Why does my cat vomit hairballs? - briefly
Cats vomit hairballs because they ingest loose fur while grooming, which accumulates in their stomach and is later expelled to prevent digestive blockages.
Why does my cat vomit hairballs? - in detail
Cats vomit hairballs due to their grooming habits, which involve licking their fur to keep clean. During this process, they ingest loose hair, which typically passes through their digestive system and is excreted in their feces. However, when the ingested hair accumulates in the stomach and cannot be digested, it forms a hairball. The cat’s body then triggers a vomiting reflex to expel the hairball, as it cannot move further through the digestive tract. Hairballs are more common in long-haired breeds or cats that groom excessively, often due to stress, skin conditions, or boredom. Regular brushing can help reduce the amount of hair a cat ingests, minimizing the likelihood of hairball formation. Additionally, specialized diets or hairball remedies, such as lubricants or fiber supplements, can aid in the passage of hair through the digestive system. If hairballs occur frequently or are accompanied by other symptoms like lethargy, loss of appetite, or constipation, it may indicate an underlying health issue, and a veterinarian should be consulted.