Last updated Apr 12, 2025
Managing hairballs often involves a multi-modal approach. We tested several effective options. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Most cat guardians have dealt with the occasional hairball. These pesky clumps happen when cats groom themselves, and their sandpaper-like tongues pull loose hair into their digestive tract. Once it forms into a clod, hair is unable to continue its journey to the litter box, and instead, it gets stuck or heads in the opposite direction.
While it’s natural for cats to cough up hairballs now and then, frequent hairballs could indicate underlying health issues. Fortunately, there are numerous remedies to help manage hairballs, including specialized cat foods, fiber supplements, and lubricating gels.
In this guide, we’ll review some of the best hairball remedies available so you can choose the best option for your cat.
At a Glance: The Best Hairball Remedies for Cats To Buy
Want a quick look at the products reviewed in this article? In the comparison table below, we’ve highlighted some of the most important features of each product. You’ll find more detailed information about each product later in the article.
Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel
- A well-regarded product with a history of efficacy
- Contains a blend of lubricants
- Safe for all life stages
Cat Lax Cat Supplement
- Boosts skin and coat health with cod liver oil and lecithin
- Helps with constipation
- Many cats like the taste
Vetnique Labs Profivex Probiotic 5-Strain Supplement
- Easy to sprinkle over food
- Carries the NASC quality seal
- Contains five probiotic bacteria strains
Vet’s Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid
- Made from a blend of well-regarded ingredients
- Safe for all life stages
- Affordable
Pet Honesty Hairball Support Chews
- Low-calorie supplement
- Formulated by an in-house PhD animal nutritionist
- Dual texture appeals to finicky eaters
Inaba Churu Hairball Control Creamy Puree
- Includes taurine and vitamin E
- Grain-free and made without artificial additives
- Only six calories per treat
Hill's Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree
- Supports urinary tract health with optimal magnesium levels
- Contains taurine to support heart and vision health
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives
Why Trust Cats.com
Our reviews are grounded in extensive research and hands-on testing. To find the best hairball remedies, I explored what causes hairballs, the potential complications they present, and how to best resolve them. Then, I scoured the market for popular solutions, reading numerous customer reviews and visiting cat community forums to learn what worked for others and what didn’t.
Drawing on these insights and my own experience as a longtime cat guardian, I selected several highly-rated products to test at home with my cat, Amber. Keeping in mind the diverse needs of cat parents, I evaluated each product on several fronts, including their smell, ingredients, and my cat’s response.
I recognize that every cat guardian’s mileage will vary. My goal is not to advocate for any specific product but rather to provide recommendations that help you choose the best remedy for your unique cat.
Our rankings are determined by a variety of factors. Each cat will have different needs and preferences, so while Tomlyn Laxatone Gel is our top choice, it may not be ideal for your unique cat. To help you choose the right hairball remedy for your cat, we’ve broken down our recommendations by application method and other key considerations.
#1 Overall Best: Tomlyn Laxatone Hairball Remedy Gel
This well-regarded brand has been in the hairball gel business for over 25 years. Tomlyn Laxatone Gel works by lubricating swallowed hair, helping it pass through the digestive tract. It contains a blend of petroleum jelly, mineral oil, and soybean oil.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This gel has a smooth, thick texture akin to molasses. It’s available in three flavors: tuna, maple, and catnip. We went with the tuna flavor, which had a meaty, savory aroma.
My cat gave it a sniff and decided, no, it was not for her. But every cat will react differently, and plenty seem to enjoy this gel.
To boost its cat appeal, Tomlyn gel is sweetened with corn syrup, malt syrup, and cane molasses. Many cat parents report positive results after using it. For best results, it’s recommended to offer the gel between meals and not mix it with food.
Ingredients
White Petrolatum USP, Light Mineral Oil Nf, Corn Syrup, Malt Syrup, Soybean Oil, Cane Molasses, Water, Gelatin By-Products, Sodium Benzoate (Preservative), and Natural and Artificial Flavors.
What We Liked:
- Established brand with a track record of effectiveness
- Contains a blend of lubricants
- Available in multiple flavors
- Safe for all life stages
What We Didn’t Like:
- Contains three types of sugar and artificial flavors
- Not all cats enjoy the taste
#2 Runner-Up: Cat Lax Cat Supplement
Though Cat Lax doesn’t mention hairballs in its name, this product is just as popular as a hairball preventive as it is a laxative.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
In fact, this gel is one of the most trusted hairball control products on the market. Many customers say their cats like the way it tastes and that it helps to keep hairballs down.
