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Cat hairballs – if you’ve ever lived with a cat, chances are that at one time or another you’ve come across (or even stepped on) one of these gooey, tubular masses of grossness. Needless to say, we’d much rather spend our time cuddling with our kitties than cleaning their hairballs off of our floors or feet.
So what do you do if you have a cat with a hairball? Thankfully, there are ways to prevent these paws-itively yucky gobs of fur from happening!
What Causes Cat Hairballs?
Cats are meticulous groomers, and they use their tongues to get the job done. Cat parents who have enjoyed the occasional affectionate tongue bath from their kitties will be familiar with the rough texture of our furry friends’ tongues. That’s because their tongues are actually covered by tiny barbs which are perfect for removing dirt and other debris from their coats. They’re also perfect for grabbing excess fur, which they then swallow.
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Much of the time, this fur can pass through the stomach and intestines and come out the other end with no trouble. However, when a large amount of fur becomes trapped in kitty’s stomach, it gets regurgitated back up in the form of a hairball, or a cat furball.
What can you do if your cat is getting hairballs?
Natural Remedies for Hairballs in Cats
Thankfully, hairballs are not usually a sign of a serious problem. However, if you’ve ever watched a cat in the process of coughing one up, you’ve probably noticed that it isn’t a pleasant experience for them. Not that we particularly enjoy the cleanup, either! You’ll be happy to know that there are a few easy and natural remedies for cat hairballs.
Remedy #1: Brushing
While some cats just love being brushed, others may not be quite so enthusiastic. Introducing grooming time gradually may help them to adjust with as little pain (for cat or cat parent!) as possible. Starting with one or two strokes with a grooming glove
You can gradually increase the time spent brushing as your kitty learns to tolerate, and hopefully enjoy, this quality time spent together. Brushing doesn’t have to be a long, drawn-out process. Just a few minutes each day is usually enough for long-haired cats, and short-haired cats may only need to be brushed a few times each week.
Remedy #2: Fiber
We know that humans need to take in enough fiber in our diets, but did you know it’s important for our kitties too? Increasing the fiber in your cat’s diet can help the fur that she swallows to keep moving through her digestive tract instead of being vomited back up.
Remedy #3: Natural Lubricative
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. Tomlyn Hairball remedy is a lubricant that comes as either a gel
Remedy #4: Hydration
If a cat’s diet isn’t providing enough moisture, her digestive tract is working harder than it should, which may make her hairball problem worse.
Drinking water is important, but your cat can also get hydration from her food. A cat who eats a diet composed of mainly dry kibble may not be getting the moisture that she needs. Gradually introducing canned food will increase her water intake. Thus, it will help her digestive tract to move all that hair and debris through instead of sending it back up where it came from.
While most hairballs are harmless, there are a few danger signs that we want to be on the lookout for. A kitty who is dry heaving or vomiting undigested food, stops passing stool, has abdominal swelling, or loss of appetite needs to see a veterinarian right away.
In most situations, however, trying these natural remedies can make a big difference. Our cats (and our floors) will thank us for making hairballs a thing of the past!
How to Check Your Cat’s Vital Signs
I leave a small bowl of Coconut Oil out for my cats to eat as they please, and they do. The oil is the good lubricant to cause the furballs to slide right on through if you get my drift. It also gives them a nice shiny coat. They all seem to like the taste just fine. Butter also does the same job if your cat likes it. And, yes, many pet stores sell tubes of a meat-flavored lubricant specifically meant for hairballs. They work well.
What a great idea Betty! Coconut oil! I have some in my pantry and I’m going to give it a try! Thanks for sharing:)
I am so excited to try this! Thanks for the idea. I have some in my cupboard, too!
Let me know if you try it Susan! I may write about it if you and I have good results! LOL.
My cat doesn’t like Coconut oil, but he loves tortillas and tomatoes (GO FIGURE!). So we smear some Coconut oil on his paws and he is compelled to lick it off.
Hairballs are VILE, I’d change 100 diapers to avoid one hairball event. Thanx for the ideas.
My cat cant grownup hairballs but has them regularly. It is so hard because she wont eat any of the hairball stuff. I am going to try coconut oil and I will try anything. I’ve had her to the vet because I thought she was sick, nope just hairballs…
Any suggestions are helpful.
Leanne,
I applaud you for taking her to the vet! Hairballs are somewhat normal in cats, but should NOT happen often! There could be a GI issue or your cat could be grooming excessively which could be a symptom of another medical issue.
