retching or vomiting isn’t something to shrug off.
The best prevention is simple (and repeatable): short brushing + hydration + steady routine.
If your cat is gagging/retching but nothing comes out and they look unwell, treat it as urgent.
If hairballs show up with itch, bald spots, scabs, or nonstop licking, it’s often a skin/stress issue underneath.

1) What hairballs are (and what’s normal)

Hairballs are clumps of swallowed fur that build up in the stomach after grooming. Cats swallow hair every day — that part is normal. The issue starts when there’s too much loose hair, or the gut isn’t moving things along smoothly.

Usually normal: an occasional hairball, especially during shedding seasons.
Not “just normal”: frequent gagging/retching, repeated vomiting (food or bile), appetite drop, weight loss, lethargy, constipation, or a big behavior change.

Real-life note: a lot of people blame hairballs for every “hacking” sound. But sometimes it’s coughing (not a hairball) — and that matters, because the next step is different.

2) Why cats get hairballs

Heavy shedding: seasonal coat changes, dry indoor air, skipped brushing.
Long or dense coats: more hair swallowed during normal grooming.
Overgrooming: stress/anxiety, boredom, itch/allergies, or pain can make cats lick more than usual.
Lower moisture intake: some cats do better when they get more fluids in their day.
Hidden tangles/mats: mats trap loose hair and can trigger extra licking. (If mats are part of your story, use this safely: Matted Fur: Safe Removal (No Scissors).)

3) Quick triage: hairball vs vomiting vs “coughing”

This part saves people a lot of stress: what you’re seeing might look like a hairball… but actually be something else. Use this quick table as your “what am I looking at?” check.

What you see/hear	Often means	What to do next
Gag/retch → fur “cigar” comes out	Hairball	Prevention plan below (brush + hydration + routine). Track frequency.
Vomiting food or yellow bile	Vomiting (not a hairball)	If it repeats or your cat seems “off,” call your vet. Don’t assume “hairballs.”
Hacking/coughing, nothing comes out	Could be respiratory (sometimes asthma)	Log it, note triggers, talk to your vet — especially if wheezing or frequent episodes.
Repeated unproductive retching + drooling + no stool	Possible obstruction	Urgent vet care now. Don’t “wait and see.”

Urgent rule: if your cat is retching repeatedly and nothing comes out, looks painful, can’t keep food down, or seems weak — treat it as urgent.

4) Your prevention toolkit

You don’t need a hundred products. You need the right basics — and a light hand.

Brush/tool that matches the coat: rubber glove (short coat/sensitive), soft slicker (medium/long), wide-tooth comb (long coats/ends).
Microfiber cloth (for a quick finish wipe — it catches floaty hairs).
Water support: extra bowls or a fountain (many cats drink more when water is “interesting”).
Optional (vet-guided): hairball gel/lubricant, omega-3s, or gentle fiber additions.

One thing I avoid: aggressive, daily deshedding passes. Overdoing it can irritate skin fast — and once your cat hates the brush, the whole plan collapses.

5) Grooming that actually reduces hairballs

The goal isn’t “brush until nothing comes out.” The goal is “remove loose hair from the coat” so there’s less available to swallow. Keep it short, keep it calm, and you’ll get better results over time.

Short-haired cats (easy schedule)

2–3×/week for 3–5 minutes.
Rubber glove or soft brush works for most.
Finish with a quick microfiber wipe (especially during shedding weeks).

Long-haired cats (simple but more frequent)

Most days during heavy shedding — but still keep it short (3–5 minutes).
Start with a soft slicker for surface loose hair, then use a comb on the ends (not ripping through knots).
If you hit tangles, don’t “force it.” Use the mat guide or book a groomer for tight areas.

My “stop” signal: tail whipping, pinned ears, freezing, or skin turning pink. Ending early keeps trust — and trust is what makes tomorrow’s session possible.

6) Food + water changes that help

You don’t have to change everything at once. Pick one or two upgrades and stick with them for two weeks — that’s usually enough to see a difference.

Hydration (often the easiest win)

Add an extra water bowl in a quiet spot (away from litter).
Try a fountain if your cat ignores still water.
If your vet says it’s fine, add a little water to meals or offer more wet food.

Food routine (small tweaks)

If your cat gulps meals and vomits after, split into smaller portions.
Slow feeders/puzzle feeders can reduce “eat-fast-then-throw-up.”
If you’re changing diet, transition gradually over about a week (sudden switches can cause GI upset).

If you want a simple way to compare labels and not get lost in marketing: How to Read Cat Food Labels.

7) Fiber + hairball gels (safe, vet-friendly rules)

Some cats do better with a little help moving hair through the gut — but I keep this part conservative and “safe-first.” If your cat has medical issues or takes meds, ask your vet before adding anything new.

Option	Why people use it	Safety rule
Hairball gel/lubricant	Helps some cats pass hair more easily	Use a vet-recommended product and follow the label. Keep it away from meds unless your vet says otherwise.
Gentle fiber (vet-guided)	Can support motility in some cats	Start tiny and watch stool. Stop if diarrhea or discomfort.
Omega-3s (EPA/DHA)	Skin/coat support (may reduce shedding for some cats)	Use cat-safe products and a vet-approved dose.

Please don’t do this: human laxatives, random oils, or “Pinterest remedies.” Cats are small, their bodies are sensitive, and the risk isn’t worth it.

8) Overgrooming triggers (stress, itch, boredom)

If hairballs are frequent and you also notice nonstop licking, bald patches, or irritated skin, your “hairball problem” might actually be an overgrooming problem.

Stress/anxiety: changes at home, boredom, conflict with another cat.
Itch/skin issues: fleas, allergies, dry skin, irritation.
Pain: some cats lick the painful area (hips/back) and swallow more fur.

Helpful starting points: Cat Anxiety: Signs & Solutions • Skin Conditions in Cats

9) Weekly plan (simple schedule)

If you want the “do this without thinking” version, use this schedule. It’s intentionally boring — because boring is what you can actually keep doing.

Day	Short-haired cats	Long-haired cats
Mon	3–5 min brush + quick wipe	3–5 min brush + comb ends
Tue	Play (10 min) + hydration check	3 min brush (keep it easy)
Wed	3–5 min brush	3–5 min brush + comb ends
Thu	Hydration upgrade (bowl/fountain) + quick coat check	3 min brush (or rest day if coat looks calm)
Fri	3–5 min brush	3–5 min brush + friction-zone check
Weekend	Pick one day: brush 3–5 min	Pick two short sessions (3–5 min each)

Small human tip: choose the same time window each week (after a nap, after play, before dinner). Predictable routines make cats calmer — and make you more consistent too.

10) 14-day reset plan

If hairballs have been happening too often lately, this is a calm reset that doesn’t overwhelm your cat (or you).

Days 1–3: baseline + gentle start

Start a quick log (hairball/retching, stool, appetite, brushing).
Brush 3–5 minutes (or 60 seconds if your cat hates it).
Add one hydration step (extra bowl or a bit more wet food if appropriate).

Days 4–7: build consistency

Brush every other day (short hair) or daily (long hair) — still short sessions.
Add one daily play session (even 5–10 minutes helps).
If your vet approves supplements/gel, introduce gently and watch stool.

Days 8–14: tighten the routine

Keep the brushing schedule steady.
Do a quick “hot spot” check (behind ears, belly edges, pantaloons).
Review your log: improving, same, or worse?

11) Special cases (long-haired, seniors, multi-cat)

Long-haired cats

Short sessions more often beat long sessions once a week.
Comb ends first. Don’t rip through tangles.
Stay ahead of mats: Matted Fur: Safe Removal (No Scissors).

Senior cats

Gentler tools, lighter pressure, 2–3 minutes per session.
If your cat struggles to groom due to stiffness, hairballs can increase — worth a vet conversation.

Multi-cat homes

Separate feeding/grooming zones if one cat guards resources.
Give each cat solo grooming time so nobody feels “trapped”.

12) When to see the vet

Book a vet visit if you notice:

Hairballs or vomiting happening often (especially weekly or more).
Weight loss, appetite drop, lethargy, constipation, or belly discomfort.
Repeated unproductive retching, drooling, or “trying to puke but can’t.”
Coughing fits (especially if nothing comes out, or you hear wheezing).
Bald patches, scabs, sores, or intense itch.

Trust your gut: if your cat looks uncomfortable or “not themselves,” don’t wait for it to turn into a bigger problem.

13) FAQ

How often is “normal” for hairballs?

Many cats have them only occasionally, especially during shedding season. If you’re seeing frequent episodes, treat it as a pattern worth fixing — and sometimes worth checking with a vet.

Do hairball gels work?

They help some cats, especially when paired with brushing and hydration. Stick to vet-recommended products and label directions.

Is it hairball coughing or real coughing?

If nothing comes out and it looks like a cough/hack, it might not be a hairball. Log it and talk to your vet — especially if it’s frequent.

Can diet alone fix hairballs?

Diet can help, but brushing is usually the biggest lever. The best results come from small changes stacked together (brush + water + routine).

14) 1-minute checklist

Brush short sessions (3–5 minutes)
Add one hydration upgrade (extra bowl or fountain)
Watch for “not normal” signs (vomiting, weight loss, pain)
Don’t confuse coughing with hairballs
Keep a 2-week log if episodes are frequent
Vet check if unproductive retching or your cat looks unwell

References

Disclaimer

This article provides general information and is not a substitute for a veterinary exam, diagnosis, or treatment. If your cat is in distress, has repeated vomiting, unproductive retching, or seems unwell, contact your veterinarian. Full disclaimer: medical disclaimer.

Final note (from me to you)

If you remember one thing: small, consistent habits beat big “rescue” sessions. A calm 3 minutes today is how you get fewer hairballs next week — without turning grooming into a fight.

Written by Hicham Aouladi

Cat parent and founder of Pawfect Cat Care. After a wake-up call when his own cat started gaining weight and losing energy, Hicham dove into feline nutrition, behavior, and veterinary guidelines so he could make better choices at home. Today he turns dense, vet-style information into simple, step-by-step guides so cat parents feel calmer, more confident, and better prepared for conversations with their vets.

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