Quick answer: Occasional hairballs can happen because cats swallow hair while grooming, but frequent hairballs deserve a closer look. Heavy shedding, long coats, over-grooming, diet, gastrointestinal problems, skin disease and stress can all affect how much hair is swallowed or how well it moves through the digestive tract.
Why cats get hairballs
Cats naturally ingest loose hair while grooming. Most swallowed hair passes through the intestines, but some can collect in the stomach and be vomited as a hairball.
Why one cat gets more hairballs than another
- Long-haired cats may swallow more loose hair.
- Seasonal shedding can increase hair intake.
- Excessive grooming can occur with skin disease, allergy, stress or pain.
- Reduced gastrointestinal movement can make hair harder to pass normally.
What should you try first?
Regular brushing is one of the simplest first steps because it removes loose hair before the cat swallows it. Hydration and diet also matter, and some veterinarians recommend hairball-control diets or supplements depending on the individual cat.
When frequent hairballs are not just a grooming issue
Repeated vomiting, weight loss, appetite changes, constipation, lethargy, abdominal pain or persistent coughing should not automatically be blamed on hairballs. Respiratory or gastrointestinal disease can look similar.
Related PetVibess guides
- Cat Hairball and Taurine Guide
- Cat Hairball Chews vs Grooming
- Fiber for Cat Hairballs
- PetVibess Cat Grass Hairball Support Chews
Sources
Written by the PetVibess Editorial Team. General educational information only; not veterinary diagnosis or treatment advice. Updated October 8, 2026.