Glad to hear she’s healthy with the occasional hairball!
Kristen
You can try Vetasyl, a product from Virbac. It contains fiber. Just open the capsule & mix in with canned food. This has helped my fur babies.
No one has mentioned this, but living in the south hairballs are often first sign our baby has fleas. We give her a flea pill monthly pretty much year round. We may see two hairballs a year now. We also use a sticky lint roller frequently during her heavy shedding periods. Helps a lot.
Ha ha! Good idea to put it on the paws!
LOL!…..100 diapers huh?
My black cat will throw up hair and water. IRS not in a mat. He does it about once every two weeks
Thanks my cat wasn’t responding to gel but tried the coconut oil
How much coconut oil to offer or give kitty?
Hi Lynn,
I would recommend checking with your vet before giving your cat any coconut oil! They can help you best determine if this natural solution is safe for your cat and how much to use!
Thanks!
Kristen
my cat loves butter and the coconut oil sounds like a great idea. Thanks. Judy
Thank you for that idea. My cat’s love coconut oil. We have 2 kitten Siamese. A blue point male and seal point female. The female baby who is 5 months knocked candle wax on herself and we used coconut oil to get it off and she just loves it. So how much should I leave out for them? Is there a such thing as too much?
Angela
Hi Angela,
I wouldn’t put out too much for her, especially if she is having it daily. Before adding something like this to her diet, I would consult your veterinarian! They can help guide you. It would definitely depend on her weight as well, and some cats are even sensitive to it, so it’s best to monitor how much you give them since every cat is different. Here is a good article on the topic that I trust! https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/coconut-oil-cats-it-good-idea
Hope this helps!
Kristen
Do you mix it with food or alone in a bowl?
Hi Gerry,
When adding something new to your pet’s diet, it’s best to ask your vet first! Then, let them try a little on its own so you can observe how they respond to the new food. Then, you might want to mix it in with the rest of their food! Hope this helps.
Kristen
I used coconut oil on my cat’s flea bites n he gets sick a few days later from licking it. Perhaps it’s too much at one time?
Hi Kat,
If he is getting sick, I would not use it on him. He could have an allergy to it. I would also make sure to call your vet and explain his symptoms.
If you are looking for safer alternatives, I highly recommend Vetericyn Antimicrobial Wound Spray. This can help prevent itchiness from bites and it promotes healing, plus it is safe when digested. You can get it here: https://petco.9zpg.net/jxjve
Kristen
qUESTION IS i HAVE A 20 YEAR OLD CAT – HE DOESN’T LIKE BATHS EVER. BUT HE SLEEPS ALOT NOW AND THERE ARE BUNDLES OF FUR CLUMPED TOGETHER. wHAT CAN i USE TO SEPARATE OR CUT AWAY MUST BE UNCONFORTABLE TO BE LYING ON THESE? CORINNE QUINLAN
Hi Corinne,
Wow, your cat is 20? That’s incredible! Older cats have a hard time bathing themselves and grooming their fur because they develop arthritis that makes it hard to reach areas of their body. Also, if he’s overweight, that also makes it harder to groom himself.
For those clumped bundles of fur, I would do a couple of things. First, if you are able to cut the bulk of them away without harming him, do that. If you are worried you might clip his skin, you can take him to a professional groomer or the vet’s office to have this done safely.
Also, brush your cat gently daily to smooth and detangle fur. Use a soft bristled brush or special cat brush. I also like these grooming gloves because you can groom hi while you pet him!
Hope this is helpful!
It’s best to have this done by your vet. The longer those mats have existed, the more likely they are to be stretching the skin. Cutting them can lead to the skin splitting. (Speaking from experience; this happened to my older kitty.)
Excellent point Monica. I agree. Much better to be safe than sorry.
Kristen
be sure to moisturize after the haircut with something chemical-free.
the skin is so tender and a drop of alcohol on it will hurt and burn them.
keep it up a few times a week for a few weeks til the regular fur evens out.
TRY THIS: I use my hair pick and work it underneath the “ball” before I start cutting with scissors. No fear of accidentally hurting my ole “Mac”. Sometimes he wanders off with the pick still stuck in his fur, but….oh well.
