Jeffrey Salazar
Cats are obligate carnivores, and while they don't require vegetation to survive, they do seem to enjoy the occasional green snack. Grass-eating is a common behaviour observed in both domestic and wild cats, and it is believed to have several benefits for our feline friends. Grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports oxygen levels in the blood and aids digestion. It also acts as a natural laxative, helping cats pass hairballs and other indigestible items. While grass-eating is generally safe for cats, it's important to ensure they only consume grass that hasn't been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as these can be harmful.
| Characteristics | Values |
|---|---|
| Reasons for cats eating grass | To help with digestion, to get a hairball up, to relieve constipation, to get extra niacin, to fulfill a curious urge, to satisfy a natural instinct, to relieve stress, to clear their system of anything they couldn't digest |
| Risks of cats eating grass | If eaten in large amounts, it could get stuck inside their nasal chambers and cause excessive sneezing |
| Benefits of cats eating grass | Grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports oxygen levels in the blood and helps in digestion |
| Precautions for cat owners | Ensure the grass hasn't been treated with pesticides or other chemicals; grow your own pot of grass using a blend of rye, wheat, oat, and barley from seed |
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What You'll Learn
Grass provides essential nutrients not found in their primary diet
Cats are carnivores, but grass can provide them with essential nutrients not found in their primary diet. Grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports oxygen levels in the blood and aids digestion. Folic acid is also found in a cat's mother's milk, so eating grass may be a way for cats to seek out this familiar nutrient.
Grass also acts as a natural laxative, helping cats with their digestion and the expulsion of indigestible materials, such as fur, feathers, or bones from prey. This is why cats often vomit after eating grass, as they lack the necessary enzymes to digest it in large quantities. However, this vomiting can help clear their system of anything they couldn't digest, so it can be beneficial for their health.
Some experts believe that cats may eat grass simply because they enjoy the taste and texture, or to fulfil a curious urge. It may also be a source of extra niacin, a B vitamin found in most fresh young grain grasses.
While grass can provide nutritional benefits to cats, it is important to ensure that the grass they eat has not been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals, as these can be harmful. It is also crucial to monitor your cat's behaviour; while occasional grass-eating is generally safe, excessive or compulsive grass consumption could indicate an underlying issue.
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It helps cats with digestion and hairballs
Cats are carnivores, and they don't require vegetation to survive. However, grass can have several health benefits for cats, including aiding digestion and helping with hairballs.
Grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports oxygen levels in the blood and aids digestion. It also acts as a natural laxative, helping cats pass hairballs and other indigestible items more easily. Cats may also eat grass to help them vomit, clearing their system of anything they couldn't digest, such as fur, feathers, or bones. This behaviour is common in cats and has been observed in wild cats, suggesting it is a natural instinct.
While eating grass can be beneficial for cats, it is important to ensure the grass is safe for consumption. Grass that has been treated with pesticides, herbicides, or other chemicals can be harmful to cats. It is recommended to grow your own pot of grass using a blend of rye, wheat, oat, and barley, as these are safe for cats and provide a natural way to improve their digestion and help with hairballs.
If your cat eats grass compulsively and can't seem to stop, it may indicate a lack of fibre and vitamins in their diet. In this case, it is advisable to consult your veterinarian to address any potential dietary deficiencies.
Overall, while not a necessary part of their diet, grass can be a healthy addition to a cat's diet, aiding in digestion and helping to pass hairballs.
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Cats may eat grass to relieve constipation
Although cats are strict carnivores, they may eat grass to address minor vitamin or mineral deficiencies. Grass may contain vitamins and minerals, such as folic acid (B9), that are not present in a cat's regular diet. However, studies have not been conducted to determine exactly what nutrients cats can absorb from eating grass.
Cats may also eat grass to help expel hairballs or the inedible parts of prey, such as fur or bones. This behaviour is thought to be instinctive, as wild cats tend to eat grass after consuming prey to help them vomit out indigestible parts. However, it is important to note that grass eating in large amounts or very long pieces could lead to intestinal blockage, as grass fibres are difficult for cats to digest.
If you notice that your cat frequently eats and vomits grass, it could be a sign of gastrointestinal issues or parasites. Consult your veterinarian to rule out these conditions with the appropriate tests, especially if the behaviour is new or becoming more frequent.
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Grass can be a natural laxative
Cats are carnivores, so they do not require grass in their diet to survive. However, grass can be beneficial to their health. One of the benefits of eating grass is that it acts as a natural laxative, aiding cats' digestion. Cats tend to throw up after eating grass because they lack the enzymes to digest it. By vomiting, cats can clear their system of indigestible items such as hair, feathers, or bones from prey. Therefore, grass can help cats with hairballs and relieve constipation.
Grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that supports oxygen levels in the blood and aids digestion. Cats may seek out grass if they feel deficient in this vitamin. It is believed that wild cats eat grass for this reason, suggesting it is a natural behaviour.
While eating grass can be beneficial to cats, it is important to ensure that the grass has not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as these can be harmful. If your cat eats grass excessively, it could get stuck in their nasal chambers and cause sneezing. In this case, you should consult your veterinarian.
Some people grow their own pots of grass for their cats to eat, using a blend of rye, wheat, oat, and barley. This ensures that the grass is safe for the cat to consume and provides them with a treat.
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Cats may eat grass because they enjoy the taste and texture
Cats are known to be carnivores, but they are often seen munching on grass. This behaviour is not new and has also been observed in wild cats, suggesting it is a natural behaviour with specific benefits. While there are several theories about why cats eat grass, one of them is that they may enjoy the taste and texture of it.
Cats may enjoy the taste of grass because it contains folic acid, a vitamin also found in a cat's mother's milk, which could be a reason they are drawn to it. Grass also contains niacin, a B vitamin abundantly available in most fresh young grain grasses. Cats may also like the taste of grass because it helps relieve an upset stomach. This is because cats lack the enzymes needed to digest grass, so eating it makes them vomit, which helps clear their system of anything they couldn't digest, such as hair, feathers, or bones.
The texture of grass could also be appealing to cats. Many indoor cats crave greens and enjoy the feel of munching on grass. This could be a way for them to fulfil a curious urge, much like how they explore their environment in other ways.
While eating grass can have numerous health benefits for cats, it is important to ensure that the grass they eat has not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as these can be harmful. It is also crucial to monitor their behaviour and consult a veterinarian if they start eating large amounts of grass or want to eat it every day, as this could indicate something serious.
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Frequently asked questions
Grass is not a medical necessity for cats. Modern commercial cat foods are nutritionally complete and balanced, so cats should not need to supplement their diets.
There is no single proven reason why cats eat grass. Some theories suggest that cats eat grass to induce vomiting and clear out indigestible material from their stomachs, such as fur and feathers. Other theories suggest that cats may eat grass to boost their vitamin levels, ease sore throats, or because they enjoy the taste and texture.
Yes, grass is non-toxic to cats and may be beneficial to their digestive system. However, it is important to ensure that the grass has not been treated with pesticides or other chemicals, as these can be harmful to cats.
You can buy kits to grow cat grass indoors, which is safer than letting your cat eat grass outdoors that may have been exposed to chemicals or contaminated water.
