Direct answer: Hairballs form when swallowed grooming hair collects in the stomach and is brought back up. Occasional hairballs can occur, but repeated retching, appetite loss, constipation or breathing difficulty needs veterinary advice.
From loose fur to hairball
A cat’s rough tongue collects loose hair during grooming. Hair is made largely from indigestible keratin; much of it passes through the digestive tract, while some can accumulate in the stomach and later be expelled. Despite the name, what comes up is often cylindrical.
Reduce swallowed loose hair
Regular gentle brushing can reduce loose fur, especially in long-haired cats and during shedding seasons. Excessive grooming may signal itch, pain or stress, so address the reason rather than only the resulting hair.
Retching is not always a hairball
Also seek advice for repeated vomiting, poor appetite, lethargy, breathing signs, constipation or abdominal discomfort. A blockage can be serious, and coughing can be mistaken for hairball retching.
Do not give laxatives or hairball products without veterinary guidance.
Sources and further reading
Sources support the general information on this page. CatMind AI is an observation tool, not a veterinary diagnostic service.
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