Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

Is my longhaired cat's frequent hairball vomiting normal or serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Longhair | Female | spayed | 2 years and 1 month old

My cat vomits hairballs and food (macerated dry food, urinary and hairball prevention formula from Hill's Science) very often, around once in two weeks. Is this normal for a longhaired cat, or should I take her to the vet?

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 28th, 2018

It is pretty normal to regurgitate hair balls once in two weeks. Keep feeding the Hairball prevention formula. It actually helps with eliminating most of the hair via the feces, but a long haired cat, especially if she is a meticulate groomer, just may ingest too many hairs for this to solely happen and therefore she has hair balls to get rid off also.You can also get some hairball remedy (a malt and oil paste) from your vet or a petshop, which also helps with the elimination of hairballs. If you brush your kitty often , she will ingest less hair as well.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on October 6th, 2018

    Yes, it is typically more frequent in long haired cats in my experience just obvious reasons. The amount of hairballs vomited is typically dependent upon how much of a groomer your cat tends to be. In my opinion, it is definitely something that requires some intervention if it is happening everyday. There are special diets to help break down hairballs / prevent their growth. There are also supplements that aim at doing the same. Hope this makes sense. Ignoring the problem may not necessarily result in anything too dramatic. There are rare instances where hairballs can cause impactions and blockages in the GI tract. These typically require surgical extraction dependent upon their location. Hope this makes sense.

    Vote icon

    2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Can chickens eat bell peppers daily and what about veggie salads?
Can your chickens eat bell peppers and salads? Veterinarian Dr. Elizabeth offers expert advice on safe feeding, frequency, and how fresh veggies boost vibrant yolks.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is Purina Layer Pellets good for chickens? What other feeds exist?
Is Purina Layer Pellets the right choice for your flock? Get expert advice from a Petco veterinarian on Purina and other top chicken feed brands for your chickens.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
My mice eat all their food together from one bowl. Is this normal?
Do your mice quickly eat together from one bowl? A Licensed Vet Tech explains normal mouse eating behavior and when to watch for aggression. Get expert insights.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My dwarf hamster has a shut eye and is limping. What should I do?
Is your dwarf hamster struggling with eye issues or limping? A trusted vet offers expert guidance on symptoms and crucial next steps for comfort and care.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored