That unmistakable hacking sound at 3 a.m. is something most cat parents know well. But why do hairballs happen, and what can you do about them? The Cornell Feline Health Center has clear answers.
How hairballs form
When cats groom, tiny backward-facing hooks on their tongue pull loose hair down their throat. Hair is made of keratin, which cats can't digest. Most of it passes through, but some can stay in the stomach and gradually form a damp clump: a hairball.
Cornell notes that long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons may be at greater risk, and hairballs are more common during shedding seasons.
The best prevention: brushing
Cornell's advice is simple: brush and comb your cat's coat daily to reduce the amount of hair they swallow. Every loose hair you remove is one your cat won't ingest, and one less hair on your furniture.
Make brushing something your cat enjoys
- Keep sessions short, just 2 to 3 minutes to start.
- Begin where your cat loves to be petted: cheeks, shoulders and back.
- Try a grooming glove. Many cats accept it more easily because it feels just like being stroked.
- Reward with a treat and end before your cat gets restless.
Grooming that feels like petting
Our Pet Hair Removal Glove lifts loose fur with a gentle stroke, ideal for cats who dislike brushes.
Shop the gloveWhen to call the vet
Cornell advises seeing a veterinarian if your cat shows:
- Lethargy
- Refusal to eat for more than a day or two
- Repeated, unproductive retching or vomiting
Frequent hacking can also be a sign of other problems, including asthma, and a hairball lodged in the intestine can be life-threatening. Don't give laxatives or "hairball" products without your vet's approval. Excessive grooming can also point to a skin or food-allergy problem worth checking.
Sources
This article is general information only and isn't a substitute for advice from your veterinarian.