If you’re a cat parent in North York, you’ve probably dealt with the unpleasant surprise of hairballs on the carpet. It’s one of the most common concerns we hear at Hello Pets Inc., especially from owners of long-haired or heavy-shedding cats.
While hairballs are normal to some extent, frequent or severe hairballs are not something you should ignore.
The good news is that proper and consistent grooming can significantly reduce hairball formation and keep your cat healthier and more comfortable.
Many cat owners are surprised to learn how big of a role grooming—both at home and professionally—plays in preventing hairballs. In this blog, we’ll break down why hairballs form, how grooming helps, and what practical steps you can take to support your cat’s well-being.
Cats are naturally clean animals and spend a large part of their day licking their fur to keep it tidy. During this process, loose hair sticks to their tongue and is swallowed.
Most of the time, the hair passes through the digestive tract without any issue. But when too much hair accumulates in the stomach, it forms a clump that the cat eventually vomits—this is the hairball. Some reasons hairballs become frequent include:
Professional and at-home grooming reduces the amount of loose fur your cat swallows during self-cleaning.
Over time, this dramatically lowers hairball frequency. Here’s how grooming works as a preventive solution:
Every time you brush your cat, you remove loose fur that would otherwise be ingested. Even short-haired cats shed more than people realize.
Regular brushing minimizes the amount of hair that ends up in your cat’s stomach, making grooming the most effective hairball prevention method.
A healthy coat sheds less. Grooming distributes natural oils across the fur, strengthening the hair follicles and reducing breakage. Less shedding automatically means fewer hairballs.
Read More: Home Remedies For Excessive Cat Shedding
Matted fur doesn’t just look messy—it traps loose hair and contributes to excessive grooming.
When mats remain, cats lick more aggressively to clean themselves, leading to higher ingestion of fur. Professional grooming sessions help remove mats safely and prevent them from forming.
Sometimes hairballs are a symptom of something deeper—like allergies, stress, parasites, or over-grooming habits.
Grooming exposes the skin and helps you spot early signs of health issues before they worsen. Groomers also detect subtle changes that cat owners may miss.
Cats groom excessively when they feel stressed or uncomfortable. Regular grooming provides physical comfort and reduces shedding, which can help calm anxious cats and indirectly limit hairball formation.
Many cat owners in North York ask us for simple steps they can follow at home. Here are some effective practices:
For long-haired cats, daily brushing is ideal. For short-haired cats, brushing 3–4 times a week works well. Use the right brush for your cat’s coat type so loose hair is removed efficiently.
If your cat dislikes brushing, start with short, calm sessions. Reward with treats or praise to create a positive association.
Dry indoor air can make coats brittle and increase shedding. Using a humidifier during winter can help maintain coat health.
Omega-3 and Omega-6 fatty acids improve skin and coat health. A healthier coat means less shedding and fewer hairballs.
Even 5–10 minutes of grooming several times a week makes a significant difference.
While at-home grooming is essential, some cats benefit greatly from professional grooming services—especially long-haired breeds or cats prone to matting.
A professional cat groomer can safely remove tangles, perform sanitary trims, and give your cat a thorough deshedding session. If you feel your cat needs expert care, you can explore the cat grooming services we offer here in North York.
Many pet parents rely on our support when brushing becomes difficult, or when they want to reduce shedding seasonally.
At our salon, Hello Pets Inc. provides gentle and stress-aware grooming services for cats who need extra help with coat maintenance.
If you notice any of the following, it’s time to increase grooming frequency or seek professional care:
Hairballs are common, but they don’t have to be a regular part of your cat’s life. With consistent grooming—both at home and professionally—you can keep your cat’s coat healthier, reduce shedding, and help them feel more comfortable.
As a grooming salon based in North York, we’ve seen how simple grooming habits can transform a cat’s well-being and significantly lower hairball concerns. A little effort truly goes a long way.
Most cats benefit from brushing at least 3–4 times a week, while long-haired breeds need daily grooming to keep shedding under control and prevent tangles.
Yes. Professional grooming removes a much larger amount of loose fur than home brushing alone. Deshedding treatments are especially effective for cats that shed heavily or form mats quickly.
Indoor cats often shed year-round because they live in a temperature-controlled environment. Without seasonal shedding cycles, they may swallow more hair, making grooming even more important.
Seasonal shedding increases during spring and fall. During these times, brushing and grooming support should be increased to prevent excessive fur ingestion.
If your cat has repeated gagging, constipation, loss of appetite, or constant hairballs, it may indicate digestive or coat-health issues. A vet visit is recommended.
Introduce grooming slowly with positive reinforcement. Use gentle brushes, shorter sessions, treats, and a calm environment. Some cats who dislike home grooming do better with professional grooming.
Yes. Long-haired breeds like Persians, Himalayans, and Maine Coons naturally swallow more fur and are more prone to mats and hairballs, making grooming essential.
