If you’ve ever stepped on a warm, squishy pile of regurgitated fur at 3 a.m., congratulations—you’re officially a cat parent. Hairballs are often dismissed as “just a cat thing,” but is that really the whole story?
Cats are meticulous groomers. Their tongues are covered in tiny, hook-like structures called papillae that help them clean themselves. In the process, they inevitably swallow loose fur. Most of that fur passes through the digestive tract without a hitch. But when it doesn’t? That’s when you get the dreaded hairball.
How Often Is Too Often?
An occasional hairball—say, once a month—is generally nothing to worry about. However, if your cat is coughing up hairballs weekly or more, something could be off. Frequent hairballs can signal excessive grooming, dietary issues, or underlying health concerns.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, we often see cats who develop chronic hairball problems that were initially brushed off as “normal.” In many cases, it’s the frequency and accompanying symptoms that tell us it’s time to investigate further.
Hidden Culprits Behind Frequent Hairballs
So what causes a cat to groom themselves to the point of trouble?
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Skin irritation or allergies: If your cat’s skin is itchy or inflamed, they may lick excessively, ingesting more fur than usual.
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Parasites like fleas or mites: These critters often go unnoticed but can lead to excessive grooming behavior.
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Stress or boredom: Yes, cats can develop compulsive grooming habits when anxious.
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Poor diet: Low-fiber or nutrient-deficient diets can slow down digestion, making it harder for fur to pass through the system naturally.
These are the types of issues we carefully evaluate at Norgate Animal Hospital during an exam. Often, what looks like a simple hairball issue can lead us to a bigger picture of your cat’s health.
Signs It’s Time To Book A Vet Visit
Hairballs may be common, but they’re not always harmless. You should definitely call your vet if you notice:
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Persistent gagging, retching, or dry heaving with no hairball produced
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Vomiting food or bile regularly
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Lethargy, loss of appetite, or constipation
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Frequent coughing (sometimes confused with hairballs but could indicate asthma)
In some rare cases, a hairball can become lodged in the intestines, causing a dangerous blockage. This is a medical emergency, and early detection is critical.
How To Help Your Cat Hack Fewer Hairballs
There’s a lot you can do at home to minimize hairballs and keep your cat feeling their best:
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Brush frequently: Especially during shedding season. Long-haired breeds like Persians or Maine Coons benefit from daily brushing.
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Try a hairball-control diet: Some cat foods are formulated with higher fiber to help fur pass through more easily.
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Offer hydration support: Wet food and clean water help keep digestion smooth.
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Add digestive support: Products like hairball gels or fiber supplements can aid natural elimination.
We’re happy to walk you through the best products and grooming routines tailored to your cat’s breed and lifestyle during a wellness visit at Norgate Animal Hospital.
When In Doubt, Check It Out
It’s easy to overlook hairballs as just another quirky cat thing—but they can sometimes signal something more serious. If your cat’s hairballs seem frequent, come with other symptoms, or just don’t sit right with you, trust your gut and talk to a vet.
At Norgate Animal Hospital, our experienced team is here to help you figure out what’s normal, what’s not, and how to keep your cat comfortable, happy, and hairball-free. Give us a call if you’re concerned or just want to ask questions—we’re here for that, too.
To schedule a visit or chat with our team, call us at 604-980-2222.
