Cat Hairball Remedy: Simple Daily Habits That Help

By the PETME2 Team · Updated October 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice

What is a hairball, and why do cats get them?

Cats spend a lot of their day grooming. Their tongues have tiny backward-facing hooks that pull out loose hair, and most of that hair gets swallowed. Usually it passes through the gut and ends up in the litter box.

Sometimes, though, hair builds up in the stomach and forms a clump. The cat then hacks or gags to bring it up. Despite the name, a hairball usually looks more like a small tube or sausage than a ball, because it is shaped on the way up.

Which cats get more hairballs?

• Long-haired cats, like Persians and Maine Coons, simply have more hair to swallow.
• Cats that groom a lot, whether from habit, stress or itchy skin.
• Cats during shedding season, often spring and fall.

What is the best cat hairball remedy? 5 daily habits

The best cat hairball remedy is a daily routine: brush often, keep your cat well hydrated, add a little fiber, look at why your cat over-grooms and watch the litter box. There is no single cure. Here are the habits that make the biggest difference.

1. Brush your cat often

Every hair you brush out is a hair your cat does not swallow. This is the most direct step you can take.

• Long-haired cats: brush daily if you can.
• Short-haired cats: a few times a week, and more during shedding season.
• Use the right tool: a slicker brush or a comb for long coats, a rubber brush or grooming glove for short coats.
• Keep it short and calm. A few minutes with treats and praise is better than one long fight.

If your cat has mats you cannot get out, a professional groomer or your vet can help.

2. Help your cat drink enough water

Water helps keep things moving through the gut. Many cats are naturally low drinkers, so it helps to make water easy and appealing:

• Keep water fresh and clean. Change it every day and wash the bowl.
• Offer more than one water spot, away from the food bowl and litter box.
• Try moving water. Many cats prefer it. A cat water fountain keeps water moving through a filter all day. See why cats like running water.
• Add wet food if it suits your cat. It contains much more water than dry food. Ask your vet what mix is right.

As a general guideline, a cat needs about 3.5 to 4.5 ounces of water per 5 pounds of body weight per day, including the water in its food. Every cat is different, so ask your vet if you are unsure.

3. Add a little fiber

Fiber can help move swallowed hair through the gut. Ways to add it:

• Cat grass. Many cats enjoy chewing fresh wheat, oat or barley grass. Read is cat grass good for cats? for safety and growing tips.
• Hairball-support cat food. Many brands make formulas with added fiber. Change foods slowly over about a week to avoid an upset stomach.
• Soft chews or treats made to support digestion and hairball control.

Do not add human fiber products or big amounts of anything new without asking your vet first.

4. Look at why your cat is grooming so much

Some cats groom more than normal. You may notice bald patches, thin fur, or your cat licking the same spot again and again. Common reasons include:

• Stress or boredom, for example after a move, a new pet, or long days alone.
• Itchy skin from fleas, allergies or other skin problems.
• Pain in one area of the body.

Daily play, climbing spots, window views and a steady routine can help with stress. Skin problems and pain need a vet. Good nutrition also supports healthy skin and a healthy coat.

5. Keep an eye on the litter box

Swallowed hair should mostly leave through the stool. Small, hard, dry stools, straining, or going less often than usual can be signs of constipation. That is worth a call to your vet, especially in a cat that also has hairballs.

Do hairball gels and pastes work?

Hairball gels can help some cats, but they are not right for every cat and are best used with your vet's advice. Many are lubricant laxatives, sold at pet stores, that help hair slide through the gut. Using them too often or for too long is not a good idea. Ask your vet before you start one, and follow the label.

Never give your cat human laxatives, mineral oil by mouth, or home remedies like butter or oil without your vet's advice.

Quick routine: what to do each day and week

When should you see a vet for hairballs?

See your vet if hairballs are frequent, or come with repeated vomiting, retching with nothing coming up, not eating, constipation or tiredness. An occasional hairball can be normal for some cats. But hairballs are not something to just live with if they are frequent, and some other problems can look like hairballs. Call your vet if you see:

• Frequent vomiting, whether or not hair comes up.
• Retching, gagging or hacking with nothing coming up, especially many times in a row.
• Not eating, or eating much less than normal.
• Constipation, straining in the litter box, or no stool for a day or more.
• Tiredness, hiding, or a swollen or painful belly.
• Coughing or wheezing. Some owners mistake breathing problems such as feline asthma for hairball hacking.
• Diarrhea, weight loss, or blood in vomit or stool.

