Why does a cat vomit hair frequently? - briefly
Cats frequently vomit hair due to their grooming habits, where they ingest loose fur that accumulates into hairballs in their stomach, which are then expelled.
Why does a cat vomit hair frequently? - in detail
Cats frequently vomit hair due to their natural grooming habits. As meticulous self-groomers, cats use their tongues to clean their fur, which are covered in tiny, backward-facing barbs called papillae. These barbs act like a comb, trapping loose hair and debris. While most of this hair passes through the digestive system without issue, some accumulates in the stomach, forming hairballs. When the hairball becomes too large to pass through the intestines, the cat’s body triggers vomiting to expel it. This is a protective mechanism to prevent intestinal blockages, which can be dangerous. Long-haired breeds, such as Persians or Maine Coons, are more prone to hairballs due to their dense fur. Additionally, excessive grooming, often caused by stress, skin irritation, or parasites, can increase the likelihood of hair ingestion. Regular brushing helps reduce the amount of loose hair a cat ingests, minimizing the frequency of hairball-related vomiting. Providing a diet high in fiber or specialized hairball control food can also aid in the smooth passage of hair through the digestive tract. If vomiting becomes frequent or is accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or constipation, it may indicate an underlying health issue, and veterinary consultation is advised.