How do cats cough up hairballs? - briefly
Cats typically ingest hair while grooming, which can form into hairballs in their stomach or intestines. When these hairballs become large enough, the cat's body triggers a coughing mechanism to expel them through the mouth.
How do cats cough up hairballs? - in detail
Cats are meticulous groomers, spending a significant portion of their day licking and cleaning their fur. As they groom, tiny barbs on their tongues collect loose hair, which is then swallowed. Over time, these ingested hairs accumulate in the cat's stomach, forming a compact mass known as a hairball.
The process by which cats expel hairballs begins with the cat's digestive system. As more hair accumulates, the stomach recognizes it as an indigestible foreign object. The stomach muscles then contract to push the hairball further along the gastrointestinal tract, toward the intestines and eventually the colon.
Once the hairball reaches the colon, it triggers a reflex action in the cat's body. This reflex is similar to the human cough reflex, which helps clear the airways of irritants or mucus. In cats, this reflex causes them to retch or hack, forcefully expelling the hairball from their system.
During this process, the cat may make distinctive sounds and movements. It might arch its back, extend its neck, and make a series of dry, hacking coughs or retches. These actions help dislodge the hairball from the colon, allowing it to pass through the anus and out of the body.
It is important to note that while occasional hairballs are normal for cats, frequent or large hairballs can indicate a health issue. If your cat is experiencing difficulty expelling hairballs, vomiting frequently, or showing other signs of distress, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian. Regular grooming and the use of hairball preventatives can also help manage this common feline condition.