The gel’s first ingredient is cod liver oil, which is both a lubricant and a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve skin and coat health, helping to control the hairball problem at its source.
It also contains white petrolatum, which coats the hairs and helps them pass through the digestive system. Finally, the gel contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that helps to loosen hairballs in the body.
The sweet taste, derived from caramel and malt syrup, is a hit with many felines, although the extra sugars are not ideal.
Ingredients
Cod Liver Oil, Caramel, Lecithin, Malt Syrup, White Petrolatum, 0.1% Sodium Benzoate, (Preservative), 0.036 I.U./G Vitamin E (Dl-Alpha-Tocopheryl Acetate) (Antioxidant), Purified Water.
What We Liked:
- Highly recommended by cat owners for effective hairball control
- Contains beneficial ingredients like cod liver oil and lecithin for enhanced skin and coat health
- Many cats like the taste
What We Disliked:
- Contains sugars (caramel and malt syrup)
- Some pets may not be fond of the taste
#3 Best Powder: Vetnique Labs Profivex Probiotic 5-Strain Supplement
An increase in fiber intake can help your cat pass ingested hair. Not only does this powdered supplement provide two types of fiber for your cat, but it’s also infused with probiotic strains of bacteria to restore and protect their gut microbiome.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
With desiccated pork liver as the first ingredient, this supplement has a savory flavor many cats find appealing. Rice flour and sweet potato offer dietary fiber and also act as prebiotics, maintaining beneficial bacteria in the gut.
This supplement contains five strains of probiotic bacteria along with bromelain, a natural enzyme derived from pineapple that may offer digestive, anti-inflammatory, and immune-supporting benefits.
This supplement is easy to administer—simply sprinkle a scoop over your cat’s dry food or mix it into wet food. Some cat parents also had success soaking the powder in broth and using it as a liquid food topper.
Ingredients
Desiccated Pork Liver Powder, Rice Flour, Sweet Potato Powder, Fructooligosaccharide, Dried Lactobacillus acidophilus Fermentation Product, Vitamin E, Dried Enterococcus faecium Fermentation Product, Dried Bacillus plantarum Fermnetation Product, Bromelain, Driev Bacillus coagulans Fermentation Product, Ascorbic Acid (Vitamin C), Dried Bifidobacterium bifidum Fermentation Product, Sorbic Acid.
What We Liked:
- Contains dietary fiber and five probiotic bacteria strains
- Many cats enjoy the meaty pork flavor
- Easy to sprinkle over food or mix in
- Carries the NASC quality seal
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not specifically formulated for hairball control
- Some cats may not enjoy the powdered texture
#4 Best Tablet: Vet’s Best Hairball Relief Digestive Aid
These tablets are designed to relieve hairballs and support overall digestive health. They’re primarily made from psyllium husk, a source of soluble fiber.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Marshmallow root and slippery elm help lubricate the digestive tract while reducing inflammation. They also include digestive enzymes, probiotics, and papaya extract.
Flavored with liver powder and natural flavors, many cats like the taste of these tablets. Since they’re rather large, you’ll need to break them into smaller pieces to offer to your cat. I didn’t find this difficult, as some other customers noted, but I can see how it might be inconvenient.
This product is an affordable option. At around $20, a 180-count bottle should last you about three months.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Psyllium Husk, 50 mg, Marshmallow Root, 25 mg, Slippery Elm Bark, 25 mg, Allzyme (Enzyme Blend-Lactobacillus Acidophilus, Aspergillus Oryzae, Bacillus subtilis, Papain, Amylase, Protease), 2 mg, Papaya Extract (Papain), 2 mg.
Inactive Ingredients: Apple Fiber Powder, Calcium Carbonate, Cellulose, Liver Powder, Magnesium Stearate, Natural Flavor, Silicon Dioxide, Yeast (Torula).
What We Liked:
- Safe for all life stages
- Many cats like the way these tablets taste
- Features the NASC Seal of Approval
What We Didn’t Like:
- Tablets are large, and some find them difficult to break into smaller pieces
#5 Best Chew: Pet Honesty Hairball Support Chews
Pickier cats who aren’t on board with a tablet or powder might be more receptive to a tasty chew. These treats combine a crunchy outer layer with a creamy filling, which many cats will find appealing.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
With fiber-rich ingredients like apple pomace and psyllium husk, these Pet Honesty chews support healthy digestion to minimize hairballs. Zinc methionine supports skin and coat health, reducing shedding and hairballs. Additionally, omega-3 fatty acids help maintain skin health and reduce shedding.
