Eating grass is a natural behavior and though not necessarily nutritious, it may contribute to a cat's well-being in other ways.
While grass may not be an essential part of your cat’s nutrition, it is important for some cats’ diet and well-being. As a loving cat owner, you may want to consider getting a cat grass kit. Talk to your vet to make sure it doesn’t have a poisonous plant or any harmful substances.
There are a lot of myths surrounding this habit such as cats getting folic acid from grass juice that mimics the mother’s milk to aid in hemoglobin production. Another one that has no recent support from researchers is that grass boosts our furry friends’ immune systems to fight off an illness. But in general, there are three reasons cats eat grass: to induce vomiting (Trusted Source), as a natural dewormer, or because they simply like its taste and texture.
This may even happen if you haven’t noticed any signs that your cat is feeling unwell. Research (Trusted Source) and observations of cats suggest they developed a predisposition to eating grass that goes back as far as their wild ancestors. One reason for this is that eating grass may induce vomiting which can be helpful for clearing hairballs or toxins. Vomiting after eating grass is more common in older cats than young ones.. However, if your cat is vomiting every time they eat grass, make an appointment with your vet as soon as possible — this behavior may indicate a medical issue.
Rough plants are a natural dewormer for other species, so it makes sense that cats use grass this way, too. Because cats’ bodies can’t break down any part of the grass structure, it cleanses their digestive tract of any intestinal parasites and helps maintain the right texture for your cat’s poop. The fiber it provides helps keep it from being too hard or too runny and potentially causing injury or dehydration in your kitty.
Some studies show that cats enjoy the taste and texture of grass. Cat owners have reported that their cats exhibit behavior similar to when eating a treat. Others theorize that cats will eat grass to help supplement missing minerals or vitamins, though this idea is unsupported by recent studies.
Cats are carnivorous and do not have the enzymes in their GI tract necessary to break down plant material to get any nutrition. Think of it like chewing gum — the flavor is great, and some people like the act of chewing — but it doesn’t provide any nutrients.
Seeing your cat eat grass may cause you some concern, but most of the time, there isn’t anything to worry about. Experts agree eating grass is a normal habit for the majority of cats. What’s important is what’s happening around the grass eating.
Cats will only vomit about a quarter of the time that they eat grass, if that much. If your cat vomits every time they eat, this is a health problem that requires veterinary aid as soon as possible. Another thing to watch out for is evidence of parasites in their stool. You may want to consult your vet about testing to determine what parasites your cat may have.a
If your cat is a grass eater, there may be nothing you can do to change their mind. This could be a part of their instincts. Restricting their access to grass — particularly if you have an outdoor cat — is the most reliable method to stop them from eating it. If your indoor cat is a plant muncher, an alternative is to provide them with a small tray of grass that is safe to graze on.
Here’s a list of grasses that have proven to be fan favorites and safe for all pet cats. Watch for allergic reactions, including itching, wheezing, sneezing, or diarrhea.
Wheatgrass is the young fresh shoots of wheat. It looks very similar to the grass you may find in your yard. Many people say it’s easy to grow in the home.
Oat grass is a true grass. It gets its name for the striking resemblance it has to true oats. This grass can also be grown inside. You can find oat grass kits online for a small price.
Barley grass is the young, tender shoots of barley before they have started sprouting seeds. When searching online, be sure not to purchase the powder. Look for seeds or young sprouts for these cereal grains.
Ryegrass is a common lawn grass found in the northeastern United States. It typically grows tall and may provide for other enrichment needs for your cat.
👉 Avoid using herbicides or pesticides in your yard if possible. They are poisonous chemicals for cats and can easily be tracked indoors from your shoes and clothing.
The good news is that grass is usually safe for cats to eat. However, other houseplants have the potential to be poisonous. Please check before allowing your cat to eat grass or other plants.
Many studies show there’s no one solid answer. Some cats use grass to help with hairballs and other indigestible matter while others can’t process it. Contact your veterinarian if your feline friend is vomiting every time they eat grass or exhibiting other unusual behavior.
Eating grass is not a reliable indication that your cat is sick or has a dietary deficiency. A lot of cats eat grass simply out of pleasure.
