13 Best Cat Food For Hairballs

If I had a dollar for each time I had to solve a cat’s hairball problem in my veterinary experience, I’d have a lot of dollars (a lot!).

Hairballs are one of the most common cases I come across. If the occurrence of hairballs increases to more than twice a week, this may indicate an underlying problem.

There is no need to worry though. These problems can be fixed by switching to the best cat food for hairballs that will, not only fulfill the required nutrition but also help resolve the hairball problem.

The top choice to relieve your cat from hairballs is Blue Buffalo, Indoor Hairball Control. Don’t be fooled by the name. Indoor cat foods are fine for outdoor cats as well. 

TOP PICK

Blue Buffalo - Hairball Control

• Value For Money Cat Food
• High Quality Protein
• Natural Fiber To Keep Digestion Smooth And Rid Of Hairballs

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This cat food contains the right amount of protein to keep cats active and energetic. Activity helps to reduce hairballs by keeping digestion fast and smooth.

There are many symptoms and reasons behind harballs. Similary there are many good cat food options available that give relief from these different causes. 

This Article Will Explain & Discuss:

• How The Right Cat Food Can Prevent Hairballs
• Detailed Reviews On 10 Best Cat Foods For Hairballs
• Ingredients Required & Not Required In Cat Foods For Hairballs
• Symptoms & Prevention of Hairballs in Cats
• FAQs For More Clarity

Our Quick Comparison On The Best Cat Food For Hairballs

Image	Product	Features	Shop On
TOP PICK	Blue Buffalo - Indoor Hairball Control	Natural Ingredients Added Vitamins & Minerals Supports Healthy Digestion	AmazonChewy
BEST PREMIUM	Purina Cat Chow - Naturals	Natural Ingredients Added Vitamins & Minerals Antioxidants For Immunity	AmazonChewy
BEST BUDGET	Meow Mix - Hairball Control	High Protein Diet Easily Digestible Added Vitamins & Minerals	AmazonChewy
BEST PROACTIVE	Iams ProActive Health - Healthy Adult	Beet Pulp Fiber Blend Omega Fatty Acids  Maintains Strong Muscles	AmazonChewy
BEST WET	Purina ONE - Grain Free	Real Fish Good Digestion Free From Fillers	AmazonChewy
BEST GRAIN FREE	Blue Buffalo - Wilderness	Lean Chicken Balances Weight Natural Fiber	AmazonChewy
BEST WHOLESOME	Nutro - Wholesome Essentials	Real Chicken Added Vitamins & Minerals Natural Blend of Fibers	AmazonChewy
BEST HIGH PROTEIN	Solid Gold - Indigo Moon	High Protein  Added Probiotics Blend of Superfoods	AmazonChewy
BEST VETERINARY RECOMMENDED	Hill's Science Diet - Hairball Control	Essential Omega Fatty Acids Coat Health Packed With Biotin	AmazonChewy
BEST WEIGHT CONTROL	Tiki Cat - Koolina Luau	Hormone And Antibiotic-Free Natural Chicken Good Level of Hydration	AmazonChewy
BEST NATURAL	Purina ONE - Hairball Formula	Real Ingredients Smooth Digestion Natural Fibers	AmazonChewy
BEST DIETARY FIBER	Royal Canin - Hairball Care	Psyllium Husk As Fiber Blend Added Minerals And Vitamins Chicken Meal	AmazonChewy
BEST LIMITED INGREDIENT	Purina Beyond - Simply Grain Free, Indoor Cat	Limited Ingredient No By-Products High In Fiber	AmazonChewy

How Does The Right Cat Food Prevents Hairballs?

Hairballs indicate that the stomach is not emptying properly. This can happen for a lot of reasons, one of which being the food or method of feeding our cats (free-feeding). 

Undiagnosed cat food allergies and IBS can both contribute to hairballs. Same is the case with Inadequate ingredients in low-quality or cheaper cat foods.