Veterinary-formulated and low in calories, these chews can be given daily. Since my cat doesn’t get frequent hairballs (at least not within the window where I was writing this review), I can’t speak for their efficacy, but plenty of customers are happy with the results.
Ingredients
Active Ingredients: Citrus Pulp, Apple Pomace, Psyllium Husk, Zinc Methionine, Omega-3s
Inactive Ingredients: Citrus Pulp, Apple Pomace, Psyllium Husk, Zinc Methionine, Omega-3s (Fish Oil, Lecithin), Barley Flour, Brewers Yeast, Brown Rice Flour, Chicken Fat, Chicken Meal, Citric Acid, Cultured Whey, Glucono-Delta-Lactone, Mixed Tocopherols (preservative), Natural Flavor, Oat Flour, Pea Fiber, Pea Powder, Pork Fat, Potassium Chloride, Rosemary Extract, Tapioca Starch, Taurine, Whey.
What We Liked:
- Natural ingredients support digestion and skin health
- Dual texture makes them tasty for cats
- Low-calorie (less than three calories per chew)
- Formulated by an in-house PhD animal nutritionist
What We Didn’t Like:
- Larger cats may go through the supply quickly
- Some cats may not enjoy the flavor
#6 Best Treat: Inaba Churu Hairball Control Creamy Puree
These Inaba Churu lickable treats are a palatable option for promoting healthy digestion and managing hairballs in cats. They contain insoluble vegetable fiber, which helps move hair through the digestive tract.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
These treats are free from grains, preservatives, and artificial ingredients. They also contain taurine to support heart health and vitamin E for immune function.
The creamy puree texture should appeal to even the pickiest eaters. Many reviews mention that their cats loved these treats and found them effective against hairballs. My cat gave them two paws up.
Ingredients
Water, Tuna, Tapioca Starch, Powdered Cellulose, Natural Flavors, Guar gum, Natural Tuna Flavor, Vitamin E Supplement, Taurine, Green Tea Extract.
What We Liked:
- Smooth, creamy consistency
- Only six calories per treat
- Includes taurine and vitamin E
- Grain-free and made without artificial additives
- Feeding by hand offers an interactive experience and encourages bonding
What We Didn’t Like:
- Limited flavors available (chicken and tuna)
#7 Best Food: Hill’s Science Diet Urinary Hairball Control Savory Chicken Entree
Hill’s is one of the most reputable brands in the pet food industry and develops its formulas with input from qualified nutritionists, food scientists, and veterinarians.
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Liz Coleman / Cats.com
Cats with intestinal parasites might have diarrhea or other symptoms. Liz Coleman / Cats.com
This wet food contains fiber-rich ingredients like beet pulp to help manage hairballs. It also contains balanced magnesium levels to maintain urinary tract health.
My cat went mildly berzerk for this tasty wet food, gobbling it up with gusto. It provides a complete and balanced diet, making it suitable to serve as your cat’s primary food or as a supplement to their current diet.
Ingredients
Water, Chicken, Turkey Giblets, Pork By-Products, Pork Liver, Powdered Cellulose, Corn Starch, Rice, Soybean Meal, Dried Beet Pulp, Chicken Liver Flavor, Natural Flavor, Fish Meal, Guar Gum, Brewers Dried Yeast, L-Tryptophan, Monosodium Phosphate, Potassium Citrate, Calcium Carbonate, Fish Oil, Choline Chloride, vitamins (Vitamin E Supplement, Thiamine Mononitrate, Pyridoxine Hydrochloride, Niacin Supplement, Calcium Pantothenate, Vitamin B12 Supplement, Riboflavin Supplement, Biotin, Menadione Sodium Bisulfite Complex (source of Vitamin K), Folic Acid, Vitamin D3 Supplement), L-Lysine, Taurine, L-Carnitine, minerals (Zinc Oxide, Ferrous Sulfate, Manganese Sulfate, Copper Sulfate, Calcium Iodate), Beta-Carotene.
