{"id":5504,"date":"2025-06-12T09:41:51","date_gmt":"2025-06-12T09:41:51","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/zh-tw\/blog\/?p=5504"},"modified":"2025-12-18T08:26:30","modified_gmt":"2025-12-18T08:26:30","slug":"cat_hairball","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/cat_hairball\/","title":{"rendered":"Is it normal for cats to vomit hairballs? Understanding why cats cough up hairballs and 3 ways to help"},"content":{"rendered":"<p class=\"c3\"><span style=\"overflow: hidden;margin: 0.00px 0.00px;border: 0.00px solid #000000;width: 601.70px;height: 401.33px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" style=\"width: 601.70px;height: 401.33px;margin-left: 0.00px;margin-top: 0.00px\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsd\/ANYlcfAm-jUjI32T2InO7VLwOUa0am1GIISSQpHaPMlVHfm5hzm4UOIHW6xr8TtdGVw9E67pqYZvfoukkXBTsxnHxmIW2Mwt2GIVayoc60VEI9fGgmVgfodYk4-TZTF_amV6JMpO-qNl7c-vkZxYG2I\" alt=\"Most cats will vomit hairballs\" width=\"1600\" height=\"1066\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c3\"><span class=\"c1\">Every cat parent has probably found their little ruler&#8217;s &#8220;tube-shaped hairball&#8221; vomit on the floor. Is it normal for cats to vomit hairballs frequently? Does it mean something is wrong with their health? This article will help you understand why cats vomit hairballs, what counts as a normal frequency, and how to help your cat pass fur \u2014 so you never have to worry about hairballs again.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.kvqggismopdi\" class=\"c5\">Do all cats vomit hairballs? Understanding why cats vomit fur<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c3\">Cats are famously clean animals, spending hours each day grooming themselves \u2014 not just for appearance, but as an innate instinct. The tiny hook-like papillae on a cat&#8217;s tongue comb loose fur into the mouth, where it&#8217;s easily swallowed. Since fur can&#8217;t be digested, it gradually accumulates in the stomach to form hairballs. Once enough builds up, the cat expels them through vomiting \u2014 a natural and healthy mechanism. Normal hairballs have the following characteristics:<\/p>\n<ul class=\"c8 lst-kix_ggmqnbzexcsx-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Color: Cat hairballs are mixed with a small amount of yellow stomach fluid and appear slightly moist.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Shape: Usually elongated or cylindrical and soft, with a compact, matted feel.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Smell: Since they come from the stomach, there&#8217;s a slight odor, but it shouldn&#8217;t be overpowering or smell of blood.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<h2 id=\"h.pctq7mbsdj4\" class=\"c5\">Is your cat&#8217;s hairball frequency normal? Watch out if it&#8217;s too frequent!<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c3\">How often a cat vomits hairballs depends not just on fur length, but also on grooming habits, brushing frequency, diet, and digestive health. Generally, cats vomit hairballs about 1\u20132 times per year. However, long-haired cats such as Ragdolls and Persians swallow more fur and may vomit more frequently; short-haired cats like mixed breeds and British Shorthairs tend to vomit less, and some almost never vomit hairballs at all.<span class=\"c1\"> If your cat vomits more than once a week, or if the frequency suddenly increases, you should seek veterinary attention. Here is a reference guide for hairball frequency:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c8 lst-kix_ehxr9cqcerwd-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\">Long-haired cats: approximately 1\u20132 times per month, slightly more during shedding season.<\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Short-haired cats: 1\u20132 times per year or less.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">If your cat vomits hairballs more than twice a week, or the frequency suddenly increases, watch for other signs of health issues.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Never vomiting hairballs isn&#8217;t necessarily a good sign \u2014 it may mean hairballs are stuck inside and can&#8217;t be expelled, causing hairball obstruction.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<p class=\"c3\"><span class=\"c1\">Additionally, if your cat shows symptoms such as frequent dry heaving, loss of appetite, constipation, lethargy, or vomiting bloody or foul-smelling hairballs, it is recommended to seek veterinary care promptly to check for hairball obstruction or other digestive issues caused by fur that can&#8217;t be expelled, and to start timely treatment to protect your cat&#8217;s health.