Shedding & Hairballs: How to Keep Your Home (and Cat) Clean

If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably dealt with hairballs and excessive shedding. While it’s normal for cats to shed and groom themselves, frequent hairballs may indicate an underlying issue. With the right approach to diet, grooming, and gut health, you can reduce shedding, prevent hairballs, and support your cat’s overall well-being.

In this guide, we’ll cover:

  • Why cats develop hairballs

  • How to tell if your cat’s diet is the issue

  • Grooming techniques to reduce shedding

  • Effective hairball prevention products

  • Answers to the most common hairball questions

Why Do Cats Get Hairballs?

Hairballs, or trichobezoars, form when a cat swallows excess fur while grooming. Usually, the hair passes through the digestive system without issue, but if too much accumulates, it may form a mass that gets regurgitated.

Some cats experience frequent hairballs due to:

  • Excessive Shedding – More loose fur means more ingestion.

  • Slow Digestion – A poor diet or dehydration can lead to sluggish digestion, preventing hair from passing naturally.

  • Food Sensitivities – Some ingredients may contribute to inflammation and improper digestion.

  • Lack of Fiber or Digestive Enzymes – Cats need proper gut support to move ingested hair through their system.

If your cat experiences frequent hairballs or excessive shedding, evaluating their diet and grooming routine is the best place to start.

Diet: The First Step in Preventing Hairballs

One of the biggest factors in hairball prevention is ensuring your cat’s diet supports a healthy digestive system and skin health. Poor-quality foods with fillers, grains, or inflammatory ingredients can worsen shedding and hairball issues.

Best Hairball-Prevention Diet

  • Nulo Freestyle Hairball Management Kibble (Turkey & Cod Recipe) – This formula is designed to reduce shedding and support digestion with high protein, natural fiber, and omega-3 fatty acids.

  • Hydration is Key! Adding moisture to your cat’s diet (via raw or wet food) helps keep digestion smooth, preventing hair from accumulating in the stomach.

  • Consider a Ucari Intolerance Test – Shedding and hairballs may be linked to food sensitivities. We’re offering a special package: The Ucari Intolerance Test + Nutrition Consult for $115 to help pinpoint the cause of your cat’s shedding and digestive issues. Learn more about our Nutritional Counseling services.

Grooming: Reducing Shedding at the Source

Brushing your cat regularly helps remove loose fur before they ingest it. The best tool for the job?

  • Furminator Brush – This deep-reaching brush helps reduce shedding by up to 90% by removing the undercoat and loose hair effectively.

Grooming Tips:

  • Brush daily for long-haired cats, every few days for short-haired breeds.

  • Start slow if your cat is not used to brushing—use treats to make it a positive experience.

  • Wipe down your cat with a damp cloth after brushing to pick up any stray hairs.

Supplements to Help with Hairballs

For cats that still struggle with hairballs, adding a digestive aid can help hair pass through the system smoothly instead of being regurgitated.

Hairball FAQs

1. How many hairballs per month is normal?

Most cats have 1-2 hairballs per month. If your cat has hairballs weekly, it may indicate excessive shedding, poor digestion, or food sensitivities.

2. Are hairballs dangerous?

In rare cases, hairballs can become intestinal blockages, leading to vomiting, loss of appetite, and lethargy. If you suspect a blockage, contact your vet immediately.

3. Do short-haired cats get hairballs?

Yes! While long-haired cats are more prone to them, any cat can develop hairballs, especially if they shed a lot or overgroom.

4. What are signs my cat has a serious hairball issue?

If your cat is frequently coughing, gagging, vomiting hairballs, or struggling with constipation, it’s time to re-evaluate their diet and grooming routine.

5. Can diet alone prevent hairballs?

A high-protein, grain-free diet with added fiber and hydration can significantly reduce hairball formation, but grooming and digestive support may still be necessary.

Final Thoughts: Keep Your Cat Healthy & Hairball-Free

Managing shedding and hairballs isn’t just about reducing mess—it’s about supporting your cat’s overall health. The key is to focus on proper nutrition, routine grooming, and digestive support.

📍 Stop by Braxton’s to pick up: ✔️ Furminator Brushes for shedding control ✔️ Nulo Hairball Management Food for digestive support ✔️ Tomlyn Hairball Remedy to aid in passing hairballs ✔️ Ucari Intolerance Test + Nutrition Consult for $115 to pinpoint food sensitivities

🐾 Need help finding the best solution for your cat? Visit our Nutritional Counseling page or stop by the store! For more great products, check out our Cat Supplies page.