How to Reduce Hairballs in Cats Naturally (Without Overdoing It)

If you live with a cat, you’ve probably heard the sound. That dry little “hack-hack-hack” that makes you look up like… please not on the rug. Hairballs are common, but when they start happening often, they feel messy, stressful, and honestly confusing.

The good news is you can usually reduce hairballs with simple, natural changes that support digestion, hydration, and daily comfort—without turning your home into a “cat supplement lab.”

And one more thing people don’t realize: when digestion is rushed, everything gets a little rougher. If your cat tends to eat quickly, start here first: Why does my cat eat so fast? the real reasons (and the calm fixes).

Why hairballs happen (and why indoor cats often get them more)

Hairballs aren’t a “bad cat” thing. Grooming is normal and healthy. The issue is volume and flow—how much fur goes in, and how smoothly it moves through the digestive system.

Grooming is normal—hairballs are the “overflow”

When cats groom, they swallow loose fur. Usually, that fur passes through the digestive tract. A hairball shows up when the fur doesn’t move along comfortably and instead collects in the stomach. Then your cat tries to get rid of it the only way they can.

Indoor life can increase grooming and reduce hydration

Indoor cats often groom more for a few reasons: boredom, stress, seasonal shedding, and even routine changes. At the same time, many indoor cats don’t drink much water—which can make everything in digestion move more slowly.

Hydration matters more than most people think. If you want the most practical guide, read: How to help your cat drink more water (especially indoor cats).

The natural fixes that actually work (and don’t feel extreme)

“Natural” doesn’t mean complicated. It means supporting your cat’s body with the basics: hydration, calm digestion, and a routine that reduces stress grooming.

Hydration first (the most underrated hairball helper)

When cats drink more consistently, digestion tends to be smoother. That helps reduce the chance of fur lingering in the stomach. The tricky part is that many cats prefer moving water, fresh water, or water placed far from food.

Some cats drink more when water is flowing gently. A quiet stainless option can make hydration feel effortless, like our Stainless Steel Cat Fountain for Happy, Hydrated Kitties.

If you want the “why” behind it (in a simple way), read: 7 benefits of a cat water fountain for indoor cats (and why it changes routines).

Slower meals can reduce digestive “backflow” and discomfort

Hairballs and digestion are connected. When eating is rushed, some cats end up with more regurgitation, more discomfort, and more “weird stomach days.” That doesn’t cause hairballs directly, but it can make the whole system more reactive.

If your cat sometimes throws up shortly after meals, this guide can help you slow things down gently: Cat vomiting after eating too fast? How to slow meals gently (without stress).

Gentle enrichment can reduce stress grooming (and overgrooming)

This one surprises people. Many cats groom more when they’re bored or slightly anxious. It’s self-soothing. So if your cat has long indoor days with little stimulation, grooming can increase—and hairballs can follow.

One of the simplest ways to add “calm engagement” is to turn meals into a short activity instead of a 10-second event. That’s why puzzle feeding can help some cats—not just for fast eating, but for daily enrichment.

Start with our guide here: Interactive cat puzzle feeder: slower eating for calmer meals.

What not to do (common mistakes that backfire)

When hairballs show up, it’s tempting to try everything at once. But cats usually do best with small changes they can adapt to.

Over-brushing irritated skin

Brushing helps, but too much brushing or the wrong tool can irritate skin—especially during shedding seasons. The goal is gentle, consistent grooming, not a “fur removal marathon.”

Random harsh remedies

Be careful with random oils or harsh “home remedies.” Cats are sensitive, and some ingredients that seem harmless can upset digestion. If you’re unsure, keep it simple: hydration, calmer feeding, and a routine that supports comfort.

Panic after one hairball

One occasional hairball can be normal. What matters is frequency, discomfort, appetite changes, or repeated vomiting. The goal of this article is to reduce the routine hairball loop—not to make you worry about every cough.

When hairballs can be a red flag

If your cat is gagging frequently, vomiting often, losing weight, refusing food, or acting uncomfortable for long periods, it’s worth checking in with a vet. This guide supports everyday comfort, but persistent symptoms deserve a professional opinion.

The calm routine that reduces hairballs over time

If you want the “simple version,” think of hairball reduction as a routine—not a one-time fix. When hydration improves, digestion becomes calmer. When meals slow down, the stomach is less reactive. When your cat has gentle enrichment, stress grooming often decreases.

For many indoor cats, the biggest difference comes from two shifts: more consistent drinking and calmer mealtimes. A fountain can encourage small sips throughout the day, and puzzle feeding can turn meals into a satisfying activity instead of a rushed moment.

If you want to keep building the calm-mealtime system, these are your best next reads:

Why does my cat eat so fast? · How to help your cat drink more water · Interactive cat puzzle feeder · Cat vomiting after eating too fast

Quick next step

If you want an easy first step today, start with hydration and calmer meals. Many cats drink more with moving water, and many cats eat more slowly when feeding becomes a gentle activity.

Try the Stainless Steel Cat Fountain for consistent sipping, and explore the Interactive Cat Puzzle Feeder for slower, calmer mealtimes.