These illnesses cause your cat’s digestive tract to swell, making it difficult for food to pass. In such a case, the right cat food will be hypoallergenic, reducing inflammation and helping your cat with hairballs.

I witnessed several ways with my cat patients in which hairball control cat foods work their magic on them. Here’s how:

1. Minimizes Shedding

Because your cat’s fur is mostly protein, the right cat food, such as a diet high in animal protein, will maintain smoothness and shine and make it less prone to shedding. A healthy coat requires less maintenance, which means your cat will have less hair in his stomach to cause hairballs.

2. Ensures Healthier Digestion

Hairballs in cats can be caused by chronic digestive system disorders such as IBS, which in my veterinary experience, are best managed with high-quality nutrition.

Feeding your cat with food with adequate levels of animal protein, fat, vitamins, and minerals will help to keep his digestive tract healthy and decrease bowel irritation in your cat.

3. Promotes More Effective Bowel Movement

A high-fiber cat food diet encourages more effective bowel movements. Different forms of fiber have different digestive functions. Insoluble (indigestible) fiber sources like cellulose, hemicelluloses, and lignins can aid hair passage through the intestine.

Soluble (partially digested) fiber sources, such as chicory, inulin, pectins, psyllium, plant gums, oats, barley, beet pulp, and various fruits and legumes, serve a similar purpose and also promote overall gut health of your cat.

Our Detailed Reviews On The Best Cat Foods For Hairballs

1. Blue Buffalo, Indoor Hairball Control

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Pea Protein
• Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Indoor, With Grain, Natural
• Caloric Content: 3,669 Kcals/kg, 389 Kcals/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken 
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Why Is It The Best Cat Food For Cats With Hairballs?

Blue Buffalo’s Indoor Hairball Control is a good overall pick for cats with hairball problems. 

It has real chicken recipe which serves as the main source of protein for your cats which will make their fur coat stronger to eliminate large ingestion of hair through licking and grooming. The chicken being real also makes it a good quality choice.

It also contains psyllium seed husk along with cellulose that act as the natural additional fiber that your cat needs to keep the fur coat and gut health strong. It aids smooth digestion that lets hairballs pass in the feaces instead of sticking around in the stomach and causing blockages or regurgitation. The omega 3 & 6 fatty acids also boost skin and coat health to lessen ingestion of hair. 

It has helped many of my patient cats, with a well-balanced and careful combination of antioxidants, minerals, and vitamins helps to maintain the immune system, reducing the risk of other illnesses that might promote the growth of hairballs. 

It is free of poultry by-products keeping it super-healthy and other fillers and additives like corn soy, wheat, preservatives or artificial flavoring.  

2. Purina Cat Chow, Naturals

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Rice, Soybean Meal
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Weight Control, Natural, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg, 398 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken 
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: For all life stages

Purina Cat Chow has real chicken as its main ingredient which also serves as the primary source of protein. High amounts of good quality protein in cat food ensures the development of protein for hair which keeps it strong and prevents shedding while licking and grooming. It helps the cat to ingest lesser hair and also keeps the stomach healthy. 

This cat food also contains salmon as the primary protein and whole grains which are good for all stages of the cat’s growth. The premium ingredients used in this mix are high quality and so they serve their purpose of making your cat stronger and keeping the hairballs away through good digestion and activity.

It is formulated with essential minerals and vitamins which keep the cat healthy in all aspects. Whole grains are good for the smooth processing of food inside the cat’s stomach. 

The mix also includes a blend of omega 6 fatty acids which are good for the strength of skin and coat. This in turn reduces knots and hair clumping and relives cat from overgrooming.

3. Meow Mix, Hairball Control

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-product Meal, Rice, Soybean Meal
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Weight Control, Natural, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3,740 kcal/kg, 398 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken 
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: For all life stages

Meow Mix is just a good cat food option for people who do not have a lot of money to pour on their puffballs going through hairball problems. 

This food contains a mix of all the minerals and vitamins required by your cats, to keep hairballs away, and comes in all the flavours loved by them which include chicken, turkey, salmon, and oceanfish. 

