Hairballs in cats

Hairballs in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Reviewed by Dr. Deborah Brown
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Overview

Symptoms

Risk

Diagnosis

Vet treatment

How to help at home

Prevention

Recommended products

When to worry

Share this article
Hairballs in cats

Hairballs in cats

By
✔ MRCVS
GPCert(ExAP)
DVM
Reviewed by Dr. Deborah Brown
✔ MRCVS
BSc
BVM&S
FHEA
Updated October 16, 2025
4 min read

Hairballs are a common problem in cats. Passing hairballs 2-3 times a year may be normal, but if it happens more frequently it is not. All adult cats, except for hairless breeds, can get hairballs.

Hairballs can also be called furballs and trichobezoars. They can be so common in cats that they're almost considered normal. Cats bring them up when hair accumulates in their stomach. Hairballs are easy to manage when they happen occasionally. But frequent hairballs may signal an underlying health problem.

Causes of hairballs in cats >Causes of hairballs in cats [Overview

Symptoms of hairballs in cats >Symptoms of hairballs in cats [Symptoms

Cats at a higher risk of having problems with hairballs >Cats at a higher risk of having problems with hairballs [Risk

Diagnosing hairballs in cats >Diagnosing hairballs in cats [Diagnosis

Vet treatment for hairballs in cats >Vet treatment for hairballs in cats [Vet treatment

How to look after a cat who suffers from hairballs at home >How to look after a cat who suffers from hairballs at home [How to help at home

Tips to help prevent hairballs in cats >Tips to help prevent hairballs in cats [Prevention

Recommended products

Vet's Favourite
Laxapet Dog and Cat
50g Tube
£10.37
Hot Seller
YuMOVE® Skin & Coat Care Moulting for All Cats
50ml
£14.16
£13.45 with Repeat £13.45 with Repeat & Save
Out Of Stock
Hill's Science Plan Adult Hairball and Indoor Cat Food Chicken
1.5kg - 10kg
£17.13 - £75.23
£16.27 with Repeat £16.27 with Repeat & Save

When you should be worried about your cat and hairballs >When you should be worried about your cat and hairballs [When to worry

Explore our vet recommended products
Shop Now

Share this article

Similar Articles

Pain in cats
Symptoms

Pain in cats

Learn how to recognise subtle signs of pain in cats, understand common causes, and know when to seek care to improve comfort and wellbeing.
Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
August 28, 2023 6 min read
Itchy cats
Symptoms

Itchy cats

Discover common causes of cat itching, from allergies to parasites, and find practical vet and home care tips to help your itchy cat feel better.
Dr. Jennifer Macindoe
May 22, 2025 8 min read
Gagging in cats
Symptoms

Gagging in cats

Learn why cats gag, how to recognise warning signs, and when to seek vet care to protect your cat’s health and prevent serious complications.
Dr. Carolina Paz
June 23, 2023 3 min read
Vomiting in cats
Symptoms

Vomiting in cats

Learn why cats vomit, how to manage mild cases at home, recognise serious symptoms, and when to seek veterinary care to keep your cat safe and healthy.
Dr. Marta Chapman
November 19, 2024 5 min read
Constipation in cats
Symptoms

Constipation in cats

Discover how to recognize, prevent, and treat constipation in cats. Learn key signs, home treatment options, and when to seek veterinary care.
Dr. Valter Carlos
June 21, 2023 4 min read
Diarrhoea in cats
Symptoms

Diarrhoea in cats

Learn how to recognise causes and symptoms of diarrhoea in cats, get practical home care tips, and know when to seek veterinary help.
Dr. Marta Chapman
June 21, 2023 5 min read
Pancreatitis in cats
Health Conditions

Pancreatitis in cats

Learn how to spot pancreatitis in cats, understand causes, symptoms, and treatment options, and help your cat recover safely and comfortably.
Dr. Deborah Brown
May 18, 2023 6 min read
Inhaler toxicity in cats
Poisons in Pets

Inhaler toxicity in cats

Cat chewed an inhaler? This is a veterinary emergency. Learn the signs of salbutamol poisoning such as a racing heart and shaking, and why you must act now for urgent treatment.
Dr. Deborah Brown
February 24, 2026 4 min read
Recreational drug poisoning in cats
Poisons in Pets

Recreational drug poisoning in cats

Learn how to recognise different types of recreational drug poisoning in cats, key symptoms to watch for, and when to seek urgent veterinary care to protect your pet.
Dr. Valter Carlos
April 02, 2026 7 min read
Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats
Health Conditions

Hypertrophic Cardiomyopathy in Cats

Learn how to recognise hypertrophic cardiomyopathy in cats, from early signs to diagnosis. Discover what to expect and what to do to protect your cat’s heart health.
Dr. Valter Carlos
March 24, 2026 9 min read
Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition
Behaviour & Training

Introducing a New Cat: Expert Tips for a Smooth Transition

Learn how to safely introduce a new cat to your home with practical, vet-approved tips on settling in, reducing stress, and helping cats adjust to new environments and other pets.
Dr. Ella Preston
April 23, 2026 7 min read
Caffeine Poisoning in Cats
Poisons in Pets

Caffeine Poisoning in Cats

Discover the dangers of caffeine poisoning in cats, including symptoms, treatment options, and how to prevent accidental exposure at home.
Dr. Deborah Brown
April 22, 2026 4 min read