Enzymes And Probiotics For Cat Hairballs:
Natural Remedies For Healthy Digestion

Hairballs are a common issue for cats and are often linked to digestive motility disorders. Enzymes and probiotics offer a natural solution by supporting your cat’s digestive health. Enzymes help break down ingested hair, making it easier for your cat to pass hair through the digestive tract, while probiotics promote a balanced gut microbiome, improving digestion and regular bowel movements. By using these natural supplements, you can help prevent hairballs from forming and reduce your cat’s discomfort, without relying on harsh chemicals or medications.


Cats are meticulous groomers, using their tongues to remove loose and dead hairs, which leads to the ingestion of a considerable amount of hair. In a healthy digestive system, this ingested hair usually passes through the stomach and intestines without issue. However, when digestive motility is compromised, the movement of food and hair through the digestive tract slows down, allowing the hair to accumulate in the stomach. This accumulation, combined with gastric juices, forms clumps that cannot be easily expelled through vomiting or defecation, resulting in the familiar cylindrical hairballs.

Is your cat throwing up hairballs? Digestive issues can make it difficult for your cat to pass hair naturally, especially in long-haired breeds, older cats, or those with underlying digestive problems. Enzymes and probiotics can aid in proper digestion, helping the hair to pass smoothly and reducing the formation of hairballs. Common signs of hairballs in cats include:

Coughing, Hacking & Wheezing - Persistent coughing, hacking, or wheezing sounds may be an indication that a cat is trying to expel a hairball.

Vomiting - Cats may vomit to eliminate hairballs. The vomited material may contain hair, saliva, and sometimes undigested food.

Lack of Appetite - A cat with a hairball may experience a temporary decrease in appetite or may avoid eating altogether.

Constipation - Hairballs can contribute to constipation in some cats, leading to difficulties in passing stool.

Hair in Stool or Vomit - Hair may be noticeable in a cat's stool or vomit, especially if the hairball has been successfully passed.

Along with digestive issues, factors that may contribute to the formation of cat hairballs include:

Coat Length Long-haired cats are more prone to developing hairballs due to the increased amount of fur they ingest during grooming.

Shedding Seasons - Cats may shed more fur during shedding seasons, leading to an increase in hairball formation.

Lack of Grooming - Cats that are unable to groom themselves adequately due to obesity, arthritis, or other health issues may have a higher risk of hairball formation.

Dry Skin or Coat - Dry skin or coat can contribute to increased shedding, leading to more hair ingestion and hairball formation.

Stress - Stressful events or changes in a cat's environment can lead to excessive grooming, which may increase the ingestion of fur and hairball formation.

Diet - A lack of dietary fiber or moisture in a cat's diet can affect the digestive process and contribute to hairball formation.

While hairballs are generally harmless, they can pose health risks if not managed properly. Hairball related health risks may include:

Gastrointestinal Obstruction - In some cases, hairballs can grow in size and cause blockages in the gastrointestinal tract. This can lead to serious complications, including vomiting, lethargy, and a loss of appetite.

Chronic Coughing and Retching - Persistent hairball-related issues may result in chronic coughing and retching, leading to discomfort and potential damage to the esophagus.

Decreased Appetite - Cats experiencing frequent hairballs may develop a decreased appetite, leading to weight loss and nutritional deficiencies.

Stress and Discomfort - Chronic hairball issues can contribute to stress and discomfort for your cat, affecting their overall quality of life.

Natural remedies for hairballs focus on improving your cat's digestive health. Enzymes aid in breaking down food and hair, while probiotics help maintain a balanced gut microbiome, promoting regular bowel movements. Together, these supplements can significantly reduce the likelihood of hairball formation by keeping the digestive system functioning smoothly. Regular use of digestive support supplements can help cats pass ingested hair more effectively, preventing it from building up into problematic hairballs.