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c3\"><span style=\"overflow: hidden;margin: 0.00px 0.00px;border: 0.00px solid #000000;width: 601.70px;height: 338.67px\"><img loading=\"lazy\" decoding=\"async\" class=\"alignnone\" style=\"width: 601.70px;height: 338.67px;margin-left: 0.00px;margin-top: 0.00px\" src=\"https:\/\/lh7-rt.googleusercontent.com\/docsd\/ANYlcfDHgLwHmFHCGArOnlyLeF61qSH47KZtSKclm_7vaDZYmn_MIqsrmD0ip6WjQRV_fF4Z19j5KNoosHMFAfoeXcRjv5Yvur0jTf0BGMTXHaeh8B04SXmoo4N1BSINtvibHJ9gvnhGggJA16ISJUU\" alt=\"Regular brushing reduces hairball vomiting in cats\" width=\"1600\" height=\"900\" \/><\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.q9ovo2y0b3bf\" class=\"c5\">Recognizing hairball obstruction warning signs! Avoiding dangerous complications<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c4\"><span class=\"c1\">If a cat never vomits hairballs, that doesn&#8217;t necessarily mean everything is fine. When swallowed fur can&#8217;t be expelled through vomiting or defecation, it can accumulate in the digestive tract over time and develop into hairball obstruction. In this situation, hairballs gradually build up in the stomach or intestines, making expulsion increasingly difficult.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c4\"><span class=\"c1\">Early signs of hairball obstruction often include repeated dry heaving without producing anything, decreased bowel movements, or constipation. As hairballs continue to accumulate, the cat may develop abdominal bloating, loss of appetite, lethargy, and even weight loss. If left untreated, serious complications can include intestinal blockage, intestinal volvulus, intestinal perforation, chronic gastritis, or digestive dysfunction \u2014 all of which pose a major threat to your cat&#8217;s health.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.193mk3fv51gj\" class=\"c5\">Worried whether your cat vomits too much or too little? 3 tips to help your cat pass fur more smoothly<\/h2>\n<p class=\"c3\"><span class=\"c1\">Fur length, seasonal changes, or frequent grooming triggered by illness can all affect how often your cat vomits hairballs. To reduce hairball vomiting, you can use daily care and dietary adjustments to help your cat pass fur naturally without the discomfort of vomiting. Here are 3 methods to consider:<\/span><\/p>\n<ol class=\"c8 lst-kix_i85i47iifmsu-0 start\" start=\"1\">\n<li class=\"c13 c9 li-bullet-0\">\n<h3 id=\"h.t61xy1dms5im\"><span class=\"c2\">Regular brushing:<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"c3 c9\"><span class=\"c1\">Daily brushing is the first step in hairball prevention. Brushing removes loose fur, reducing how much your cat swallows during grooming. Recommendations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c8 lst-kix_tdvf5gbgu5qq-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Long-haired cats: brush daily.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Short-haired cats: 3\u20134 times per week.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Shedding season (spring and autumn): daily brushing recommended, regardless of fur length.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\">Using a specialized cat brush (such as a deshedding comb or double-layer toothed comb) for even better results.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol class=\"c8 lst-kix_i85i47iifmsu-0\" start=\"2\">\n<li class=\"c9 c13 li-bullet-0\">\n<h3 id=\"h.392kmwpo9hdr\"><span class=\"c2\">Pay attention to dietary fiber and water intake:<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"c3 c9\"><span class=\"c1\">A diet that promotes smooth bowel movements allows fur to pass through with feces, reducing how much remains in the stomach. This includes getting enough water and dietary fiber. Recommendations:<\/span><\/p>\n<ul class=\"c8 lst-kix_co07ejkvbt3f-0 start\">\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Homemade additions: feed pumpkin puree or sweet potato puree to increase dietary fiber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Commercial formulas: food or treats containing psyllium or chicory fiber.<\/span><\/li>\n<li class=\"c0 li-bullet-0\"><span class=\"c1\"> Stay hydrated: use a running water fountain or feed wet food to increase water intake.<\/span><\/li>\n<\/ul>\n<ol class=\"c8 lst-kix_i85i47iifmsu-0\" start=\"3\">\n<li class=\"c13 c9 li-bullet-0\">\n<h3 id=\"h.l1gncp6dsrgq\"><span class=\"c2\">Supplement with appropriate hairball remedies:<\/span><\/h3>\n<\/li>\n<\/ol>\n<p class=\"c3 c9\"><span class=\"c1\">There are many hairball remedy pastes and powders available on the market, which work by lubricating or increasing stool bulk to help fur pass through. Follow the recommended dosage on the product or consult your vet to avoid overuse, which could cause diarrhea or nutrient absorption issues.<\/span><\/p>\n<h2 id=\"h.1tx14zc3jr7d\" class=\"c5\"><span class=\"c12\">Keep an eye on your cat&#8217;s hairball habits \u2014 Fluv&#8217;s in-home pet sitter service helps you look after your pet&#8217;s health!<\/span><\/h2>\n<p class=\"c4\"><span class=\"c1\">Cats can&#8217;t speak, but their bodies send signals through behavior \u2014 a sudden increase in hairball vomiting, hairballs with an unusual smell, loss of appetite, persistent dry heaving. These may seem like minor things, but they could actually be warning signs of <a href=\"https:\/\/reurl.cc\/mxeLN7\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">hairball obstruction<\/a>. If not caught in time, you may miss the golden window for care.