Why Hairballs Aren’t as Harmless as You Think

Dr. Katie Woodley explains what hairballs really mean—and how simple changes can help your cat’s gut.

Hey Whisker Crew,

When I first became a cat parent, I thought vomiting and hairballs were just “part of life with cats.” Turns out, they’re not.

On this week’s Golden Whiskers Podcast, holistic veterinarian Dr. Katie Woodley (The Natural Pet Doctor) explains why gut health is the foundation for everything — from immunity to skin — and why too many of us are reaching for quick fixes instead of repairing the root cause.

She shared what’s really happening inside the gut, why “normal” symptoms aren’t actually normal, and how small foundational changes (not dramatic overhauls) can transform your cat’s long-term health.

Here’s what stood out to me in this 10-minute 45-second clip, which you can listen to below:

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✨ Episode Snapshot

In this segment, you’ll learn:

🤢 Why Hairballs Aren’t Normal
Vomiting and hairballs signal imbalance in the gut, not something to dismiss.

🧠 Gut Health = Whole Health
70% of the immune system lives in the gut, and every other system connects back to it.

🚫 Quick Fixes vs. Real Healing
Medications and even herbs can give temporary relief — but don’t repair the gut’s ecosystem.

🌿 Easy At-Home Support
Herb gardens with chamomile or catnip can calm the nervous system, soothe the gut, and even stimulate appetite.

💧 Toxins Matter Too
Filtered water and cleaner laundry detergents remove stressors that quietly wear down gut balance.

🍲 Nutrition: Progress, Not Perfection
Even small additions of minimally processed food help — toppers, canned, freeze-dried. Don’t worry about hitting 100%.

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📘 Dr. Katie’s Recommendations for Cat Owners

Dr. Katie emphasized that lasting change starts with foundations, not band-aids. Here are simple things you can try right now:

• Check your cat’s water. Use the EWG Tap Water Database to see what’s in your local supply, and consider filtering drinking water for you and your cats.

• Swap one toxic product. Laundry detergents leave chemicals in bedding for weeks. Start with a non-toxic detergent for your cat’s blankets or your own clothes.

• Set up an herb garden. Place dried organic chamomile or catnip on a towel and let your cat self-select. Chamomile calms the gut and nervous system, while catnip can stimulate appetite.

• Rethink “normal.” Vomiting and hairballs aren’t just quirks — they’re signs of imbalance that deserve attention.

• Take nutrition step by step. Transition away from high-carb kibble slowly. Add freeze-dried or canned toppers to start, and remember: even small additions of minimally processed food make a difference.

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🧡 What I’m Trying with Niko & Milo

Listening to Dr. Katie talk about hairballs and vomiting as warning signs made me think back to Mia. She had both for years — and I brushed them off as normal. By the time I learned better, she was already struggling with kidney disease.

With Niko and Milo, I don’t want to make the same mistake. They’re still young, but I’ve already swapped detergents, filtered their water, and added freeze-dried toppers to their meals. It’s not perfect, but as Dr. Katie reminded me, progress beats perfection.

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🐱 This Week’s Cattitude Prompt

What’s one small “foundation shift” you could try this week?
🧴 A new detergent?
💧 Filtering your cat’s water?
🌿 An herb garden experiment?
🍲 Adding a new topper?

Hit reply and let me know. I’d love to hear which foundation you’re working on first.

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🎧 Listen to This Week’s Episode

“The #1 Mistake Cat Parents Make About Gut Health (and What to Do Instead)” with Dr. Katie Woodley

👉 Click here to listen now or search Golden Whiskers wherever you get your podcasts.

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Thanks for reading, thanks for loving your cats, and thanks for being part of the Golden Whiskers family.

Until next time,
💛 Scott | Golden Whiskers