Rarely, a hairball can block the stomach or intestines. That is an emergency. If your cat keeps vomiting, will not eat, and seems weak or in pain, get help right away.

Coming soon: PETME2 soft chews for hairball and coat support

We are getting ready to launch two soft chews that fit into a hairball routine. They are made to support healthy digestion and coat, not to cure or treat any condition. They are not available to buy yet.

Want water that keeps moving all day? That part is available now. Our 3.2L stainless steel fountain and quiet 2L fountain with low-water light have filters, quiet pumps and parts that come apart for cleaning. Free U.S. shipping and a 30-day money-back guarantee.

Frequently asked questions

What is the best home remedy for cat hairballs?

Regular brushing is the best home remedy for cat hairballs, because it removes loose hair before your cat swallows it. Add good hydration and a little fiber, such as cat grass. Ask your vet before trying oils, gels or anything from your kitchen.

How often is it normal for a cat to have hairballs?

An occasional hairball can be normal for some cats, especially long-haired cats. If your cat has hairballs often, or you are not sure what counts as often for your cat, talk to your vet. Frequent hairballs can point to over-grooming, skin problems or digestive issues.

What does a hairball look like?

A hairball usually looks like a small, wet tube or sausage of hair rather than a round ball, because it is shaped on the way up. It is often dark and may be mixed with food or fluid. If what your cat brings up is mostly food or liquid, it may be vomiting rather than a hairball.

How can I tell a hairball from coughing or vomiting?

A hairball episode usually ends with a clump of hair coming up after some hacking or gagging. Coughing or wheezing with nothing coming up can be a breathing problem, such as feline asthma, and vomiting food or liquid often has other causes. Record a short video and show your vet if you are not sure.

Does brushing really help with hairballs?

Yes, brushing is the most direct way to reduce hairballs, because every hair you brush out is a hair your cat does not swallow. Brush long-haired cats daily if you can and short-haired cats a few times a week. Brush more often during shedding season.

Do long-haired cats get more hairballs?

Yes, long-haired cats such as Persians and Maine Coons tend to get more hairballs because they have more hair to swallow. Cats that groom a lot and cats in shedding season also get them more often. Daily brushing helps the most for long coats.

Does drinking more water help with hairballs?

Good hydration helps keep the gut moving, which can help swallowed hair pass through. Fresh water every day, wet food if it suits your cat and a water fountain are easy ways to encourage drinking. Many cats prefer moving water.

Is cat grass a good hairball remedy?

Cat grass can be one part of a hairball routine, because many owners believe its fiber helps hair move through and some cats bring up hairballs after eating it. It is not a cure on its own. It works best together with brushing and good hydration.

Do hairball cat foods work?

Many owners find that hairball formulas with added fiber help, but results vary from cat to cat. Change food slowly over about a week to avoid an upset stomach. Ask your vet if your cat has other health needs.

Can I give my cat olive oil or butter for hairballs?

It is better not to give olive oil or butter for hairballs without your vet's advice. Extra fat can upset the stomach and adds calories. Your vet can suggest a safer option if your cat needs one.

Why does my cat throw up after eating dry food?

Common reasons a cat throws up after eating dry food include eating too fast, hairballs, a sudden food change or a food that does not suit the cat. Smaller meals spread through the day can help a fast eater. If your cat vomits often, loses weight or seems unwell, see your vet.

Why is my cat gagging but no hairball comes out?

Sometimes a cat needs a few tries to bring up a hairball. But repeated gagging or retching with nothing coming up can be a sign of something else, such as a blockage or a breathing problem. If it keeps happening, call your vet.

Can hairballs be dangerous?

Most hairballs are not dangerous, but rarely a hairball can cause a blockage in the stomach or intestines. Frequent vomiting, not eating, constipation, or a cat that seems weak or in pain all need a vet right away. Do not wait it out if your cat keeps vomiting and will not eat.

Are there chews that support hairball control?

Yes, some soft chews and treats are made to support digestion and hairball control, usually with added fiber. They can be one part of a routine with brushing and hydration, not a replacement for it. PETME2 Cat Grass Soft Chews are coming soon; you can tap Notify me on the product page to get an email at launch.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems unwell, talk to your veterinarian.