hårballer

Hårballer, also known as hairballs, are a common phenomenon experienced by domestic cats and other felines. They are essentially a compacted mass of hair that a cat has ingested through grooming. Cats are meticulous groomers, and as they lick their fur, loose hairs are swallowed. While most of this hair passes through the digestive system without issue, some can accumulate in the stomach.

Over time, these ingested hairs can mix with stomach fluids and food, forming a cylindrical or elongated mass. When the hairball becomes large enough, the cat may regurgitate it. This process can be uncomfortable for the cat and is often accompanied by retching and gagging. The expelled hairball typically consists of hair, bile, and undigested food.

Several factors can increase a cat's likelihood of developing hairballs, including long fur, excessive grooming due to stress or boredom, and certain dietary factors. While occasional hairballs are normal, frequent or difficult hairball expulsion can sometimes indicate an underlying digestive issue or other health concern. Pet owners can help manage hairball formation through regular grooming, especially for long-haired breeds, and by providing specialized hairball-control cat food or supplements that aid in the passage of hair through the digestive tract.