This blend is high in protein to keep my cats energetic throughout the day. High energy levels means good digestion and no hairballs. 

It is also full of taurine and vitamin B-complex along with good levels of calcium and phosphorus for overall cat health. 

However it will be important for conscious pet parents to note that the food contained in this mix is not all-natural as it contains meal by-products. But the good news is that it is easy to digest in any case and is formulated to relieve your cat of hairballs. 

4. Iams ProActive Health, Healthy Adult

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken By-Product Meal, Corn Grits, Corn Gluten Meal, Ground Whole Grain Corn
• Type of Product: Weight Control, Pea-Free, High Fiber, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3364 kcal/kg, 302 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult

For your cat’s proactive health, Iams is a good choice. Its main protein source is chicken. Protein keeps my cats’ muscles strong and at a healthy weight while also allowing them to stay active. Through regular exercise and healthy digestion throughout the day, all of these factors assist in keeing my cats hairball-free.

The weight maintaining mechanism of this food works with L-carnitine which boosts fat burning through a fast metabolism. 

This Iams food also keeps the hairballs to a minimum by aiding the smooth passage of ingested hair through feces by beet pulp as a source of good fiber blend.

Omega fatty acids in this mix help to keep the coat shiny and strong so that the least amount of hair is ingested by the cat while grooming and licking. It also contains turkey which is loved by many cats and sure to be a treat for your furry friend as well.  

5. Purina ONE, Grain-Free 

• First 5 Ingredients: Ocean Whitefish, Chicken, Liver, Fish Broth, Pork Lungs
• Type of Product: Natural, High-Protein, Grain-Free
• Caloric Content: 1,173 kcal/kg, 99 kcal/can
• Primary Protein Source: Ocean Whitefish
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Pate
• Lifestage: For all life stages

Purina ONE serves its hairball care purpose through real fish as its main ingredient which provides the required protein. It contains premium ocean whitefish which fills one of my cats  with muscles and strength to keep active and have good digestion. 

This wet cat food option is especially good for cats who suffer from hairballs due to dehydration in their tummies which cause the clumping of ingested hair. Dehydration in the stomach can also be the cause of blockage in the cat’s colon. A hydrated stomach will always have smooth digestion. This food is easy to digest due to its pate form and also comes with good moisture content to keep your pal’s hydration requirements fulfilled. 

To ensure optimum quality it is also free from fillers, has added minerals, vitamins and antioxidants which keep your cat in good health with fresh and strong fur coat, while improving it’s immune system. 

Moreover, this diet can be used for all life stages of cats from a growing little kitten to an adult cat. 

6. Blue Buffalo, Wilderness With Chicken

• First 5 Ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Tapioca Starch, Pea Protein, Peas
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Weight Control, Natural
• Caloric Content: 3,667 kcal/kg, 410 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adult

Blue Buffalo Wilderness is my go-to adult hairball control cat food, when I need to keep my cat off grains. High quality grains can be good for the cat but in some situations cats can also require a grain-free diet. For example, this can be the case if the cat is going through allergies or intolerances which are causing problems in digestion and hence, hairballs. 

Sometimes grains are used as fillers in cat food and that’s not good so be sure to check for good quality ingredients before buying cat food. 

This cat food variation includes lean chicken as its main source of protein and as the main ingredient. It is completely grain free and will help your cat in developing muscles to keep it active and energetic. Activity and playfulness in cats keeps their digestion smooth and relieves them of hairballs. 

High protein foods keep the weight of cats balanced through less carbs and calories. 

It also eradicates hairballs with the natural fiber present in it, which lets ingested hair pass with ease. It is full of omega fatty acids which keeps the fur coat strong and silky and reduces the chances of your cat ingesting hair while grooming or licking. 

