How to Prevent Cat Hairballs: 8 Simple Tips That Really Help

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Few sounds get a cat owner off the couch faster than that familiar hacking noise — usually followed by a soggy surprise on your favorite rug. Hairballs happen because cats groom themselves with rough, hook-covered tongues that catch loose fur. Most of that hair passes through the digestive tract, but some collects in the stomach and comes back up. An occasional hairball can be normal, especially for long-haired cats, but frequent ones are not something you just have to live with. The good news: a few simple daily habits can cut down on hairballs a lot. Here are 8 practical tips, plus clear signs that it’s time to call the vet.

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Cats can spend a big part of their waking hours grooming. Every lick pulls loose hair onto the tongue, and the tiny backward-facing barbs make it hard to spit out, so it gets swallowed. When more hair goes in than the gut can move along, it clumps into a wad that the cat eventually brings back up — usually as a tube-shaped clump rather than a round ball, because it passes through the narrow esophagus on the way out.

Some cats are more prone than others: long-haired breeds like Persians and Maine Coons, cats in heavy shedding seasons (often spring and fall), and cats that over-groom because of stress, boredom or itchy skin. Fewer loose hairs and a gut that keeps things moving are the two goals behind every tip below.

1. Brush Your Cat Regularly

This is the single most effective habit. Every hair you catch with a brush is a hair your cat won’t swallow. Short-haired cats usually do well with a few sessions a week; long-haired cats often need daily brushing, especially during shedding season. Keep sessions short and positive — a few minutes with treats is better than one long struggle. A deshedding tool or a slicker brush pulls out loose undercoat, while a soft rubber brush works well for sensitive cats. For a full rundown of tools, see our guide to cat grooming tools at home.

2. Try Grooming Gloves or Wipes for Brush-Shy Cats

Some cats simply won’t tolerate a brush. Grooming gloves with soft rubber tips let you remove loose hair while “petting” your cat, which many cats accept happily. Pet-safe grooming wipes can also pick up surface hair between brushing sessions. Start with a few strokes along the back — where most cats enjoy being touched — and slowly work toward the sides.

3. Consider a Hairball Control Food

Many cat food brands make hairball formulas. They typically contain extra fiber to help move swallowed hair through the gut, along with nutrients that support skin and coat health so your cat sheds less. They’re not magic, but they can help as part of an overall routine. Switch foods gradually over about a week by mixing the new food with the old, and check with your vet first if your cat has any health conditions or is on a special diet.

4. Keep Your Cat Well Hydrated

Good hydration helps keep the digestive system moving, which makes it easier for swallowed hair to pass the “normal” way. Many cats don’t drink much on their own, so adding wet food to the diet, using wide shallow bowls and placing water in several spots around the house all help. A cat water fountain is a favorite for many cats because moving water seems more appealing. Our guide on how to get your cat to drink more water has 8 easy ideas.

5. Offer Cat Grass

Many cats love nibbling on fresh greens. Cat grass — usually wheatgrass, oat or barley grass — is easy to grow on a windowsill and gives your cat a safe alternative to chewing houseplants, some of which are toxic to cats. Some owners find it helps their cats move hair along, though every cat is different. Just make sure any plant your cat can reach is cat-safe; lilies in particular are very dangerous to cats.

6. Ask Your Vet About Hairball Remedies

You’ll find hairball gels, pastes and treats in pet stores. They’re usually meant to help hair slide through the gut more easily. Because cats with frequent hairballs sometimes have an underlying problem, it’s best to talk to your vet before starting one — they can tell you whether a remedy makes sense for your cat and how to use it. Don’t give your cat human laxatives, oils or home remedies without your vet’s guidance.

7. Reduce Boredom and Stress

Cats that are bored or anxious may groom far more than they need to — which means more swallowed hair. Two short play sessions a day with a wand toy, a window perch for “cat TV,” puzzle feeders and a predictable routine all help. If you’ve recently moved, added a pet or changed your schedule, give your cat extra hiding spots and quiet time. Our list of indoor cat essentials covers easy ways to keep indoor cats busy and content.

8. Keep Up With Overall Coat Care

A healthy coat sheds less. A complete, balanced diet, regular flea prevention recommended by your vet (fleas make cats itchy and lead to over-grooming), and routine checkups all play a part. For long-haired cats that mat easily, a professional groomer’s “sanitary trim” or lion cut during heavy shedding season can make a big difference.

When to See a Vet

An occasional hairball is usually not a concern, but frequent hairballs or vomiting can be a sign of other problems such as digestive issues, skin conditions or allergies. Call your vet if your cat:

• Has hairballs or vomits often (for example, more than once or twice a month)
• Retches or gags repeatedly without bringing anything up
• Stops eating, seems lethargic or hides more than usual
• Is constipated, has diarrhea or a swollen or painful belly
• Is losing weight or over-grooming to the point of bald patches

Repeated unproductive retching, not eating and a tender belly can signal a blockage, which is an emergency — get your cat seen right away. Also note that coughing can look a lot like trying to bring up a hairball; if your cat crouches low and “hacks” often without producing anything, a vet should rule out breathing problems such as feline asthma.

Final Thoughts

You can’t stop a cat from grooming — and you wouldn’t want to — but you can reduce how much hair ends up in their stomach. Regular brushing does most of the work, while good hydration, the right food, a little cat grass and plenty of play help with the rest. Start with a few minutes of brushing a day, watch how often hairballs show up, and check in with your vet if they’re frequent or your cat seems unwell. Your rugs (and your cat) will thank you.

Related: Cat Grooming at Home: 7 Essential Tools Every Cat Owner Needs · How to Get Your Cat to Drink More Water