"Why do cats young or old aim for carpet or throw rugs when they have to vomit??"

It may seem that way especially if you have more carpet than not, I have no idea how much you have down and can only assure you they don't head for the carpet when it happens. When they start to heave the hair ball it actually freezes them in place. Watch carefully how their entire body seems to tighten as if cramping. They will not move until finished, not to say it won't start again. My two have both upon finishing have on several occassions had a second heaving minutes later.

I have had to gently pick them up and put them off the bed and couch when it begins. They are unable to move far or fast during this time, it really cramps their muscles preventing a lot of movement.

My 19 year scares me when this happens to him, it's hard to watch thinking worse scenerio here that he may actually have a heart attack some are that strong.

I think it may just seem that way, though I can't say for sure. I do know mine will do it where they are standing or laying they don't move far from where it begins!

This is not a habit that can be cured for the cat it's their bodies way of disposing their grooming habits, I guess thats saying it right...;)

If you see it happening just gently move them away from the carpet!

What may help is buying a food with hair ball control in it, the amount of times this happens now has been reduced to almost zero because it helps your felines system dissolve these before it comes to heaving. I wish my boy the 19 year old would eat that food but it's not to his liking our youngin the girl does eat her food with the control in it and seldom heaves.

My oldest left and the youngin right...;)

There are several food makers for cats that have this hairball formula, find the one your cats like it should help alot!

I wish my 6 would barf on the carpet, thats why I spent 6500 for the best commercial carpet & pad made. Living in a manufactured home, its perfect and cleans up beautifully..oh and the cat hair lies on top so it can be easily picked up. When my cat's vomit....hairballs or over eating....especially in THEIR room....it will be on their cat gym, the windows, the nice cvloth blonds and the walls...other times, it in my shoes, on my bedroom slippers or in my favorite chair.....this is why I Bought cases of CARBONA rug shampoo.....it takes it all away, stain & smell......but it doesn't work real well..on my shoes or the blinds...I do however have o0ne cat who is pretty good, she either pukes in the sink or her food dish(GROSS) There is no way to "train" them to vomit where you want them too..unless you lay down plastic runners all over the carpet....I do have a friend who has new carpet, and she bought the very sheer runner that adhere to the carpet...so when her cat does it, its on them.....I however....it is what it is.....I just wish it would stay off the walls & the cloth blinds.

If I had to guess they throw up where their scent is the strongest so they feel safe. Plus depending what time it is they probably have no where else to do it.