Cat hairballs are a common issue that many pet owners face, especially those with long-haired breeds. While it might be normal to see an occasional hairball, frequent occurrences can signal a deeper problem and lead to discomfort or even health complications for your feline friend. Fortunately, there are several natural remedies for cat hairballs that can help reduce or prevent them altogether.

In this guide, we’ll cover how to naturally manage and start preventing hairballs before they become a bigger issue.

What Are Cat Hairballs?

Hairballs (technically called trichobezoars) form when your cat ingests loose hair while grooming. Most of this hair passes through the digestive tract and exits naturally, but some can stay in the stomach, clump together, and be vomited out in the form of a hairball.

Common signs of hairballs include:

Gagging or retching

Vomiting hair or clear fluid

Constipation or loss of appetite (in rare cases)

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

All cats groom themselves, but some are more prone to hairballs than others. These factors increase the likelihood of cat hairballs:

Long or thick coats (e.g., Persians, Maine Coons)

Excessive grooming or stress-related grooming

Seasonal shedding

Digestive issues that prevent hair from passing naturally

How to Help Your Cat with Hairballs Naturally

Luckily, you don’t have to rely on chemical-laden remedies or expensive treatments. Here are effective, natural remedies for cat hairballs that you can start using today.

1. Brush Your Cat Regularly

One of the easiest and most effective methods of preventing hairballs is brushing. Grooming your cat regularly reduces the amount of loose hair they swallow.

Short-haired cats: Brush 1–2 times a week

Long-haired cats: Brush daily, especially during shedding seasons

A slicker brush or de-shedding tool like the FURminator works wonders.

2. Add Fiber to Their Diet

Fiber helps move ingested hair through the digestive system more smoothly, reducing hairball formation.

Natural fiber sources:

Canned pumpkin (1 tsp mixed into food)

Psyllium husk (check with your vet for proper dosage)

Cat grass (helps digestion and reduces hairballs)

3. Hydration is Key

Water helps maintain healthy digestion. Cats that eat only dry food may be slightly dehydrated, which can contribute to hairball problems.

Tips to keep your cat hydrated:

Add wet food to their meals

Use a cat water fountain to encourage drinking

Keep multiple water bowls around the house

4. Use Natural Lubricants

Certain foods or oils can help hair pass through your cat’s digestive system.

Safe natural lubricants:

Olive oil: Add ½ tsp to food once or twice a week

Fish oil: A healthy fat that also supports skin and coat health

Coconut oil: A spoonful weekly can help ease hair passage

Avoid petroleum-based products unless prescribed by a vet.

5. Offer Hairball Control Treats (Natural)

Many pet stores now offer natural hairball control treats made with herbal or fiber-rich ingredients. Look for treats with:

Psyllium

Slippery elm

Papaya enzymes

These support digestion and help reduce the chances of hairballs.

6. Minimize Stress & Over-Grooming

Stress can cause a cat to over-groom, swallowing more fur than usual. Make sure your cat has:

Enrichment toys

Plenty of playtime

Quiet and comfortable resting areas

Sometimes, a pheromone diffuser can help calm an anxious cat.

When to See a Vet

While an occasional hairball is normal, contact your vet if:

Your cat is vomiting frequently

They appear constipated or lethargic

Hairballs are more frequent than once a week

You see signs of blockage or abdominal discomfort

A blockage caused by a hairball can be life-threatening if not addressed.

Final Thoughts

Cat hairballs may be common, but they don’t have to be a regular part of your cat’s life. With a proactive, natural approach that includes grooming, diet changes, hydration, and stress reduction, you can make a big difference in your cat’s comfort and well-being.

By Biakwe before they form and using safe natural remedies for cat hairballs, you'll keep your feline friend healthy, happy, and hairball-free!

Tags: cat hairballs, preventing hairballs, natural remedies for cat hairballs, feline grooming, cat digestive health