Hairballs in Long-Haired Cats: Prevention and When to Call a Vet

Why long-haired cats get more hairballs, how daily combing helps, what to ask your vet about hairball diets and gels, and the warning signs that cannot wait.

By Long-Haired Cats editorial teamUpdated October 4, 20263 min readHow we research

We earn from qualifying purchases through links on this page. How we make money.

Long-haired cats get more hairballs because they swallow more loose hair while grooming. Cornell’s Feline Health Center says long-haired breeds such as Persians are at greater risk, especially in shedding season. Daily brushing and combing is the first step. Ask your vet before trying hairball diets or laxatives, and call promptly if warning signs appear.

A hairball forms when hair a cat swallows while grooming collects in the stomach instead of passing through. Most of the time the cat brings it up. Occasionally hair can cause a blockage, which is why the warning signs below matter.

Why long coats raise the risk

Cornell’s Feline Health Center puts it directly: long-haired breeds, such as Persians and Maine Coons, are at significantly greater risk of hairballs than short-haired breeds. Two things make it worse:

Shedding season. Cornell notes hairballs are more frequent in the seasons when cats shed their coats. VCA adds that long-haired breeds shed seasonally, losing an old coat for a new one.
Overgrooming. A cat that grooms more than usual swallows more hair. VCA mentions excessive grooming, especially with allergies or skin disease, as a cause. That is a reason to see the vet in itself.

Brushing is the first step

A fluffy calico cat being brushed on a sofa

Every hair you comb out is one the cat does not swallow. Cornell recommends getting into the habit of brushing and combing your cat daily. VCA agrees: daily brushing reduces the hair a cat swallows while grooming, and with it the number of hairballs.

For a long coat, use a wide-toothed metal comb that reaches the skin, then a slicker brush to lift loose topcoat. In shedding season, a deshedding tool on a mat-free coat removes loose undercoat faster. Short daily sessions beat a long weekly one: the hair comes out before the cat has a chance to swallow it, and the cat learns to accept the comb.

Slicker brushes to catch loose hair

Shop slicker brushes

Opens eBay in a new tab. Check condition, seller feedback and returns.

See brushes and combs and deshedding tools for how to use each tool.

Hairball diets, fiber and gels: ask your vet first

The two veterinary sources weigh these products a little differently, so it is worth knowing both:

Source	What it says
VCA	Fiber helps move swallowed hair through the gut. Hairball-control foods and treats often contain fiber or lubricants that help hair pass. A veterinarian may prescribe medication for severe cases.
Cornell	Never give a cat a laxative without the approval and supervision of a veterinarian, and the same applies to commercial diets that claim to prevent or relieve a hairball obstruction.

Our reading of both: brush first, and talk to your vet before changing your cat’s food or giving a hairball gel, especially if the cat has other health problems. Your vet can also rule out other causes of vomiting that look like hairball trouble.

Warning signs that need a vet now

Safety

Cornell’s Feline Health Center says a cat that is lethargic, refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or has had repeated episodes of unproductive retching or true vomiting should be examined by a veterinarian without delay. A hairball can block the intestine.

Also call your vet if hairballs become frequent, if the cat seems uncomfortable, or if you notice weight loss. VCA notes that in severe cases, a veterinarian may prescribe medication or look for an underlying health issue.

Hairballs and the rest of the routine

Hairballs are part of the bigger shedding picture. See why long-haired cats shed so much for a seasonal routine, and cat hair at home for the hair that ends up on the furniture. Daily combing, the habit that prevents hairballs, is laid out in the grooming routine.

Frequently asked questions

Why does my long-haired cat get so many hairballs?

A long coat means more loose hair to swallow during self-grooming. Cornell's Feline Health Center says long-haired breeds such as Persians and Maine Coons are at greater risk than short-haired breeds, and that hairballs are more frequent in the seasons when cats shed.

What is the best hairball remedy for a long-haired cat?

Daily brushing and combing comes first; both Cornell and VCA recommend it, because hair you remove is hair the cat does not swallow. Hairball diets and lubricant gels exist, but Cornell advises using a laxative or a diet that claims to prevent obstruction only with your vet's approval.

When should I worry about my cat's hairballs?

Cornell says a cat that is lethargic, refuses to eat for more than a day or two, or has repeated bouts of unproductive retching or vomiting should be seen by a veterinarian without delay. Hairballs can block the intestine, which is an emergency.

Is it normal for a cat to throw up hairballs?

An occasional hairball is common in long-haired cats, but frequent vomiting is not something to treat at home. VCA notes that when hairballs cause recurrent vomiting, a veterinarian may need to treat the signs or look for an underlying problem.

Sources

The Danger of HairballsCornell Feline Health Center
A Hairy DilemmaCornell Feline Health Center
Hairball remedies for catsVCA Animal Hospitals
Grooming and Coat Care for Your CatVCA Animal Hospitals

Filed under SheddingStart with Why Is My Long-Haired Cat Shedding So Much? Seasons and Fixes

Keep reading

SheddingStart here