7. Nutro, Wholesome Essentials

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brewers Rice, Pea Protein, Whole Grain Brown Rice
• Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Non-GMO, Natural, Weight Control, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3586 kcal/kg, 369 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adult

Nutro is a good cat food option for pet parents like me, who like to feed their cats wholesome diets. 

It has real chicken as its primary source of protein which keeps the digestive system running smoothly and also develops muscles in your cat’s stomach, reducing hairballs. 

Sometimes, low quality cat foods with meat by-products or hormone injected animals can cause intolerances and weight gain in cats. This is where wholesome foods come in which provide your cats with the necessary nutrients without the bad stuff. Such foods help with hairballs as they keep the stomach of your cat clean and perfect.  

It has minerals, vitamins and the wholesome goodness of other nutrients which are good for your cat. The weight of your cat will also be regulated by the natural blend of fibers in this food which keep digestion smooth and also prevent blockages by hairballs. It does not contain fillers like corn, soy protein, wheat or animal by-products which just ensures good quality ingredient list. 

8. Solid Gold, Indigo Moon

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Potatoes, Canola Oil (Preserved with Mixed Tocopherols), Peas, Chicken, Dried Eggs
• Type of Product: High-Protein, Grain-Free, Gluten Free, No Corn No Wheat No Soy
• Caloric Content: 3,985 kcal/kg, 475 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: For all life stages

Solid Gold is my all time favorite for the optimum high protein cat food to fight hairballs. Often times cats can develop hairballs due to inactivity or being overweight. This protein-filled formula pumps energy in them to keep them active and playful all day long. 

Activity helps to build muscle and keep the digestive system running smoothly. This ensures that the fur ingested by your cat is passed easily instead of clumping in the form of hairballs. The protein in this recipe is supplied from the real, cage-free chicken, adding to the quality of it’s ingredient list. 

For a better boost of digestive health, it contains probiotics which keep the gut healthy and make way for regular and normal stools. This also prevents colon or urinary blockages. 

It helps cats with sensitive stomachs be free from grains and gluten. Good for cats who suffer from intolerances or allergies which might be the cause of hairballs. Moreover, it contains a blend of superfoods like whole eggs and peas rich in fiber for extra support and immunity from diseases. It is also free from fillers like soy, corn, or wheat. 

9. Hill’s Science Diet, Hairball Control

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Whole Grain Wheat, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken Fat, Powdered Cellulose
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Caloric Content: 323 kcal/cup
• Type of Product: With Grain
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food 
• Lifestage: Adult

Hill’s Science Diet is always a good option for conscious pet parents who want to get vet recommended food for their cats. 

It contains essential omega fatty acids which end the problem of hairballs at the root. These nutrients are required to keep the fur coat of the cat healthy and strong. When the cat coats are strong, lesser hair is ingested by the cat which reduces chances of hairballs in the tummy. 

The primary source of protein of this cat food is chicken which supplies energy to your cat and keeps it active to fight hairballs. A good protein source also supplies strength to the hair-based protein. This protein is further enhanced by ingredients like chicken liver and pork fat. 

The formula focuses on the coat health of cats to eradicate hairballs so it is also packed with biotin, and fish oil. The ingredient list contains apples, cranberries, green peas. Broccoli and carrots for cats which help in the overall health. 

10. Tiki Cat, Koolina Luau

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Chicken Broth, Sunflower Seed Oil, Dried Egg, Tricalcium Phosphate
• Type of Product: No Corn No Wheat No Soy, Gluten Free, Low Glycemic, Grain-Free, Pea-Free, Natural, Non-GMO
• Caloric Content: 874 kcal/kg, 70 kcal/2.8 oz can, 149 kcal/6 oz can
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Wet Food in the form of Shreds 
• Lifestage: Adult

Tiki Cat brings a recipe that will satisfy the carnivorous instinct present in your furry felines. It has hormone and antibiotic-free, all natural chicken as its main source of protein which helps in stronger fur coat and to build muscles. This in turn helps relieve hairballs as hair is made of protein and activity makes digestion smooth. 