Guaranteed Analysis
Dry Matter Basis
Caloric Weight Basis
What We Liked:
- Includes natural fibers to reduce hairball formation
- Supports urinary tract health with optimal magnesium levels
- Free from artificial flavors and preservatives
- Contains taurine to support heart and vision health
What We Didn’t Like:
- Not suitable for kittens
- Higher price point compared to some standard cat foods
Types of Hairball Remedies
Hairball treatments come in many different forms. Implementing a combination of dietary changes, grooming techniques, and supplements can make a significant difference. Here are some effective options to consider.
Fiber Supplements
Fiber supplementation helps bind strands of hair to food particles, which carry the hairs on their journey toward the colon. By encouraging the hair to move quickly through the body, fiber-based hairball remedies reduce the hair’s chances of fusing into a ball and coming back up.
Additionally, a small amount of dietary fiber can help keep the digestive system functioning smoothly, correcting hairball problems at their roots.
The following are sources of fiber that, when integrated into your cat’s diet, may help hair move smoothly through the body:
- Psyllium Husk Powder
- Ground chia seeds
- Guar gum
- Powdered cellulose
- Cat Grass
Lubrication
Hairball gels provide lubrication in your cat’s intestines, assisting in moving hairballs along.
Most products marketed as hairball remedies are petroleum jelly-based. Others use vegetable oils or beeswax instead of petrolatum. They often contain added flavors and sweeteners like malt syrup, fructose, and dextrose.
Dietary Changes
If your cat is already eating a diet with a little bit of fiber, the best dietary change is finding a food that reduces inflammation. Hairballs often indicate digestive problems and should be approached the same way you’d approach any other symptom of gut inflammation, like diarrhea or vomiting.
Typically, this would mean giving your cat a high-protein food made primarily from meat and animal fat. You want as little plant matter as possible. A moisture-rich diet is ideal.
Grooming
You can help manage hairballs by brushing your cat a couple of times a week. If your cat has a long, thick coat, you might also give him a full-body clip in the warmer months. Capturing loose hair before your cat licks it up is one of the most reliable ways to stop hairballs.
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Hairballs (Trichobezoars) in cats. (n.d.-b).
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The danger of hairballs. (n.d.). Cornell University College of Veterinary Medicine.
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Merck Veterinary Manual. (2025, April 11). Table:Managing Hairballs in Cats-Merck Veterinary Manual.
Your article says Cat Lax is the best, but there is no info on Cat Lax. Who makes it? What is the full name of the product? Where can it be purchased? Why is it the best?
Hello Eileen, thanks for commenting, and I apologize for the late reply! In 2022, there was a change in the products ranked here, but the rest of the article was not properly updated to reflect the change in recommendations. I will edit this! However, Cat Lax is made and sold by Dechra Pharmaceuticals, a veterinary product company. You can buy it on Chewy (linked). This is my original review:
Though Cat Lax doesn’t mention hairballs in its name, this product is just as popular as a hairball preventive as it is a laxative.
In fact, this gel is one of the most trusted hairball control products on the market. On Chewy, it has 210 customer reviews and 97% of reviewers say they’d recommend it. Customers say their cats like the way it tastes and that it helps to keep hairballs down. One reviewer says they’ve been successfully using it for decades.
The gel’s first ingredient is cod liver oil, which is both a lubricant and a source of the omega-3 fatty acids EPA and DHA. These fatty acids have anti-inflammatory properties and may improve skin and coat health, helping to control the hairball problem at its source.
It also contains white petrolatum, which coats the hairs and helps them to pass through the digestive system. Finally, the gel contains lecithin, a natural emulsifier that helps to loosen hairballs in the body.
The gel is sweetened with caramel and malt syrup, neither of which are great for cats.
Hope this helps!
My cat wants to eat my hair
My two cats are purely indoor cats. Do I need to provide a fresh growing patch or pot of green grass of some kind for my cats to eat?
Thanks for your comment!
A pot of cat grass isn’t necessary for all indoor cats, but it could be a pleasant addition to your cats’ environment and may help to relieve hairballs. Unlike some ferals and your cats’ ancestors, who might rely on grass as a primary source of dietary fiber, most indoor cats get plenty of fiber in their diets as-is. If your kitties are already eating a relatively high-fiber food, a pot of cat grass may not be the direct solution to their hairball issues. In addition to cat grass, it’s important to address other underlying causes of recurrent hairballs. That might include exploring digestive inflammation and brushing your cats more often during high-shedding seasons.
Hope this helps!