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My cat keeps vomiting daily with hairballs. What should I do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Persian | Female | spayed | 7 lbs

I have 5 cats and one of them, Snickers, an American Tabby mix, has been vomiting quite a bit; at least once daily. She is constantly grooming and, over the summer, had a battle with fleas. Her vomit usually has a small fur ball but otherwise looks like yellow stomach acid. I have slowly changed her dry food 3 times so far and although she tolerates it well at the beginning she starts vomiting again. I am disabled and unable to afford a vet bill right now. Is there anything I can do for her?

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jessica Desrosiers

Veterinary Technician

Published on December 27th, 2016

It's possible Snickers may be dealing with some problematic hairballs, however if the vomiting has been going on this long it is best to seek veterinary care for a complete exam to make sure there isn't another underlying cause. You can attempt to groom Snickers more at home by brushing daily and offering hairball paste (found in most pet stores), however if the vomiting continues, vet care is needed.

If you are having trouble affording veterinary care, this site may help give you some ideas about how to make it more affordable: http://www.humanesociety.org/animals/resources/tips/trouble_affording_veterinary_care.html

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on August 14th, 2018
1) you should have her examined by your vet to rule out pancreatitis and lymphoma
2) It is likely a hairball problem, so you need to comb her every day (combing removes more dead hair than brushing)
3) Feed good quality cat food, preferably "hairball formula" or "hair ball prevention"
4)Get Hairball remedy at a pet shop or at your vet and give that regularly as per instruction on the tube. If your cat does not like it (most cats actually like it as a treat) then put it on her paws so she licks it off when cleaning herself.
This should make you and your kitty happy!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Laura Johnson VMD
Veterinarian
Published on December 14th, 2017
Hi, thanks for using PetCoach!

I advise owners to try a hairball formula food like [Hill's Science Diet Indoor Hairball Control](), and laxatone. Laxatone is a mineral oil-based product that's given by mouth in a paste form; it helps to bind the hair in the stomach which results in it getting eliminated through the feces instead of triggering vomiting.

If your cat is long haired, getting them shaved down to a lion cut often really helps.

I'm assuming that your cat is vomiting, since that is the most common (and often only) sign of hairballs. Normal cats with short hair should only vomit about every 3 months. Anything more than that is abnormal and can be from intestinal disease or food allergies and many other things.

I hope this helps and I wish you the best!
263Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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