Hairballs in Cats: Normal or a Problem?

An occasional hairball is normal. Frequent ones usually mean the cat is swallowing more hair than it should, and that has a cause.

Why they happen

The barbed tongue catches loose hair during grooming and it is swallowed. Most passes through; some collects and is brought back up.

What increases them

Heavy shedding, long coats, and over-grooming driven by fleas, allergy, pain or stress. A cat producing hairballs weekly should be checked for a skin or anxiety problem, not simply given a paste.

What helps

Daily brushing removes the hair before the cat swallows it — by far the most effective measure. Adequate fibre and hydration help it pass.

When it is an emergency

Repeated unproductive retching, loss of appetite, lethargy or constipation can indicate a blockage. That is surgical, not a hairball.