Maine Coon cats are known for their majestic, long, and shaggy coats, but with great fluff comes great responsibility! Their luxurious fur makes them more prone to hairballs, which can be unpleasant for both you and your feline friend. If you’re tired of finding unexpected hairball surprises around your home, don’t worry—you’re in the right place!
What Causes Hairballs in Maine Coons?
Hairballs form when your cat ingests loose fur during self-grooming. Normally, most of this fur passes through the digestive system. However, when a cat swallows excessive amounts of fur, the situation changes. This is particularly true for long-haired breeds like Maine Coons. The fur can accumulate in the stomach. This forms a hairball that eventually gets vomited up.
Signs that your Maine Coon has a Hairball
- Frequent retching or gagging without producing anything
- Vomiting cylindrical-shaped fur masses
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy or discomfort
- Diarrhea or constipation
Hairball Prevention Strategies for Maine Coons
Preventing hairballs isn’t just about reducing the icky surprises—it’s about keeping your cat comfortable and ensuring a smooth digestive process. Here’s how you can tackle hairballs head-on.
Regular Grooming and Deshedding
Maine Coons’ coats are high maintenance. Regular baths and grooming helps remove loose shedding fur before your cat swallows it. If mats get too out of hand, then shaving your cat might be necessary.
Best Tools for Grooming Maine Coons:
- Furminator – A powerful deshedding tool that removes loose undercoat fur.
- Wide-tooth comb – Great for detangling longer fur.
- Slicker brush – Helps keep the outer coat smooth and tangle-free.
Dietary Adjustments for Hairball Control
The proper diet for your Maine Coon is essential for preventing hairballs.
- Purina One Hairball Formula (Dry)
- Royal Canin Hairball Care (Dry)
- Royal Canin Hairball (Canned)
- Purina ProPlan Hairball Control Salmon Pâté (Canned)
- VivaRaw Ground Rabbit & Chicken (Raw Diet)
Natural Remedies for Hairball Prevention
A small pea-sized amount of organic coconut oil 2-3 times a week can help lubricate your cat’s digestive tract. This makes it easier for hair to pass through naturally.
Growing cat-safe herbs like cat grass and lemongrass provides natural fiber to aid digestion. Cats instinctively nibble on these greens, helping them regulate their stomach contents and prevent hairball buildup.
Laxatone Gel for Hairball Prevention
Many Maine Coon cat owners are familiar with Laxatone. This over-the-counter product helps prevent and/or eliminate hairballs.
Can Omega-3 Fish Oil Help Prevent Hairballs in Cats?
Absolutely! Omega-3 fish oil is a simple, natural supplement that can actually help reduce hairballs in your cat.
Here’s why it works:
- Healthier Coat, Less Shedding: Omega-3 fatty acids make your cat’s fur soft, smooth, and healthy. This means your kitty sheds less, which means fewer loose hairs swallowed during grooming.
- Promotes Skin Health: Dry, itchy skin can cause cats to over-groom, which leads to—you guessed it—more hairballs. Omega-3 keeps the skin moisturized and happy.
- May Help Hair Pass Easily: Some vets believe fish oil adds a little lubrication to your cat’s digestive tract, making it easier for swallowed hair to move through naturally (instead of clumping into a hairball).
Quick Tip:
Always choose a cat-specific fish oil supplement (no human fish oils!) and follow the dosage instructions. Too much can upset their stomach or add unnecessary calories.
Pair fish oil with regular brushing, and your Maine Coon will have a silky coat AND fewer hairballs.
Conclusion: Say Goodbye to Hairballs!
Hairballs are one of the most common Maine Coon health issues. A well-maintained coat and a healthy digestive system mean a happier, more comfortable cat—and fewer nasty surprises for you! Keep up on all of the grooming tips for Maine Coons to stay ahead of hairballs.
If your cat experiences complications despite preventive measures, seek help from your vet. In some cases, hairballs can cause blockages, which are considered emergencies.
Whenever you’re ready for a Maine Coon kitten, check our available kittens page.
We are Extremely Interested in One of your Male Maine Coon Kittens. Black is real nice, or Even a real nicer Orange Kitten.
Time is not an Issue, we would not be able to get the Kitten UNTILL March or late April. We had a TICA BENGAL CAT BUT OUR BOY “TAZZ”. But he passed away just days before his 16th Birthday. He had a Bone Tumor in his Right Jaw. And in Bad Pain. So being Civil we had him put down just after his 16th Birthday. And Planted him under a Grafted Apple Tree.
Now he’s 6 feet tall
Im so sorry for the loss of your baby, Tazz! I hope that you can find peace and know that he had his best life. When you’re ready for a kitten, just apply for Exclusive Ownership right here on our website. Thank you!