If you’ve ever wondered why your cat is eating grass, you’re not alone. Cats are known for their curious nature, and this includes their dietary habits. While the jury is still out on why exactly cats eat grass, there are a few theories that offer some explanation.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
There are a few reasons your cat may be eating grass.
Nutrients
For one thing, grass contains nutrients that can be beneficial for cats. It’s a good source of fiber, which can help with digestion, and it also contains vitamins A and C.
So, eating grass may help to supplement your cat’s diet if they’re not getting enough of these nutrients from their regular food.
Balance their diet
Some believe that since wildcats consume more prey than domestic cats, they also consume more vegetation to balance out their diet.
Digestive issues
Cats typically eat grass to help them with digestive issues like hairballs or an upset stomach.
When cats groom themselves, they swallow a lot of their own fur. This fur can form into hairballs in their stomachs, which can be uncomfortable and even dangerous if they’re not able to pass them.
Eating grass helps to break up the hairballs so they can be expelled more easily.
Natural fibers
Some experts believe that the natural fibers in grass help Cats also consume small amounts of chlorophyll which can act as an internal deodorizer and breath freshener.
Some cats simply enjoy the taste of grass! If you’re concerned about your cat’s grass-eating habits, talk to your veterinarian to rule out any medical issues.
Do Cats Eat Grass When They are Sick?
There is a lot of debate on whether or not cats eat grass when they are sick. Some people believe that cats eat grass to help them vomit up any fur or indigestible materials in their stomach.
Others believe that grass helps soothe an upset stomach and can help with constipation.
There is no scientific evidence to support either claim, but there are some theories as to why your cat may be eating grass.
If your cat is eating grass more frequently or in larger amounts than usual, it could be a sign that they are feeling nauseous and might vomit soon.
Eating grass could trigger the gag reflex and help them expel anything that is making them feel sick.
If you notice your cat doing this, it’s best to take them to the vet to rule out any underlying health issues. It’s also possible that your cat simply enjoys the taste or texture of grass.
Some cats like nibbling on fresh blades of grass, while others will only eat dried, packaged Cat Grass products.
If your cat seems to enjoy eating grass and doesn’t have any negative side effects (vomiting, diarrhea, etc.), then there’s no need to worry.
Just make sure they have plenty of fresh water available at all times, as eating lots of dry vegetation can cause dehydration.
Do Cats Eat Grass When Their Stomach is Upset?
Some believe that it is to help them digest their food, as grass contains enzymes that can break down tough plant fibers. Others believe that cats eat grass to help settle an upset stomach or to provide them with essential nutrients and vitamins that they are lacking in their diet.
Regardless of the reason, it is generally accepted that eating grass is perfectly safe for cats and can even be beneficial to their health.
Do Cats Eat Grass When They Have Worms?
Yes, cats eat grass when they have worms. Cats are known to be able to self-medicate and will often seek out certain plants to help them with various ailments. It is believed that the chlorophyll in grass helps to expel worms from a cat’s system.
If your cat is eating grass more frequently than usual, it may be a sign that they have worms.
Should My Indoor Cat Eat Grass?
Yes, cats can eat grass and it can actually be good for them! Grass provides roughage which helps with digestion, and also contains vitamins A and C.
It’s important to make sure that the grass is pesticide-free, however, as some chemicals can be harmful to cats.
If you don’t have access to safe, pesticide-free grass, there are commercially available cat grasses that you can purchase.
His professional interests include humane education, ethics, small animal behavior, and veterinary. As a pet lover from school life, having grown up with two cats and a dog. If he isn’t spending time with his friends and family, Justin enjoys traveling. Learn more about Justin here.
