Hairballs and Digestive Sensitivities in Cats: Vet Advice and Treatment Tips

Hairballs (trichobezoars) are clumps of swallowed hair that form in a cat’s stomach and are occasionally vomited up. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent ones—or signs of digestive discomfort like vomiting, loose stools, or lack of appetite—can indicate deeper issues.

What Causes Hairballs?

Hairballs form when cats groom and swallow loose fur. Most of this fur passes through the digestive tract, but some remains in the stomach, clumping into a mass. Long-haired breeds, over-groomers, or cats with slow gut motility are more prone to them.

Signs of Hairballs:

• Retching, gagging, or vomiting up hair
• Constipation or dry stool
• Reduced appetite
• Lethargy (if blockage occurs)

What Are Digestive Sensitivities?

Some cats have sensitive stomachs or mild food intolerances that can lead to:

• Vomiting (unrelated to hairballs)
• Diarrhoea in cats or soft stool
• Flatulence
• Frequent appetite changes

Digestive issues and hairballs often go hand-in-hand. A sluggish or inflamed digestive system may have difficulty passing swallowed hair, increasing the risk of buildup and regurgitation.

Nutrition plays a key role in managing both hairballs and sensitive digestion. The right diet can:

• Support gut motility to move hair through the intestines
• Promote healthy skin and reduce shedding
• Ease inflammation in sensitive stomachs

Key Dietary Features to Look For:

• High-fibre content: Helps push hair through the digestive tract
• Easily digestible proteins: Reduce gastrointestinal irritation
• Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids: Support skin health, reducing excess shedding
• Prebiotics and probiotics: Balance gut flora and improve digestion
• No artificial colors or fillers: Fewer irritants for sensitive cats
  
  

If your cat struggles with hairballs or digestive sensitivities, the right food can make a big difference. These vet-recommended options are specially formulated to address both issues, keeping your cat comfortable, regular, and hairball-free.

Royal Canin Hairball Care Adult Cat Dry Food

Tailored for adult cats prone to hairballs, this formula uses a unique fibre blend to help naturally eliminate ingested hair. It also supports digestive health and promotes regular gut transit to reduce hairball formation.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food:

• Specially balanced fibres stimulate intestinal transit
• Proven to reduce hairballs in just 14 days
• Supports gut health with highly digestible proteins

Purina Pro Plan Indoor Hairball Control Chicken Formula Dry Cat Food

Perfect for indoor cats, this formula combines targeted hairball control with high-quality nutrition. It uses natural fibre and prebiotics to manage hairballs while supporting digestive health and weight maintenance.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food:

• Real chicken is the #1 ingredient for lean muscle support
• Natural fibres help move hair gently through the system
• Fortified with live probiotics for digestive balance

Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Adult Cat Dry Food

This multi-benefit formula supports both urinary tract health and hairball prevention. It’s rich in natural fibres to reduce hairball formation and includes controlled mineral levels for urinary care.

Why Dr Jane recommends this food:

• Natural fibre blend reduces hairball issues
• Clinically proven antioxidants for immune and gut health
• Supports a healthy urinary system with optimal mineral levels
  
  

Diet is only one part of the solution. These simple changes at home can reduce hairballs and support a healthy gut:

1. Brush Your Cat Regularly
Regular grooming reduces the amount of loose fur your cat swallows. For long-haired breeds, daily brushing is ideal.

2. Offer Hydration in Multiple Ways
Water aids digestion and helps move hair through the gut. Try:

• A pet water fountain
• Wet food (added moisture)
• Ice cubes or broth cubes as treats

3. Use Digestive Enzyme Supplements (if vet-approved)
Digestive enzymes can support food breakdown and reduce inflammation in cats with poor digestion. Always consult your vet before using supplements.

4. Keep Mealtimes Consistent
A regular feeding schedule supports predictable digestion. Avoid sudden food changes, which can upset the stomach.

5. Add fibre Sources for Extra Support
Some cats benefit from added fibre, such as:

• Canned pumpkin (plain, not spiced)
• Psyllium husk (in small amounts)
• Vet-approved fibre treats or toppers
  
  

Frequent vomiting, persistent diarrhoea, or loss of appetite should never be ignored. These could point to:

• Intestinal parasites
• Inflammatory bowel disease (IBD)
• Food allergies or intolerances
• Gastrointestinal obstruction from hairballs

Your vet may recommend:

• Diagnostic tests (blood work, faecal analysis, imaging)
• Prescription diet trials
• Hairball control supplements or medications
• Gastrointestinal support probiotics
• Changes in grooming or feeding routines
  
  

Is vomiting hairballs normal for cats?
Yes, it is normal for cats to vomit hairballs occasionally, such as once or twice a month. If it happens more frequently, it could point to issues with grooming, digestion, or diet.

What food helps most with hairballs?
High-fibre diets made for hairball control are the most helpful. These foods support the movement of hair through the digestive system and reduce how often hairballs are vomited.

Can food intolerances cause hairballs?
Yes, food intolerances can indirectly lead to more hairballs. A sensitive digestive system may struggle to process swallowed hair, which increases the chance of hairball buildup.

What’s the best treatment for cats with hairballs and loose stools?
The best treatment includes a diet that is high in fibre and gentle on the stomach. Regular grooming and keeping your cat well hydrated also help manage both symptoms.

Hairballs and digestive sensitivities are two of the most common yet manageable health concerns in cats. With the right combination of nutrition, grooming, and daily care, most cats can find relief, and most owners can clean up far less mess.

Vet-formulated diets that support both hairball control and digestive balance, along with consistent hydration and gentle routines, make a big difference. As always, work closely with your vet to choose the safest and most effective options for your unique cat.

Your feline friend doesn’t have to live with tummy trouble, and neither do you.

This article was written by Dr. Jane Miller