There it is again, that unmistakable sound echoing from the hallway at 3am. Every cat parent has been there: racing to find the source before it hits the carpet, armed with paper towels and that weary acceptance that this is just life with cats.
But what if those occasional (or not-so-occasional) hairballs are actually your cat's way of communicating something important about their health? While we tend to see them as messy inconveniences, hairballs can offer valuable insights into your cat's digestive wellness and overall comfort.
What exactly is a hairball?
When cats groom themselves (which they do for hours each day!), they swallow loose fur with their rough tongues. Most of this hair passes through their digestive system without any problems. But sometimes, it builds up in the stomach and forms a clump that can only come back up the way it went in.
The technical name is trichobezoar, but let's stick with hairball as it's much easier to say and we all know what we're talking about!
When hairballs are normal—and when they're not
A hairball here and there is completely normal. Most healthy cats will produce one every few weeks or so, and it should look like a sausage-shaped clump of matted fur.
But if you're noticing any of these patterns, it might be time to pay closer attention and consult your vet:
Too frequent: If your cat is bringing up hairballs more than once a week, their digestive system might not be moving things along as efficiently as it should.
Other symptoms showing up: Hairballs that come with loss of appetite, vomiting food or bile, constipation, or your cat seeming generally unwell could signal digestive issues or underlying inflammation.
Excessive grooming: Cats that lick themselves constantly, creating bald spots or irritated skin, might be dealing with stress, skin problems, or nutritional issues.
Coat changes: A dull, dry coat or excessive shedding often points to internal health issues that can make hairball problems worse.
The connection between gut health and coat condition
Here's something that might surprise you – recent studies show that your cat's digestive health directly influences their coat quality and grooming behaviour. When their gut is functioning optimally, nutrients are absorbed efficiently, resulting in a healthy, lustrous coat that sheds less and requires less intensive grooming. Conversely, when digestive function is compromised, it often manifests as coat problems: dullness, excessive shedding, or skin irritation. This creates a frustrating cycle where poor internal health leads to increased grooming and shedding, resulting in more frequent hairballs. Under these circumstances it is advisable to consult your vet.
Simple ways to help your cat
The good news is that there are plenty of gentle, natural ways to support your cat before hairball problems arise:
Daily brushing: This is probably the most effective thing you can do. Regular grooming removes loose fur before your cat can swallow it during their own grooming sessions. It's especially important for long-haired breeds.
Keep them hydrated: Fresh water should always be available, and wet food can really help. Good hydration helps move ingested fur through the digestive tract more easily. Some cats prefer drinking fountains or having a bit of water added to their dry food.
Quality nutrition: A balanced diet with digestible proteins and healthy fats supports both skin health and digestion. Look for foods with appropriate fibre content, this helps bind ingested fur and move it through the intestines more efficiently.
Get them moving: Regular play sessions and exercise promote healthy digestion and gut motility. Even indoor cats benefit from daily activity that keeps their digestive system functioning optimally.
Manage stress: Since stress can trigger excessive grooming and disrupt digestive function, maintaining a calm, predictable environment supports your cat's overall wellbeing.
Natural additions: Small amounts of plain pumpkin can provide helpful fibre. Some cats also benefit from omega-3 fatty acids, which support skin and coat health.
Building a proactive routine with targeted support
Rather than waiting for hairball problems to arise, many cat parents find that incorporating daily digestive support into their routine creates lasting benefits. This proactive approach works alongside other natural methods to maintain optimal gut health and comfortable digestion.
When choosing supplements, format and palatability matter just as much as ingredients. Products like Zesty Paws Anti-Hairball Paste are designed with cats in mind, combining fibre and omega-rich support in a smooth, lickable form that fits into their routine with ease, thanks to real fish flavour and zero fuss. This means no wrestling with tablets, no mixing powders into food, and no wondering if your cat actually consumed their supplement.
The beauty of a paste format is its simplicity. One daily squeeze that fits seamlessly into your routine, whether your cat licks it from your finger, a spoon or mixed with their food. When supplementation becomes this effortless, consistency becomes natural, and that's where the real benefits may emerge.
When to chat with your vet
Your vet is always the best resource for concerns about your cat's health. Consider scheduling a conversation if you notice:
- Hairballs becoming much more frequent (more than weekly)
- Persistent vomiting or retching without producing hairballs
- Loss of appetite lasting more than a day
- Signs of discomfort or difficulty during bathroom time
- Changes in behaviour or energy levels alongside hairball issues
- Any signs that might suggest an intestinal blockage or pain
The bigger picture – See hairballs as a window into wellness
Hairballs might seem like just another aspect of cat parenting, but they're actually windows into your cat's internal health. Rather than simply managing the mess, addressing the underlying factors that contribute to hairball formation can improve your cat's overall comfort and quality of life.
Remember that every cat is unique, with their own sensitivities and preferences. What transforms one cat's digestive health might need adjustment for another. The key is finding a sustainable routine that works for both you and your cat, one that supports their natural digestive processes while fitting seamlessly into their daily life.
Because ultimately, fewer hairballs mean a more comfortable cat, better sleep for everyone, and more time enjoying the wonderful aspects of sharing your home with your pets.
