How to Reduce Hairballs: Nutrition, Grooming, and Play

Hairballs are one of the most common (and unpleasant) issues cat parents face. While the occasional hairball is normal, frequent coughing or vomiting can signal that your cat needs extra support. The good news? You can significantly reduce hairballs with the right nutrition, grooming routine, and daily activity. Here’s how to tackle hairballs naturally and effectively.

🥩 1. Nutrition: Feed for Digestive Health

What your cat eats plays a huge role in hairball control. Since cats swallow fur while grooming, their digestive system needs help moving that fur through smoothly.

Focus on:

• High-quality protein to support healthy skin and coat

• Omega-3 & Omega-6 fatty acids to reduce shedding

• Fiber-rich foods to help hair pass through the digestive tract

💡 Hairball-control cat foods often include added fiber like beet pulp or psyllium to aid digestion.

Bonus tip: Adding a teaspoon of plain pumpkin purée (not pie filling) a few times a week can help naturally move hair through the gut.

🧼 2. Grooming: Remove Loose Fur Before It’s Swallowed

Regular grooming is one of the most effective hairball prevention methods. The less loose fur on your cat, the less they ingest.

Grooming guidelines:

• Short-haired cats: Brush 2–3 times per week

• Long-haired cats: Brush daily

• Use deshedding tools or grooming gloves for comfort

Pay special attention to high-shed areas like the chest, belly, and behind the legs.

🎾 3. Play: Keep Digestion Moving

Daily playtime doesn’t just burn energy—it supports digestion. Movement helps hair pass through the intestines rather than clump in the stomach.

Encourage activity with:

• Wand toys and laser pointers

• Puzzle feeders

• Short, energetic play sessions (10–15 minutes, 1–2x/day)

🧠 Play also reduces stress, which can lower excessive grooming linked to anxiety.

💧 4. Hydration Matters More Than You Think

Dehydration makes digestion sluggish and hair harder to pass. Encourage water intake with:

• Wet food

• Multiple water bowls

• Cat water fountains

Hydrated cats experience fewer digestive slowdowns and hairballs.

🧬 5. Supplements That Help

Some supplements can assist with hairball prevention:

• Fish oil for coat health

• Probiotics for digestion

• Natural lubricants like petroleum-free hairball gels (vet-approved)

Always consult your veterinarian before adding supplements.

🚨 When to Call the Vet

Seek veterinary advice if hairballs are:

• Frequent (weekly or more)

• Accompanied by vomiting, constipation, or lethargy

• Dry coughing without producing a hairball

These may indicate digestive or underlying health issues.

✅ Final Thoughts

Hairballs don’t have to be a regular part of life with a cat. With proper nutrition, consistent grooming, hydration, and daily play, you can reduce shedding and help your cat stay comfortable and healthy.

At Alissa’s Pet Services, we support healthy routines for cats through attentive grooming assistance, enrichment-focused visits, and personalized care across Eagle Rock, Glendale, and Pasadena. 🐾💛