For bathing and grooming, place cheesecloth (I use gauze bandage cut into squares); press cloth into the teeth of comb or brush bristles; spray CLOTH with water…..and groom away! .Keeping cloth wet helps keep fur from flying; replace gauze often. FAST AND EASY CLEAN UP! EVERYONE IS HAPPY! I know….I’m a genious!
Hi I find a Remington MENS groomer with the attachments is fantastic, about $40 at target or big w charges through power than lasts around 4 hours, not very loud and allows you to trim of large knots with ease .
My rag doll gets knots under her legs and this has been an amazing help.
It’s also fantastic to trim and shave the bum area of your cat, makes it much less messy when they use the toilet. Good luck with your beautiful old kitty.
I am at my wits end..My cat is turning 12 in a few days. He has a big hairball issue to the point where he got very sick a year ago. He was not passing the hair, and my vet put him on Metoclopramide generic for Reglan to try and increase the motility in his intestinal tract. I use to use a hairball remedy that was petroleum based, which I hated. The Vet has said that all oils are absorbed through the intestinal tract with the exception of Vaseline and will not work for hairballs. I have used the Vaseline for a few months about 1/8 tsp. I am nervous to keep using this, I’m sure it interfere’s with nutrient absorption, and I space it out between meals. My vet is telling me that other oils WILL NOT WORK. Someone please help!! I don’t know what to do. I don’t like giving him this Metoclopraminde, it has side effects long term. I am a professional Pet Sitter, and see this a lot with clients, they all use a petroleum based remedy.
Vaseline is a carcinogen. Oil based. Not good fir cars or people.
Hi Mary,
Thanks for writing! I’ve heard that Tomlyn Laxatone is a very good product. It’s a tuna Flavor Gel Cat Supplement is a smooth easy-to-use gel for the prevention and removal of hairballs in cats and kittens. Here’s a link to it if you wish to try it: https://amzn.to/3d3bdJN
Also, I’ve heard others us coconut oil — the kind in a jar. Here’s a link to the one I’m going to try: https://amzn.to/2MXH6J4
I hope this is helpful. Let me know if you try either of these and like them!
Kristen
That Tomlyn product contains petrolatum.
My vet just recommended a product that does not contain any petroleum products, but it contains dextrose, fructose, and hydrogenated vegetable oil, and costs close to $36 for a 4.25 oz tube. Sheesh!
Yikes, that is pricy. Did you ask your vet about the coconut oil?
I have a long haired cat and barfs hairballs regularly. What is the name of the product you use? I would like to try it? Thanks.
Hi Wendy,
I use the Tomlyn hairball remedy here: https://amzn.to/3l8KpNd and if you are looking for a more natural solution, try pumpkin! https://amzn.to/2QfPsgQ
Tomlyn has a natural product that does not contain petroleum!
Please please please tell me the name of the type that is not a petroleum based Tomlyn hairball remedy. I used to buy a paste my cat loved but can’t recall the name or find it anywhere.
You can try marshmallow root or slippery elm in the water or added to the food after hydrating it. Marshmallow root is also healing and can help heal any damage caused to the digestive tract. It is very gentle medicine. I use it for myself. I buy it as a dried herb from my local tea shop, but you can also buy it online as loose herbs or in tea bags.
Many people are recommending coconut oil, but I would watch, because it can get bacteria. I have had many cats and put a wee bit of vaseline on front legs of kitty if throwing up problem, only needed once in a long while. Never hurt my cats. None had cancer, so don’t worry. But try other things of course and a different vet if needed. I change drs if I need to. Some good ideas on here. Good luck.
Joan,
Yes it is important to always check with your vet before trying something new!
Kristen
If your cat already has a hair all that he can’t pass what can I do at home can’t afford a vet
Our vet put our cat, who has trouble passing hairballs and vomits frequently, on Miralax (we use the generic), 1 tsp, 3 times a day initially. We are down to 1/2 tsp, 3 times a day now. The vet said that our cat will probably be on this for the rest of her life unless we can find something that works better. ☹️
Interesting, do you dissolve the Miralax in water as if a human were taking it or sprinkle it on the cats’ food and hope it drinks enough water?
We have ‘sisters’, 1 long hair, one short. The short hair has always groomed the long hair, so we never know, unless we see it happening, which one threw up the hairball. We’ve already tried 2 separate things from the vet…. a powder and them lastly, a paste for their paws. They’ve been on ‘hairball control’ food for 4 to 5 months, but thats doesn’t seem to make a difference. Brushing and vacuuming them a couple of weeks ago helped for a little while. And together, they’ve about finished a medium bottle of olive oil that I’ve been putting either on their food or beside their food in their bowls daily in hopes that would help the hair pass through. I believe i will try canned pumpkin next. The vet said mineral oil but we’ve not tried it yet. Good luck to all.