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c4\">But as a busy professional or a pet owner who&#8217;s often out, you can&#8217;t always keep track of your cat&#8217;s daily changes. That&#8217;s when you need a reliable pet sitter to help. <span class=\"c7\"><a class=\"c14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Fluv<\/a><\/span><span class=\"c1\">&#8216;s in-home pet sitter service can help you observe your pet&#8217;s daily routine, record their condition, clean up vomit when necessary, and track their alertness and bowel movements \u2014 so even when you&#8217;re away, you can rest easy knowing their health is being looked after.<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c4\">\ud83d\udc49 Want more tips on cat care and health monitoring? Follow Fluv now<span class=\"c1\"> and build a happy daily life for your pet!<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c1\">Further reading:<\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c15\"><span class=\"c7\"><a class=\"c14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/cateat\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">How much food should a cat eat per day? A complete guide to figuring out how many meals your cat needs!<\/a><\/span><\/p>\n<p class=\"c10\"><span class=\"c7\"><a class=\"c14\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/catcold\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Essential reading for cat parents! Will cats recover from a cold on their own? 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Feel free to share it, and follow Fluv for more interesting tips!<\/p>\n<p>FB page: <a href=\"https:\/\/facebook.com\/fluv.pet\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@fluv.pet<\/a><br \/>\nFluv IG: <a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/instagram.com\/fluv.pet\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-stringify-link=\"https:\/\/www.instagram.com\/fluv.pet\/\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">@fluv.pet<\/a><br \/>\nYoutube: <a href=\"https:\/\/www.youtube.com\/@fluv_tw\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">@fluv_tw<\/a><br \/>\nFluv website: <a class=\"c-link\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\" data-stringify-link=\"http:\/\/Fluv.com\" data-sk=\"tooltip_parent\">www.fluv.com<\/a><\/p>\n<p>Views: 5427<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #FFFAF0; border: 2px dashed #FFA500; padding: 30px; border-radius: 15px; margin-top: 40px; text-align: center;\">\n<h2 id=\"section8\" style=\"color: #E67E22; margin-top: 0;\">Fluv special offers | Limited-time deals for devoted pet owners<\/h2>\n<p style=\"color: #666; font-style: italic;\">#Give your pet the best \u2014 what suits them most<\/p>\n<p>If you&#8217;d like to give your pet a more personalized, home-like care experience, why not try Fluv&#8217;s in-home pet sitter service?<\/p>\n<div style=\"background-color: #fff; padding: 20px; border-radius: 10px; margin: 20px 0;\">\n<p style=\"margin: 0; font-size: 1.1em;\">\ud83c\udf81 <strong>New friends, enter promo code<\/strong><\/p>\n<p style=\"font-size: 2em; color: #D35400; font-weight: bold; margin: 10px 0;\">NEW95<\/p>\n<p style=\"margin: 0;\">Book now and enjoy a <strong>5% discount<\/strong>!<\/p>\n<\/div>\n<p>\ud83d\udc49 Want to find a caring professional pet sitter for your pet?<\/p>\n<div style=\"margin-top: 20px;\"><a style=\"background-color: #E67E22; color: white; padding: 12px 25px; text-decoration: none; border-radius: 5px; font-weight: bold; display: inline-block;\" href=\"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/zh-tw\/download\" target=\"_blank\" rel=\"noopener\">Download the Fluv app now<\/a><\/div>\n<\/div>\n<p>Views: 7461<\/p>","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Ever found a tube-shaped hairball on your floor? Learn why cats vomit hairballs, what&#8217;s normal, and 3 simple ways to help your cat pass fur more smoothly.<\/p>","protected":false},"author":1,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"closed","ping_status":"closed","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_monsterinsights_skip_tracking":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_active":false,"_monsterinsights_sitenote_note":"","_monsterinsights_sitenote_category":0,"footnotes":""},"categories":[4,2444],"tags":[1339,1338,1341,854,1340],"class_list":["post-5504","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-health","category-cat-health","tag-1339","tag-1338","tag-1341","tag-854","tag-1340"],"aioseo_notices":[],"_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504","targetHints":{"allow":["GET"]}}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/1"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=5504"}],"version-history":[{"count":8,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504\/revisions"}],"predecessor-version":[{"id":6990,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/5504\/revisions\/6990"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=5504"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=5504"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/www.fluv.com\/tw\/en\/blog\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=5504"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}