The protein is further enriched by scrambled eggs and sunflower oil which is rich in omegas. Omega fatty acids help to keep cat hair strong and intact which reduces hairballs due to licking and grooming. 

The wet cat food also helps to relieve cats which face hairballs due to dehydration and dryness in their stools. The chicken consomme is made with real chicken broth which provides a good level of hydration to hungry bellies. 

It also contains essential vitamins and minerals, amino acids and taurine for a balanced, healthy diet for good overall health. It is also good for cats with allergies-related hairballs as it contains no grains, gluten, flours or starches so unless your cat is intolerant towards chicken, you are good to go. 

It also has less carbohydrates for a balanced weight. 

11. Purina ONE, Hairball Formula

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken, Corn Gluten Meal, Chicken By-Product Meal, Rice Flour, Soybean Meal
• Type of Product: High Fiber, Natural, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3,977 kcal/kg, 445 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken 
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult

If you want to feed your furry friends natural cat food, Purina ONE Hairball Formula is an excellent choice. Many veterinarians, including myself, have recommended it. The ingredient list contains natural, whole and real ingredients instead of by-products and meals. This gives better quality protein to your cat. 

It has real chicken as its main source of protein. Protein helps to keep the cat active throughout the day. An active cat has a better digestive system as it builds muscles and keeps the stomach running smooth. Smoother digestion lets ingested hair pass through the cat with ease instead of it clumping in the form of hairballs. The added minerals and vitamins supply balanced amount of nutrition for overall health.

It has natural fibers which also keep digestion smooth and minimizes hairballs by letting them pass smoothly. The added benefit of this food is that the crunchy kibble keeps the cat’s teeth free of plaque and the calcium keeps the bones strong.    

It does not contain artificial flavours and preservatives which are only an indication of bad quality food showcasing itself as tasty-looking and good-smelling. It is also free from fillers with each ingredient holding quality.

12. Royal Canin, Hairball Care

• First 5 Ingredients: Chicken Meal, Corn, Brewers Rice, Rice Hulls, Corn Gluten Meal
• Type of Product: Indoor, With Grain
• Caloric Content: 3,526 kcal/kg, 338 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Chicken
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Royal Canin Hairball Care should be a quick fix for your cat if it is used to going through hairballs and it is a serious problem. For a little more money, this cat food contains psyllium husk as its blend of fiber which keeps things moving smoothly through your cat’s GI tract. 

Hairballs are formed when there are problem with your cat’s digestion. Hairballs can cause blockages in your cat’s stomach and it can get hard to pass normal stools. 

Chicken meal is its main source of protein which will be responsible for forming muscles in your cat to keep it active and energetic throughout the day. An active cat will have better digestion and lesser chance of hairballs. 

The extra added minerals and vitamins will keep your cat overall healthy and fit.   

13. Purina Beyond, Simply Grain Free, Indoor Cat

• First 5 Ingredients: Salmon, Pea Starch, Chicken Meal, Pea Protein, Canola Meal
• Type of Product: Grain-Free, High-Protein, Indoor, Weight Control, Natural, High Fiber
• Caloric Content: 3,250 kcal/kg, 322 kcal/cup
• Primary Protein Source: Salmon
• Food Form: Dry Cat Food
• Lifestage: Adult

Purina Beyond is simple and contains limited ingredients so it can be good for your cat if you are figuring out possibility of hairballs due to allergens. It does not contain wheat, corn, soy or poultry by-products, artificial flavours, colors or preservatives which may be the cause of allergens. It is also grain-free for sensitive kitties.

It is high in protein with wild-caught salmon as the main source. Protein is good for hair strength of cats as well as developing muscles and activity. These factors also prevent hairballs by keeping the cat energetic and playful. 

It will also serve as a good fiber partner for your cat going through hairballs. It is high in fibers in the form of natural probiotics which helps keep things easy in the digestive system. The natural fibers break the ingested hair and keep them from forming clumps whereas the probiotics provide sufficient good bacteria to the stomach to keep digestion easy and healthy. 