Lugenia,
I am sorry to hear that your cats struggle with hairballs! I have had a lot of success with the Tomlyn hairball control paste https://amzn.to/3ldWMa0 I am not sure what brand your doctor has recommended to you, but cats typically like the flavor of this one so it’s almost like you’re giving them a “treat”! I hope you can find some relief for them. It can take time to see results!
Good luck and keep me posted!
Kristen
How much coconut oil and do you give it daily thanks
Hi Karen,
Check with your vet to best determine how much you should give your cat!
https://petcentral.chewy.com/coconut-oil-for-cats/
Thanks,
Kristen
Meant to stress in previous post to use lint roller on kitty. Ours live it and it helps a lot. That with flea pill has made life so much easier.
Our cat was not well – not drinking, not eating much, hair staring. I saw last week she had tried to bring up a hairball (grass & mucus on the floor) but failed. She eats wet cat food, and I started adding some mashed butternut squash to her food. I didn’t think she would like it, but is now eating everything with gusto! So, its worth a try. I may also try the coconut oil, but will have a few weeks of butternut squash before that.
Jeremy,
Wow! I am glad that you found success with the squash method. It is always a good idea to check in with your vet if you notice your kitty isn’t able to eat or keep their food down. Thanks for reading!
Kristen
PLEASE SOMEONE LET US KNOW THE AMOUNT OF COCONUT OIL TO TRY FOR THE HAIRBALLS!!!
Hi Pamela,
It is best to check with your vet to determine how much coconut oil you should give your cat! This resource may be helpful: https://petcentral.chewy.com/coconut-oil-for-cats/
Kristen
My cat has been throwing up hairballs at least every other day. She is an excessive groomer, and I have noticed a cycle with the vomiting spells. It seems like this happens when the seasons change. It is starting to get cold out, which tells me she is changing her coat and grooming more. Could this be the cause? I feed her the Iams hairball control and she still throws them up a bunch. Also, has anyone ever tried mayonnaise on their paws? My mom always swore by it. I am going to try a few remedies suggested here, then I’ll take her to the vet if nothing else helps. I live in an area that has quickly rising COVID cases, so it’s hard to get into the vets office.
Hi Kendra,
That is such a difficult issue! Does she seem to have problems passing the hairballs causing her to throw up a lot? Typically when your cat passes a hairball, that should be the only thing that comes up. Is she throwing up her food too? I would definitely recommend you take her to the vet. Some cats are more prone to hairballs, especially if their fur is long! Excessive grooming sounds like the cause for your sweet kitty.
I really like the Tomlyn hairball remedy gel. You put it on her paw and she can lick it off. Plus, cats typically like the flavor so it is easy to administer! https://amzn.to/33m6T6C I think she might be less likely to throw that up over the food.
I hope this helps! If you can get her into the vet soon, that would be my first recommendation!
Kristen
Hi, my cat had this issue also when he was 2 they actually did an exploratory operation on him and then said it was possibly gas or a block from hairball that passed before the surgery. He’s now 17💓 we use hairball food and I also cook him chicken and mix in other veggies and save all the broth to mix in his food also. It really helps. I give him little fish like anchovies or sardines in oil also. He still struggles if he’s off of the hairball food for a long time and with every change of season. Also, make sure he has access to green like cat grass or spinach. They need to be able to eat those and yes do throw up but keeps their belly happy . Good luck ! I am going to try some more coconut oil after reading these posts thanks everyone and thank you for your question
Glad you found a solution, Erin!
Kristen
please help my cat wont eat and its giving me sleepless night PLZ HELP, if anyone has a remedy email ericmapuyakagmail.com am from kenya little vet services
Hi Eric,
I am so sorry to hear your cat won’t eat! This is definitely a concern I would discuss with your vet. Not eating can cause other health issues and you want her to stay healthy! Has she had any recent changes in her life? That could cause anxiety and cause her to not eat. Try giving her wet food if you haven’t already. Wet food has a very strong scent that can cause her to want to eat it. Definitely talk with your vet and let me know if you find any solutions!
Kristen