Hairballs

Hairballs (trichobezoars) are a uniquely feline problem arising from the anatomy of their tongue. The tiny backward-facing spines (papillae) that give a cat's tongue its characteristic roughness are essential grooming tools — they penetrate the coat, remove debris, and distribute skin oils. But they also trap loose hair, which the cat inevitably swallows.

For most cats most of the time, this hair passes harmlessly through the digestive tract. Problems arise when the stomach fills with hair faster than the digestive system can clear it. The hair mats into an elongated cylinder — often sausage-shaped rather than spherical, moulded to the oesophagus — and is expelled through vomiting. The retching, gagging, and eventually productive vomiting can be dramatic but is usually over quickly.

Frequency matters. Occasional hairballs — roughly once or twice a month — are normal in any cat. Daily or weekly hairball vomiting is not normal and suggests either a grooming problem (over-grooming from stress, skin irritation, or OCD), excessive shedding, or an underlying gastrointestinal motility issue.

True gastrointestinal obstruction from a hairball is rare but dangerous. Signs include persistent unproductive retching (nothing comes up), complete appetite loss, abdominal bloating, constipation, and lethargy. X-rays or ultrasound can visualise the obstruction; surgery or endoscopy is required to remove it.

Global prevention strategies work better than individual interventions: daily brushing, appropriate diet, and environmental enrichment to reduce compulsive grooming all contribute. Veterinary-grade hairball prevention treats containing psyllium husk or similar soluble fibre are backed by reasonable evidence.