It contains antioxidants which boosts immune system to keep the cat from developing terminal illnesses along with a balanced meal including all the vital minerals and vitamins required by cat bodies.

Guide To Buying The Best Cat Food Hairballs

Hairballs are one of the most common problems in cats which can cause significant discomfort in the form of regurgitation, vomiting or cramps. In the case of hairballs, a certain diet might help relieve cats. Below is a guide on what to look for in cat food to rid your cat of hairballs. 

Macros: Preferred Ingredients In Best Cat Food Hairballs

The ingredients and features required in cat food products that offer effective hariball control are listed below:

1. Balanced Fiber Quantity

Fiber is required for cat bodies to maintain healthy digestion and to pass hairballs with ease. However, the requirement of the kind of fiber is different for cats, such that they do not need plant fiber. Sometimes cat food companies add too much cheaper sourced fiber in cat food as fillers which decreases cost. 

Good quality fiber is vital for the digestion of ingested hair in the cat’s stomach. Some options of good plant-based fiber for hairball control, to look for in cat food are pumpkin, carrots, apples, metamucil or cat grass. 

However, too much fiber in the cat’s diet can cause unwanted side effects so it is important to remain in balance while introducing high-fiber diets.

2. Natural Animal Protein

The most digestible form of amino acids received by a cat’s body is from animal protein. Whereas vegetable protein is harder to absorb.

Good quality animal protein makes your cat’s fur stronger and reduces shedding. This will consequently make you cat ingest lesser, leading to hairball control.

Look for cat foods with a large percentage of their constituents as those which provide animal protein. The best quality animal protein for cats goes from Chicken with 98% protein, Salmon, Sardines, Prawns, Tuna with 94%, Liver with 92%, Beef or Pork with 87%, Soya with 68%, and vegetables with below 65% protein.

3. Low Carbs

High carb quantities are not good for cats. If you feed your cat low carb cat food, it would be more energetic and healthier with reduced blood sugar levels, less gastrointenstinal diseases, along with other illnesses. All of these factors are crucial in giving your cat an active lifestyle for better faster digestion and avoiding intestinal and stomach-related issues. 

The above mentioned problems are related to hairball problems. The carb content for cats in the wild is 2.8-12% for every 52-63%  of protein.

4. Hypoallergenic Food

Hypoallergenic food does not directly treat a cat suffering from hairballs. Hairballs are directly related to the digestive system health of cats so if there is a problem with the cat’s digestion then it will automatically cause hairballs as well. 

Hypoallergenic foods help in such a scenario where the cause of hairballs is unidentified and it helps to check if the cat has allergies or intolerances that may be causing indigestion. Consequently, it leads to hairball control as well. 

Ingredients To Avoid

The ingredients and features that should be avoided in cat food for cats suffering from hairballs, are listed below. 

1. Fillers & Extras

Fillers are used by cat food product companies to lower the cost of cat food and it is ultimately a cheaper option. Such foods do not consist of high quality fiber or protein. So foods that are high in only good quality ingredients should be your go-to. 

2. Gluten or Grain

Diets that are free of grains and gluten allow easy digestion for your cat and hence it will allow more hair to pass through and not form hairballs in the stomach. Such diets are easily digested and absorbed by cat bodies. Although some grains can be good for your cat but their quantity should be balanced.

3. Starch

Starch often includes carbs and a high amount of carbs are bad for your digestion. Food low in carbs and starch let cat digestion run smoothly. 

4. Unhealthy Fats

Foods that are full of unhealthy fats and carbs are not good for your cat’s digestive health. They are ok when present in moderation but not in high quantities. They can make the cat overweight and lethargic which is an added problem regarding digestive system.  

Symptoms of Hairballs

If your cat is going through hairballs, there are some very clear signals to identify it. 

1. Regular Vomiting, Gagging, or Retching

This is the most common and clear indication of a hairball and may even be harmless if it occurs sometimes. It includes your cat gagging, retching and finally regurgitating or vomiting a hairball.

