Autumn 2026: Cat Hairball Season Is Here – Brush Daily for 5 Minutes to Reduce Hairballs by 90%

When autumn arrives, cats become fur factories – and all that grooming means more hair is ending up in their stomachs. Most cats can bring up hairballs on their own, but for some, hair can build up in the stomach and become a problem.

VioVet notes that cats are particularly prone to hairballs during the spring and autumn shedding seasons, as they groom more frequently to remove excess fur. In the UK's damp climate, autumn is already a peak shedding period, and indoor heating makes fur drier and more likely to shed – making hairball problems significantly worse than in other seasons.

Why do cats get hairballs?

Cats are fastidious groomers, spending 30% to 50% of their waking hours grooming themselves. Their tongues are covered in backward-facing barbs (papillae) – which act like a comb during grooming. They remove dead fur, but it also means cats have no choice but to swallow the hair they've groomed out.

Most of that hair passes through the digestive system and out the other end. But during shedding season – especially autumn – the amount of hair being swallowed far exceeds normal levels, and some of it can accumulate in the stomach, forming a hairball.

Long-haired breeds (like Maine Coons and Persians) and cats that over-groom are at highest risk. Notably, if a cat is over-grooming due to stress, anxiety, skin conditions, or pain, they'll swallow even more fur, making hairballs more likely.

Normal hairballs vs signs to watch for

Vets advise that frequent or difficult-to-pass hairballs can indicate underlying issues.

Normal hairballs

1、Cat brings up a hairball occasionally (roughly every 1-2 weeks)

2、Cat returns to normal eating and energy levels after bringing up a hairball

3、Hairball contains small amounts of food residue, with no other unusual symptoms

Vets note that healthy cats shouldn't be vomiting hairballs frequently – if your cat is regularly bringing up hairballs, it means they're either swallowing too much fur or their digestive system isn't healthy enough to handle a normal amount of hair.

When to see the vet

1、Frequent retching with no hairball produced

2、Loss of appetite or refusing food entirely

3、Lethargy, excessive sleepiness

4、Constipation or diarrhoea

5、Swollen or painful abdomen

6、Persistent coughing (which can be confused with respiratory conditions like asthma)

Frequent hairball vomiting in autumn is not normal – if your cat goes several days without eating or is retching frequently, they need to be seen.

Prevention plan

1、Brush daily (the most effective method)

The single most important prevention measure during shedding season is brushing daily – remove the loose fur before it ends up in your cat's stomach.

UK vet guidelines recommend:

1、Short-haired cats: brush 2-3 times a week

2、Long-haired cats: brush daily during shedding season

3、5-10 minutes per session is usually enough

Use a deshedding tool, undercoat rake, or grooming glove for best results. If your cat resists brushing, start with just 1 minute a day and pair it with treats so they learn to tolerate – and eventually enjoy – the routine.

1、 Consider hairball products

Hairball pastes usually contain petroleum jelly or mineral oil, which lubricate the digestive tract and help hair pass through.

Cat grass and catnip can also help cats bring up hairballs, but note: cat grass can trigger aggressive reactions in some cats, so it's worth checking with your vet first.

1、 Dietary support

For severe hairball problems, consider (under vet guidance):

1、High-fibre cat foods – help hair pass through the digestive system

2、Foods containing soluble and insoluble fibre (like pea fibre) – promote gut movement and help hair pass with faeces

Nutrition starts from the inside out. Quality protein, Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids keep skin healthy and coats glossy – reducing shedding and excessive fur loss at the source.

4、 Keep them hydrated

Dehydration affects digestion and increases hairball risk. During autumn shedding season:

1、Place multiple water bowls around the house

2、Try a pet water fountain

3、Supplement with wet food

5、Reduce stress

Stress can trigger over-grooming – cats groom more when anxious, swallowing more hair in the process. Keeping the environment enriching and minimising household changes helps cats relax and reduces over-grooming behaviour.

Final thoughts

Autumn is peak season for cat hairballs. Just 5 minutes of daily brushing can significantly reduce how often hairballs occur. But if your cat is frequently retching, losing their appetite, or seems lethargic – don't wait. Contact your vet.

Does your cat bring up hairballs in autumn? Have you noticed any other symptoms? Feel free to share your experience in the comments.

                                                                                                                                                 

References

1、VioVet. How to Prevent Hairballs in Cats. Vet-reviewed guide. 2015.

2、Claws N Paws Animal Hospital. Preventing and Managing Hairballs in Cats. 2025.

3、HK01. Cat stomach had 3 "stones" removed – autumn hairball warning. 2017.

4、Picart Petcare. Shedding hair in cats. 2022.

5、Nutravet. Hairballs in cats. 2024.

6、WeChat Public Platform. Autumn cat health warnings. 2025.

7、Picart Petcare. Cats and fur balls. 2025.

8、Ontario SPCA & Royal Canin. Hairball prevention and treatment. 2025.

9、Lassie Pet Insurance. Autumn Coat Change: How to Support Your Cat. 2024.