If you're a cat parent, you're probably already well-versed in how unpleasant hairballs in cats can be. Not only do they sometimes leave behind a mess that we, their humans, have to clean up, but if you've ever seen your kitty in the process of clearing one, it doesn't exactly look like a pleasant experience for them, either—especially if your cat is a long-haired breed.

Dr. Ambika Vaid-Sidhu, DVM, a Badlands Ranch veterinary advisor, spoke to PetHelpful about hairballs, which are a normal part of cat life. According to her, a hairball every week or two is what you should expect from a healthy cat, and it's all because keeping themselves clean is very important to our feline friends.

"Hairballs happen because cats are meticulous groomers," Dr. Vaid says. "Every time your cat licks her coat, she swallows loose fur, and most of it passes through the digestive tract just fine. A hairball forms when some of that fur stays in the stomach and gets coughed back up instead."

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What Is the Best Cure for Hairballs in Cats?

There's good news, and there's bad news. The good news: Hairballs are totally normal, if a bit annoying for both the cat and the human members of the family. The bad news: They can't be completely cured.

That doesn't mean you can't come pretty close to eliminating hairballs, though—or at least drastically reducing the amount you and your kitty deal with on a regular basis.

How Do I Help My Cat Clear a Hairball?

Cats are usually able to clear their hairballs without any human assistance, but if they really seem to be struggling with one, there are a couple of tricks you can have up your sleeve to help.

As WebMD points out, there are hairball products (typically mild laxatives) that can help your cat pass their hairball if they're struggling—but always consult your vet before trying something new. There are also cat foods specifically formulated to help kitties who struggle with hairballs, so a change in diet could make a difference, too.

Can Cats Poop Out Hairballs?

According to AnimalBiome, finding hair in your cat's poop is inevitable; they are grooming themselves with their tongue, and since cat hair is made of keratin, they can't digest it.

It's when the hair forms a ball so big it can't pass through the intestine, so the kitty coughs it up, and boom—you hear those all-too-familiar sounds. Now you'd better make sure your cat isn't standing on the good rug while hearing the sounds.

What Do Vets Recommend for Curing Hairballs?

Even though hairballs can't be fully cured in cats, they can be pretty well managed, according to Dr. Vaid—and all the best ways to manage hairballs are totally natural.

How To Prevent Hairballs in Cats Naturally

"Regular brushing is the single most effective thing, because the fur you catch on the brush is fur your cat doesn't swallow," Dr. Vaid says. "Keeping your cat well hydrated helps everything move through, so wet food and fresh water matter. And good nutrition with the right fiber supports healthy digestion overall. If hairballs are a constant battle, talk to your vet about what's driving it instead of just managing the symptom."

What Are Symptoms of Cat Hairball Blockage?

Dr. Vaid advises that above all else, you should look for a "change in pattern" when it comes to determining if your kitty is suffering from a blockage or a more serious issue that needs medical attention.

That might mean noticing that your cat is experiencing "frequent hairballs, repeated retching where nothing comes up, a drop in appetite, vomiting, constipation, or low energy."

Does Vaseline Help If Your Cat Has a Hairball?

Surprisingly, a little Vaseline or other petroleum jelly can be safe for your cat if they're struggling to regurgitate hairballs, as Catster points out. In fact, many hairball-targeting supplements include petroleum jelly as an ingredient.

If you decide to go this route, you'll want to ensure you're using only small amounts, but like anything else, it comes with risks, such as water or nutrient loss and aspiration. To be safe, check with your vet before giving your cat Vaseline for their hairballs.

Hairballs definitely aren't the most glamorous part of being a cat parent, but for all the unconditional love and cuddles our feline friends provide us with, it's an inconvenience worth living with.