This situation occurs if there is undigested hair in your cat’s stomach and it comes out through the mouth instead of being passed in feaces. 

If this situation persists and occurs more often than once or twice a week, then you should probably visit the vet. 

2. Loss of Appetite

Throwing up a hairball once or twice a week is normal for cats however if it increases along with a loss of appetite then it may be time for you to change your cat’s diet and/or consult with the vet. 

Loss of appetite may indicate a stuck hairball or problems with the cat’s digestion, meaning that hairball control is required. 

3. Lethargy, Exhaustion & Reluctance To Move

A cat exhibiting exhaustion, lethargy or reluctance to move may also be exhibiting signs of hairballs. This can also mean intestinal blockage due to hairballs or some other digestive system issue.

Lethargy can be exhibited due to discomfort in the tummy so it is important to get your cat checked and consult the vet. 

4. Frequent Constipation or Diarrhea 

Hairballs can cause cats to have diarrhea. These clumps of hair can be seen in the loose stool and should clear up after a couple bowel movements. However, if it is not so, then there may be some persistent problem causing hairballs which can usually be fixed by changing your cat’s diet. 

Constipation is also a hairball symptom, when hair gets built up in the colon. This can be fixed through laxatives but also by changing the cat’s diet. Constipation due to hairballs is usually caused by dehydration so cat food with better moisture content can be taken up.

How to Prevent Hairballs

Some of the effective ways of hairball control are explained below: 

1. Giving The Best Cat Food For Hairball Control

Hairball control is directly related to the digestive activity of your cats.  Healthy digestive system will mean very few hairballs and vice versa. The hairball control foods that your cat is taking is the most common factor that affects digestive health and hairballs. 

Switching your cat to food including the ingredients listed in Buying Guide and choosing one from our list of the best cat foods for hairballs is a good start to relieving your cat. 

2. Groom Your Cat Regularly

Grooming your cat regularly can result in hairball control. Hairballs are formed when the cat licks its fur to clean it and ends up ingesting some of the hair. You can groom or brush your cat regularly to take off the excess loose hair in the fur so that the cat does not ingest a large portion of hair. 

3. Hairball-Specific Lubricants

Such lubricants are available in the market to give to cats orally for hairball control. It makes up for loss hydration or oils in the cat’s stomach and lets hairballs pass smoothly through feaces rather than drying up in the stomach and causing indigestion. 

4. Supplements: Egg Yolks Or Egg Yolk Lecithin

The fat present in the cat’s stomach binds the hair present in it. Lecithin is an element found in eggs which dissolves fat. Cats can be given one or two egg yolks a week to get the lecithin required in their stomach to break down the hairball, and allow it to pass.

If eggs seem to work for your cat, Solid Gold, Indigo Moon would be a good food choice as it contains eggs. 

5. Oil or Butter

Cat food can be spiked with some oil or butter to lubricate the digestive tract from inside and allow hair to pass through the colon naturally. A teaspoon of oil added to the cat’s food once a week ought to do the trick.

Canned fish, safe for cats, high in oils can also be given occasionally for the same purpose.

Hill’s Science Diet, Hairball Control contains fish oil to help with digestion and hairballs. 

FAQs: Best Cat Food For Hairballs

Our Verdict

As you may have already experienced, there may be different reasons cats can have hairballs. It may be a very usual procedure, but if occurring too often, it can point toward underlying factors related to stomach allergies, digestion, or excessive shedding.

In my years of veterinary clinical experience, hairballs are one of the most common symptoms of stomach sensitivities or dehydration. 

The foods listed above can be a good switch for your cat’s diet to eradicate hairballs. Blue Buffalo, Indoor Hairball Control is my top recommendation for the best cat food for hairballs.

TOP PICK

Blue Buffalo - Hairball Control

• Value For Money Cat Food
• High Quality Protein
• Natural Fiber To Keep Digestion Smooth And Rid Of Hairballs

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