How Enzymes Help Break Down Hairballs in Cats

Enzymes aid digestion by breaking down proteins and other components in food, making it easier for your cat to absorb nutrients. When cats ingest hair during grooming, these enzymes help break down the hair, allowing it to pass naturally through the intestines. This reduces the risk of hairballs getting stuck in the digestive tract and minimizes the discomfort caused by hairball blockages.

Probiotics for Cat Hairballs: Improving Gut Health and Digestion

Probiotics play a vital role in maintaining your cat’s digestive health. By promoting a healthy gut microbiome, probiotics can improve overall digestion and nutrient absorption, preventing constipation and helping hair move smoothly through the digestive tract. Adding probiotics to your cat’s diet not only helps with hairball prevention but also improves their overall well-being by reducing digestive issues.


Combining the use of digestive supplements with a high-fiber diet can maximize their effectiveness in preventing hairballs.

Power Probiotic For Cats

Probiotics can be helpful for cats with hairballs because they support digestive health and help maintain a balanced gut microbiome. A healthy gut microbiome is essential for proper digestion and nutrient absorption, which can aid in the efficient breakdown and elimination of ingested hair. Probiotics promote regular bowel movements and can help prevent constipation, which is a common contributing factor to hairball formation. Probiotics can help reduce the frequency and severity of cat hairballs.

Learn more about Power Probiotic For Cats

Soothing Digestive Relief

Contains enzymes, marshmallow root, and papaya leaf to promote digestion and soothe the digestive tract. Marshmallow root contains mucilage, a gel-like substance that can coat and soothe the digestive tract. Helps to relieve irritation and inflammation in the GI tract, making it easier for hairballs to pass through. Papaya leaf contains papain, an enzyme that can aid in protein digestion. Papaya leaf is also rich in fiber to support bowel function. Added enzymes help to break down food and help ensure that ingested hair is eliminated.

Learn more about Soothing Digestive Relief

PureOcean Wild Omegas

Omega-3 fatty acids have anti-inflammatory effects, which can help reduce inflammation in the gastrointestinal tract to help facilitate the smoother passage of hairballs, making them easier for cats to eliminate. Omega-3 fatty acids are also beneficial for promoting healthy skin and coat in cats. A healthy coat helps minimize excessive shedding and reduces the amount of loose fur that cats ingest during grooming, ultimately decreasing the likelihood of hairball formation.

Learn more about PureOcean Wild Omegas

Additional Natural Remedies To Prevent Hairballs In Cats

Home remedies for cat hairballs aim to promote natural hairball elimination by improving the normal passage of hair through the digestive tract. Some effective home remedies include:

Dietary Fiber - Adding fiber to your cat's diet can help promote regular bowel movements and assist in passing hair through the digestive tract. High-fiber cat foods or adding a small amount of canned pumpkin to their meals can help.

Hydration - Ensuring your cat drinks an adequate amount of water helps keep their digestive system functioning smoothly and prevents constipation, which can exacerbate hairball issues.

Regular Grooming - Brushing your cat regularly helps remove loose fur before it's ingested during grooming. This can significantly reduce the amount of fur your cat swallows, minimizing hairball formation.

Increased Activity - Encouraging your cat to engage in regular play and exercise can help stimulate digestion and promote bowel movements, reducing the risk of hairball formation.

Omega-3 Fatty Acids - Omega-3s from fish oil help lubricate the digestive tract and reduce inflammation, promoting smoother hairball elimination.

How to Choose the Best Natural Hairball Remedy for Your Cat

Choosing the right hairball remedy depends on your cat’s needs. If your cat experiences frequent hairballs, incorporating digestive enzymes and probiotics is an excellent first step. These natural supplements promote healthier digestion, reduce constipation, and ensure that hair is efficiently passed through the digestive system. Regular grooming and a fiber-rich diet can further enhance their effectiveness, keeping your cat hairball-free.

Article published Apr 14, 2023
Article updated Sep 14, 2024
Written by: Susan Davis, Pet Health Nutritionist, CCN
All pet treatment protocols and pet treatment supplements have been reviewed and approved by a veterinarian