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Is it normal for cats to have hairballs?

Author

Olivia Carter

Published Feb 28, 2026

Is it normal for cats to have hairballs?

Hairballs in cats are a natural–albeit not fun–way for a cat to rid herself of hair that gets stuck in her stomach and are normal on occasion. But if they occur frequently or if you see or hear your cat retching, vomiting, or coughing without the eventual appearance of a hairball, you should talk to your veterinarian.

Moreover, is it bad for cats to have hairballs?

No two ways about it: Hairballs in cats are unpleasant. And they're not just disagreeable for the person who has to clean them up -- they can cause intestinal blockages, which can be a serious health problem for your cat.

Also, is it normal for cats to hack hairballs? For most cats, especially the longhaired variety, a hairball every now and then is normal, and there's no need for alarm. When your cat grooms himself — and sometimes other pets in the household — his barbed tongue pulls out loose hair, which is eventually swallowed.

Then, is it normal for my cat to have a hairball every day?

Cats should never have hairballs on a daily or every other day basis. Cats vomiting this frequently should be worked up for underlying GI disease. Cats with chronic hairball problems may be managed with a high fibre diet, petroleum based laxatives, and regular grooming.

Why is my cat having more hairballs?

Cats who are grooming a normal amount but vomiting hairballs frequently usually have an underlying disease. It is also important to consider that an increase in hairball vomiting can be due to skin diseases that cause increased grooming, such as fleas, allergies, mites, and behavioral/compulsive over grooming.

What is a natural remedy for hairballs in cats?

A teaspoon of fish, safflower, or flax oil added to your cat's food can coat a hairball, allowing it to pass through your kitty's system. Another option is a hairball prevention jelly containing slippery elm, marshmallow, or papaya. These are usually given once or twice a week.

How much olive oil should I give my cat for hairballs?

Moreover, it is recommended to give a small cat three tablespoons of olive oil a week. A medium-sized cat can have up to half a tablespoon a day. A large cat can have up to half a spoonful a day.

Can cats poop out hairballs?

Usually, the hair goes right through the cat's gastrointestinal tract and comes out in the stool. Sometimes, hair collects in the cat's stomach and forms into hairballs — resulting in coughing, gagging and ultimately a regurgitated fur mass on the floor. Cats generally feel better after getting rid of a hairball.

What is the best treatment for hairballs in cats?

Best hairball medicine overall: Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy for Cats. Best hairball relief supplements: Vet's Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid. Best gel hairball medicine: Nutri-Vet Hairball Paw Gel. Best hairball prevention treats: Feline Greenies Hairball Control Smart Bites.

How do I get rid of hairballs in my cat?

Prepare the Matted Area

Sprinkle a little cornstarch or talcum powder in the area of the mat, and gently work it around with your fingers. Gently pull the mat up away from the skin, so you can see where the skin is. If the cat resists, take a break and speak in a soothing voice, petting the cat until it relaxes.

How do you know if your cat has a hairball stuck?

Gastrointestinal blockages require prompt surgical intervention, so if your cat has any of these symptoms of a possible blockage, see your veterinarian immediately:
  1. repeated unproductive retching.
  2. lethargy.
  3. lack of appetite.
  4. constipation.
  5. diarrhea.

Can hairballs cause coughing in cats?

While hairballs are often thought to be the cause of cat's coughing, it is normal for cats to only cough up a hairball a couple of times per month. Any more than this and it could be a sign of an underlying condition.

Can hairballs cause pancreatitis in cats?

Altered gastrointestinal motility

Inflammatory bowel disease is the number one culprit, but hairballs can also be associated with internal parasites, pancreatitis, hernias, foreign bodies, cancers, and other potentially serious diseases.

Does fish oil help with hairballs in cats?

Fish oil, such as salmon, pollock and sardine oil, is great because it fights hairballs on both fronts. The oils nourish the skin and coat to help reduce shedding and help move ingested hair along the digestive tract – all while nourishing the intestinal tract.

What happens if a cat can't cough up a hairball?

In rare cases, if the hairball won't come up or pass out, it can cause an uncomfortable tickle in your cat's stomach. When this happens, she'll try to regurgitate it and you'll hear these typical retching noises.

Why is my cat throwing up undigested food?

There are several reasons for cats to regurgitate or vomit: Gorging – Cats that eat too much too fast may regurgitate from triggering a stretch reflex in the stomach. These cats regurgitate right after eating and the food is undigested in a tubular shape. It can also look like a round pile of undigested food.

Why does my cat throw up hairballs on my bed?

Hairballs are the result of self-grooming. When your pal licks their fur, they swallow hair, dander, and dirt that occasionally accumulate into a hairball. Just be aware that if a hairball gets stuck in your cat's intestine, it can form a blockage.

Why is my cat throwing up white foam?

Regurgitation is when cats throw up undigested food, often with little or no effort. This undigested food may be covered in mucus and shaped like a tube. Regurgitation is often brought on by coughing, difficulty breathing, oesophageal problems or foreign bodies. If your cat is vomiting foam, it's likely to be bile.

Can I give my cat olive oil for hairballs?

Incorporating oil into your cat's diet can help to lubricate the digestive tract, making it easier for hair to pass through naturally. Add a teaspoon of olive oil or melted butter to your cat's food once a week. Provide your cat with a small amount of canned tuna or sardines occasionally.

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