The Danger of Hairballs

Hairballs happen when your cat swallows some of the hair removed during grooming.

Hairballs happen when your cat swallows some of the hair removed during grooming.

All cat owners can attest to the horror of being woken up at 3 AM to your cat retching up a hairball on your bed. Although annoying, most hairballs are harmless expulsions of swallowed hair from grooming. In rare cases, though, hairballs can cause discomfort and blockages that might require surgery.

Hairball 101

Hairballs happen when your cat swallows some of the hair removed during grooming. Hair is made of keratin, which is indigestible. In most cases, the hair travels into the stomach, through the intestines, and makes its way out of your cat with the rest of its bowel movement. When that doesn’t happen, hair can build up in the stomach and is then vomited as a hairball.

It’s normal for your cat to have the occasional hairball, but excessive hairballs may indicate overgrooming. Overgrooming can be caused by anxiety, boredom, or medical issues such as allergies. It’s best to seek veterinary advice if you notice your cat excessively grooming themselves or if they have hairballs often.

Signs of Blockages

When hair accumulates in the stomach and isn’t expelled quickly, it can begin to grow in size. This is when hairballs turn from messy nuisances to dangerous. If the hairball becomes too large to pass through the intestines or esophagus safely, it can become a blockage. Cats are experts at hiding signs that something is wrong. If you notice any symptoms in your cat it’s vital to seek medical help from your veterinarian right away because untreated blockages can be fatal.

Signs of a blockage may include:

  • Lethargy

  • Refusal to eat or drink for 24 hours

  • Repeated unproductive retching

  • Diarrhea

  • Constipation

  • Tenderness or pain in the abdomen

Preventing Hairballs

There are a few steps you can take to reduce the number of hairballs your cat produces. Regular grooming and brushing help prevent a buildup of loose, dead hairs that your cat would eventually groom away.

Providing adequate enrichment for your cat can help prevent boredom-induced grooming. Interactive toys, catnip, and climbing/scratching posts provide stimulation and enjoyment for your cat while you’re away or asleep.

If your cat suffers from anxiety or allergies, talking to your vet is recommended. Your vet might also recommend food specifically for hairball-prone kitties. Even if you suspect a blockage, it's important to talk to your vet before administering any medications or laxatives.

Common Cat DiseasesElyse KentComment