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Can my cat eat hairball control dry food daily if she has no hairballs?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | spayed | 4 years old

Is it ok to feed my cat anti-hairball dry cat food every day if she's not having hairball problem these days?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Answered By Karly Macon, DVM, MS, CVA Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Veterinarian

Published on April 4th, 2017

Yes, depending on the food. Most of the brands that claim to have efficacy against hairballs have some kind of formulation that has added fiber designed to help hairballs to pass. Some foods are more effective than others at this (stick to Science Diet, Royal Canin, or Purina for over-the-counter non-prescription diets). These are not usually prescription diets and are almost always ok to feed as a maintenance diet to normal, healthy cats.
Vote Icon9Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

    Licensed Veterinary Technician

    It is fine if that is what Bella has been eating regularly. Cats are meticulous groomers and it is likely she may develop hairballs again, especially since she is a long haired breed. You can minimize hairballs with daily brushing and using products such as Laxatone or PetroMalt when needed.

    Vote Icon

    7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

  • Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 4th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

    I think that Hill's Science diet indoor/hairball control would be a good option. Meow mix and Kit and Kabboodle are low quality foods comparatively. Sometimes what SEEMS like hairballs is really a food allergy. If the Hill's food doesn't help, be sure to give it 2-3 months, then I would try a non-chicken diet (all fish, venison, beef, lamb or duck).

    I hope this helps and I wish you, Bug and Chloe the best!

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Food & Nutrition
What dry food should I feed older long-haired cats with hairballs?
A high quality food of science diet, royal canin, iams, or purina are great brands. Iams makes a hairball control. You can also purchase hairball medications/supplements and use your favorite food.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
Is hairball food safe for my overweight cat with no hairball issues?
There is no reason why he shouldn't eat a hairball formula, these tend to contain increased fiber to improve bowel mobility and this sounds like a good fit. Change food slowly over 7-10days to prevent upset
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My cat has hairballs. What's an affordable hairball food or medicine?
If he likes his current food then you can add in a hair ball medicine like catlax or laxatone. You can give this to him 2-3 times per week. If you don’t feel like you will be able to do that then I would go back to the food you were feeding before since it seemed to help. I like science diet, Royal canin, Iams, and eukanuba which all should have affordable hair all formula options. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Health & Wellness
Do all cats need hairball medicine, even if they don't get them?
If hairballs are not a problem, you do not have to give them a specific hairball product. A high quality cat food and plenty of fresh water, as well as a healthy environment with some toys and scratching posts or other appropriate places to exercise his claws are all he needs. Thanks for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
What's the best food for my indoor cat's urinary health and hairballs?
Do not combine foods, this causes GI upset. Brands of food I recommend include Royal Canin, Hill's Science Diet, Purina Pro Plan, and Iams. I recommend these foods because they run their own feeding trials, meet AAFCO standards, and have veterinary nutritionists on staff. They are the only four brands to do this. I think an indoor cat formula would be best for Storm. As for water, get a pet water fountain. It provides a constant source of fresh water, and encourages cats to drink. I have one for my cats, and they love it. Don't change litter if he has one he likes. Cats are very picky about litter, and a change in litter can lead to them not using their box.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
My cat won't eat after hairball. When should I worry and see a vet?
If Lilly has gone more than 24 hours without eating, she should be seen by the vet. For regular maintenance use, if Lilly has a tendency to get upset stomach from hairballs I recommend using a hairball supplement such as this one: Remedies_SMRT-_-Product_Listing_Ads-_-Smart_Shopping&kpid=go_6526132049_75197113101_383951179912_pla-709770020843_c&utm_config=tad0iunwp&utm_campaign=PTC_P_SUP_PLA-GG_FY19_SBU04_Cat_Supplements Remedies_SMRT&utm_source=google&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI0aOl6aeR6AIVSrzACh2xjgDAEAQYAiABEgLvL_D_BwE I also recommend brushing Lilly daily so she ingests less hair.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Food & Nutrition
What wet food can help my cat with hairball vomiting and thyroid meds?
The following food is one of the best for hairball problems: https://www.royalcanin.com/products/royal-canin-feline-health-nutrition-indoor-intense-hairball-34-dry-cat-food/2534 bear in mind the vomiting might be caused by the hyperthyroidism rather than caused by the hairballs.
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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