Best hairball-control cat food Australia
By Catstuff Editorial · Updated 2026-05-13
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Cats vomiting a hairball once a month is normal. Once a week or more is a problem — both for the cat (oesophageal irritation, occasional intestinal obstruction) and for your floor. Diet helps, but the ranking matters: brushing > fibre-rich food > hairball treats > supplements. Here's the 2026 AU shortlist.
Step one is a slicker brush 2–3 times a week. Then add a hairball-control dry food (Royal Canin or Hill's). Lickable treats and oil supplements are last-resort. For long-haired breeds (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll), make this routine permanent.
Royal Canin Hairball Care
Specific fibre blend (psyllium + beet pulp) shown to reduce hairball volume by ~40% vs standard adult formulas in published trials.
Best for: Long-haired cats (Persian, Maine Coon, Ragdoll, Himalayan, Norwegian Forest); short-hairs vomiting hairballs weekly.
Hill's Science Diet Adult Urinary & Hairball Control
Lower mineral content alongside the fibre boost. Solid all-rounder for indoor cats with mixed risk factors.
Best for: Cats with both urinary risk and hairball issues.
Advance Adult Hairball
Cheaper than imported equivalents. Slightly lower fibre but effective in practice for moderate hairball cases.
Best for: Cost-conscious owners wanting Australian-made.
Greenies Smartbites Hairball Control Treats
5–8 treats daily delivers the fibre and lubricant equivalent of a teaspoon of hairball paste. Easier to dose than oil-based products.
Best for: Picky cats who won't switch food but will eat treats.
Catit Hairball Control Gel (malt-based)
Malt + paraffin gel lubricates intestinal passage. Tasty enough that most cats lick it off a paw. 1–2cm daily.
Best for: Cats with persistent hairball issues unresolved by food alone.
Frequently asked questions
Are hairballs in cats normal?
Once a month is normal background, especially during seasonal coat changes (autumn/spring in AU). More than once a week, or any hairball accompanied by retching that produces no hairball, warrants a vet visit — could be obstruction or unrelated GI issue.
Does food alone fix hairballs?
Reduces by 30–50% for most cats. The bigger lever is brushing — a slicker through a long-haired cat 2–3 times a week removes 80%+ of the loose hair that would otherwise be swallowed. Food then handles the residual.
Is malt-based hairball paste safe for cats?
Yes, safe for daily use. Sugar content is minimal in cat-specific products (different formula from human malt extracts). Avoid giving cats hairball products formulated for dogs.
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Updated 2026-05-13 · Not veterinary or financial advice.