Brushing is the best way to prevent hairballs. Cats get hairballs from swallowing excess hair. In addition to brushing, or for cats who don’t like to be brushed, there are food additives and special diets you can use to try and help the hairballs go safely through the digestive tract.
Occasionally, we see hairballs cause intestinal blockages which is why you should try to brush your cat daily if they will allow it. Hairballs are most common during the spring, when cats start to lose their winter coats.