What does a hairball in a cat look like? - briefly
A hairball in a cat typically appears as a cylindrical, wet mass of fur, often resembling a small, compact clump with a slightly slimy texture.
What does a hairball in a cat look like? - in detail
A hairball in a cat typically appears as a cylindrical or tubular mass, often resembling a small, elongated clump of fur. It is usually moist and compacted, with a texture that is somewhat dense and slightly slimy due to the presence of stomach fluids. The color of a hairball closely matches the cat’s fur, ranging from light shades like white or gray to darker tones such as black or brown, depending on the cat’s coat. Hairballs are often found on surfaces where the cat has been, such as floors, carpets, or furniture, and they may be accompanied by traces of saliva or digestive fluids. The size of a hairball can vary, but it is generally around 1 to 3 inches in length, depending on the amount of fur ingested. Cats often expel hairballs through regurgitation, which is a natural process to clear their digestive system of accumulated fur. While hairballs are common in cats, particularly those with long hair, frequent or large hairballs may indicate excessive grooming or underlying health issues that require attention.