Here's how cats spew furballs:
1. Hairball Formation: As the cat grooms, hair gets swallowed and travels down the esophagus and into the stomach. In the stomach, the hair doesn't digest and clumps together with other indigestible material like food debris.
2. Movement Through the Digestive System: The hairball, now a compact mass, moves through the intestines. However, it's too large to pass through the narrow exit.
3. The Gag Reflex: The cat's body senses the obstruction and triggers a gag reflex. This involves the contraction of muscles in the throat and diaphragm, pushing the hairball back up the esophagus.
4. Expulsion: The hairball is expelled through the mouth, often accompanied by a loud "hack" or "cough."
Factors that can contribute to furballs:
* Long hair: Longhaired breeds are more prone to furballs.
* Shedding season: Cats shed more during spring and fall, leading to increased hair ingestion.
* Lack of grooming: If a cat is not properly groomed, they may ingest more hair.
* Dietary deficiencies: A lack of fiber in the diet can make it harder to pass hairballs.
* Medical conditions: Some medical conditions can increase the risk of furballs.
How to Help:
* Regular grooming: Brush your cat frequently, especially during shedding season.
* Fiber-rich diet: Feed your cat a diet with plenty of fiber.
* Hairball remedies: There are commercially available hairball remedies that can help lubricate the hairball and make it easier to pass.
* Consult your veterinarian: If your cat is frequently coughing up hairballs or seems unwell, contact your vet.