Have you ever wondered why cats eat grass?

Have you ever wondered why your cat sometimes nibbles on grass? The first time I saw my cat eating grass, I thought it seemed odd, and veterinarians often hear this question. It turns out there is a good reason for this behavior.

Why do cats eat grass? Ingesting grass helps your cat relieve an upset stomach. By consuming grass, they can induce vomiting, which allows them to bring up hairballs and other nondigestible substances in their digestive system. Grass also provides certain nutrients, such as folic acid, and its fiber can assist digestion and support regular bowel movements.

Although grass offers benefits, not all grass is safe for a cat to eat. You may want to present your cat with non-toxic grass after learning about these advantages. This is fine for adults but not recommended for kittens because their digestive systems are still developing.

Key Reasons Cats Eat Grass

Eating grass is an instinct that appears in all cats. Even wild cats may chew on grass, though they usually consume it through the stomach contents of their prey. A cat may eat grass to acquire a needed nutrient, ease intestinal blockages, or induce vomiting to expel items they cannot digest. It is primarily about helping their digestive system function. Some people compare cats eating grass to a person taking an antacid because it helps ease stomach troubles. Your cat might appear healthy yet still munch on grass to soothe stomach irritation, which is a natural process that rarely needs human interference. However, frequent grass consumption can be a warning sign, especially if it is excessive or suggests poisoning.

Nutritional Benefits of Grass

Although cats are obligate carnivores, they sometimes eat grass to gain its nutrients. Grass contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, niacin, and chlorophyll, which supports blood oxygenation. Grass also has folic acid, a protein essential for bodily functions and involved in haemoglobin production. A cat lacking enough folic acid can become deficient, leading to anaemia and developmental problems.

Grass Aids Digestion

Eating grass adds fiber that may promote regular bowel movements. Fur and other indigestible items can block a cat’s digestive tract, and grass can function as a natural laxative by stimulating the system. Indoor cats do not usually encounter feathers or bones, so they might need grass less often, but hairballs remain a factor, which explains why they still eat grass sometimes.

How Eating Grass Helps Control Hairballs

Owners sometimes worry when they see a cat vomit after eating grass, but the cat does this purposefully. Grass is hard for them to digest in larger amounts, so they consume it knowing they will throw it up. This expulsion also removes fur, feathers, bones, or parasites in their system. Afterward, the cat feels better because the inedible material has been cleared out.

Is Your Cat Anxious?

If your cat constantly eats grass, anxiety or a displacement behavior might be the cause. Just as a cat might over-groom, chewing grass could be a response to stress. If you think your cat’s excessive grass eating stems from anxiety, consult a veterinarian. Some cats enjoy the taste or texture of grass, or they may stalk blades of grass as “prey.” If the grass is non-toxic and eaten in small amounts, this is usually fine.

Not All Grass is Safe

Grass is generally fine for cats, but grass treated with pesticides or herbicides can poison them. If a cat cannot find safe grass, it might sample other plants that might harm them. Many plants are toxic to cats. Cats Protection shares valuable details about hazardous flora here. Toxic ingestion may be fatal, so recognize symptoms quickly and get medical help. Common signs of poisoning include:

• Vomiting
• Diarrhoea
• Difficulty breathing
• Lethargy
• Drooling
• Excessive thirst
• Loss of appetite
• Blood in vomit, stools, or saliva
• Pale gums

What Should I Do if My Cat Eats Something Toxic?

If you see your cat eat something poisonous, remove them from it at once and call a vet. Knowing what they ate helps the vet treat them. A prompt trip to the vet boosts their chance of survival. Without treatment, the poisoning could be deadly.

Can I Offer My Cats Grass?

You can grow grass specifically for your cat to munch. Pet shops sell cat grass or cat grass seeds, which are safe for cats to eat. Planting or providing these varieties ensures you have suitable, non-toxic vegetation. Cat grass is easy to grow, even indoors. Growing a patch inside or in your garden gives your cat a safe place to nibble, reducing the chance they will sample harmful plants. Avoid giving grass to kittens under four months old because it may be too rough on their young digestive tract.

Is Eating Grass Harmful to Cats?

Most cats are not harmed by eating grass unless they eat it uncontrollably, or if it’s a toxic type or has chemicals on it. In general, grass is not harmful for cats.

Can Cats Eat Other Plants?

Many houseplants can be toxic to cats, so verify the safety of any plants you keep. Non-toxic plants can still upset a cat’s stomach, while toxic ones can pose a serious threat. Common unsafe plants include aloe, American yew, apple, arum, lilies, begonias, bird of paradise, bishop’s weed, branching ivy, cardinal flowers, chives, corn plant, daffodils, foxglove, ragwort, and sweet pea. This list is not complete. The ASPCA offers more details in its toxic and nontoxic plant list.