My Cat Keeps Vomiting Hairballs — What Should I Do?

Hairballs are common in cats, especially those with medium to long coats. But when your cat keeps vomiting hairballs often, it’s not just about shedding.

It’s about what’s going on inside.

And as a pet parent, you can take simple yet effective steps to manage it.

Let’s understand the causes, signs, and solutions—so your cat feels lighter, healthier, and happier every day.

What Are Hairballs—and Why Do They Happen?

Cats groom themselves by licking their fur.

Their tongues are covered with tiny hooks (called papillae), which grab onto loose hairs. Most of this hair passes harmlessly through the digestive system and exits with stool.

But some of it collects in the stomach. Over time, it forms a matted clump—a hairball.

When it gets too big or irritating, your cat vomits it out. It’s usually shaped like a long, wet tube—not a ball.

Is It Normal for Cats to Vomit Hairballs?

Yes—occasionally.

But frequent hairball vomiting is not normal.

If your cat is throwing up hairballs more than once or twice a month, it could be:

• Shedding excessively
• Over-grooming due to stress
• Suffering from poor digestion
• Eating a low-fiber or poor-quality diet
• Dealing with a deeper gut imbalance

These can lead to:

• Discomfort
• Nutrient loss
• Blocked intestines (if the hairball doesn’t come out)

And if vomiting happens without producing a hairball, it could point to a serious obstruction.

What Are the Signs You Shouldn’t Ignore?

Here’s what you should watch for:

• Hacking, gagging, or retching regularly
• Vomiting more than once a week
• Loss of appetite or picky eating
• Dry, hard stool or constipation
• Lethargy or hiding
• Hair in poop frequently
• Vomit with bile, mucus, or blood

These are signs your cat’s body is struggling—physically or emotionally.

How to Reduce Hairballs Naturally

Here’s what you can start doing today:

1. Brush Your Cat Daily

This is the most effective step.

Brushing removes loose hair before it can be swallowed.

• Use a gentle brush or comb suited to your cat’s coat (e.g., slicker brushes for long-haired cats)
• Start with 5 minutes a day if your cat resists
• Make it part of bonding time—after meals or naps

Short-haired cats may only need brushing 2–3 times a week. Long-haired cats need it daily.

2. Improve Your Cat’s Diet

Nutrition plays a huge role in hairball control.

A poor diet can cause excessive shedding, dry skin, and weak digestion. That means more hair swallowed and less ability to pass it smoothly.

Look for cat food that includes:

• Natural fiber sources like beet pulp or pumpkin
• Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids for a healthy coat
• High moisture content to improve gut flow
• Digestive enzymes or probiotics to break down swallowed hair

3. Hydrate, Hydrate, Hydrate

Cats naturally have a low thirst drive.

But hydration is essential to help move hair through the intestines.

• Mix water into dry food
• Offer wet food twice a day
• Place bowls in multiple rooms
• Try a cat-friendly water fountain (many cats love moving water)

Lack of water is one of the biggest hidden causes of hairball-related constipation and vomiting.

4. Encourage More Movement

Movement improves gut motility.

A lazy or bored cat is more likely to over-groom—and less likely to pass hair naturally.

Add playtime to their routine:

• 10–15 minutes of chase or puzzle games
• Climbing shelves or scratch towers
• Treat hunting in different corners of the house

You’ll help both digestion and mental stimulation.

5. Limit Stress That Leads to Over-Grooming

Some cats groom to calm themselves when stressed.

Look for:

• Excessive licking (especially belly or limbs)
• Hair thinning in patches
• Changes in sleeping or eating pattern

Try:

• Creating quiet spaces or hiding spots
• Using pheromone sprays (vet-recommended)
• Keeping a routine for feeding and play
• Avoiding loud noise or frequent changes in the environment

A calm cat grooms less and digests better.

What About Hairball Gels or Remedies?

Some cats may benefit from vet-recommended hairball solutions, including:

• Laxative-style pastes that help hair pass
• Fiber supplements like psyllium husk or pumpkin
• Natural oils like coconut oil (only if approved by your vet)

But not all cats tolerate these well. And self-medicating without understanding the root cause can do more harm than good.

Always consult your vet before adding anything new to your cat’s diet.

When Should You Visit the Vet?

Call your vet immediately if:

• Your cat keeps vomiting without bringing anything up
• Vomit contains blood or smells foul
• Appetite drops or weight loss begins
• Your cat seems withdrawn, weak, or in pain
• No poop has passed in over 48 hours

These could be signs of intestinal blockage or another condition like IBD or parasites.

Your vet may do an X-ray, ultrasound, or blood work to find the issue.

How Vettofit Looks at Hairballs Holistically

Hairballs aren’t just a coat issue. They’re often a sign of poor gut health, poor hydration, or stress.

At Vettofit, we focus on a full-body approach to pet wellness:

• Science-backed supplements to improve digestion
• Omega-rich toppers to reduce shedding
• Vet-designed diet strategies that work with your cat’s routine
• Guidance to solve issues at the root—not just cover symptoms

Because you deserve more than quick fixes. You deserve answers. And your cat deserves better days.