Hairballs or Health Problem? Knowing When to Worry

Being jolted awake at 3 a.m. by the sound of your cat hacking up a hairball is never fun. It's a noise known to every cat owner, but how much hacking is too much? When are hairballs just part of normal cat behavior—and when could they signal a health issue?

In this article, veterinarian Dr. Randy Hutchinson breaks it down, so you know what to look – and listen – for.

Is Hacking up a Hairball Healthy? What's Actually Normal?

Cats are fastidious groomers. As they lick their coats, tiny hook-like structures on their tongues catch loose fur—which they swallow. Most of that fur passes through the digestive tract without issue, but occasionally it clumps together and, ahem, comes back up the way it came.

An occasional hairball (every couple of weeks or so) is generally considered normal—especially in long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons. You may see cats crouch low, extend their necks, and produce a tubular wad of fur.

Unpleasant? Totally. Abnormal? Not necessarily.

"Most cats that have hair balls as their normal will produce them in a fairly predictable pattern," according to Randy Hutchison, DVM. "With hairballs, or any other medical symptom or behavior, when you notice changes in the typical pattern or frequency, you should contact your veterinarian."

When to Be Concerned

While occasional hairballs are common, the Cornell Feline Health Center says frequent hacking—especially if nothing comes up—could be a red flag. Here are some signs that it may be time to schedule a vet visit:

• Persistent coughing or gagging without producing a hairball
• Loss of appetite
• Lethargy
• Constipation or diarrhea
• Vomiting unrelated to hairballs
• Sudden change in grooming behavior, either more or less

It is also important to keep in mind:

• Consistency: Cats that normally make hairballs, should be producing them in a consistent pattern
• Symptoms: Pet parents shouldn't blame hairballs as the cause of other symptoms that are not producing hairballs
• Over grooming: This can be an indication of internal medical problems, not just stress or behavior

Hairballs that don't pass can lead to intestinal blockages—a serious and potentially life-threatening issue. If your cat is repeatedly retching without bringing anything up, it may be a sign of an obstruction. According to Dr. Hutchinson, prompt veterinary attention is recommended.

Excessive Hairballs: Common Causes

If your cat seems to be producing more hairballs than usual, several factors could be at play:

• Over-grooming: Often stress-related or behavioral
• Excessive shedding: Especially during seasonal coat changes
• Poor diet: Low fiber will prevent hair from moving through the digestive tract
• Underlying GI issues: Such as inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)

How to Help Your Cat

There are steps you can take to help your cat reduce hairballs at home:

Creating a good grooming routine for your cat is the first line of defense, when it comes to hairballs. Be on the lookout for any sudden changes in your cat's grooming or digestive habits, as this could be a sign of a bigger issue and should be checked by a veterinarian.

Better to Know Than Guess

Hairballs are a part of life for most cats—but they shouldn't be coming up constantly. If your cat is hacking more often, losing weight, or showing signs of distress, don't chalk it up to "just hairballs." A quick telehealth visit with a vet can help rule out more serious issues and get your cat back on track.

We're here to help, 7 days a week. Book a visit at VirtualVetDoc.com—because when your cat is struggling, it's better to know than guess.