WHY DOES MY CAT EAT GRASS? 4 REASONS
Why does my cat eat grass? I always wondered why cats are eating grass, although they are carnivores. While eating grass can look like a silly action for a cat, the reality is that cats are more intelligent than we think.
The reason cats are eating grass is because it helps clean their stomach and helps digestive functions. Cats use grass to expel parasites and hairballs by inducing vomit to clean their stomach. They also seek the nutrients such as vitamins and acid folic.
What else is there? Let’s see why cats like to eat grass occasionally.
WHY DOES MY CAT EAT GRASS?
My cat may be the only exception to usual cats habit; he doesn’t eat grass, doesn’t jump high, doesn’t break anything. But besides my cat, cats in general use to eat grass occasionally to improve their health and various other reasons.
Let’s see what the reasons cats may eat grass are:
1. CLEAR STOMACH PROBLEMS
As mentioned above, cats instinctively eat grass to clear their stomach. In addition, they may have parasites, hairballs, indigestion, and other problems. Cats resolve many of these issues by eating grass. Sometimes, after eating grass, cats can vomit, which is part of the clearing process.
Grass also contains vitamins and acid folic, containing vitamin b9. Cats could be attracted by grass as they feel they need to compensate lack of those elements in their system. Since cats are carnivores, they may lack nutrients from their everyday food; thus, they compensate.
By eating grass, cats put the digestive muscles in the stomach at work, clearing worms and other parasites. For them, it is a mechanical act.
According to some other theories, grass act as a laxative and help to resolve constipation problems.
2. ANXIETY
If your cat is anxious, it may chew on things more often, including grass or other house plants. Some of my friends had to move plants out because their cats would eat on them.
If a cat is usually chewing on things, it would be expected that a new source of smell and color like grass would be a target for him. You could provide your cat with some chewable toys or other things he can use for this purpose.
3. CURIOSITY
A kitten or a cat that likes to play can attack a plant because of fun. For a playful cat, a plant, grass, couch, ball, and everything in between, is good to use as a toy. For example, my cat wanted to poke plants and eventually chew them.
But, especially for indoor cats, something new, small and different is very attractive. But, of course, you have to keep your plants out of your cat’s reach if you want them to survive.
4.THEY ENJOY IT
Other studies have shown that cats may enjoy the grass and even the action of chewing. The taste of grass can be pleasant for cats. However, it is a routine action for cats to eat grass and other plants. It is part of how cats species have evolved.
Here are some excellent ideas of grass for cats that they can enjoy:
Remember to allow your cat only to eat safe grass. By safe is meant:
- Grass doeasn’t have pesticides on them
- Grass is free of other chemicals
- There are no plants or other elements dangerous for a cat
- It is organic and grown specifically for cats
SHOULS INDOOR CATS EAT GRASS?
My cat, for example, doesn’t care about grass too much; if he goes out or sees a plant, he may attack it. But, whenever I bought some grass for him, it went to waste.
My father, instead, has five cats, and he buys grass for them. They jump on it like there is no tomorrow and eat it all. They do not vomit after it usually; it keeps their stomach clean and helps even their teeth.
I had no idea people would buy grass for their cats, but it is accurate, and you can find it in pet shops and big stores.
Cats should eat grass. Grass has good cleanses quality, and cats are instinctively attracted by it; therefore, it is better to buy it and give it to them. This keeps their instinct intact and has benefits.
Some of the benefits may be:
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FREQUENTLY ASKED QUESTIONS
Can I grow grass for my cat?
Yes, you can grow grass for your cat, and you should. For example, if you grow grass instead of randomly having your cat eating it somewhere, you are sure there are no chemicals and pesticides, and you can grow it organically.
Should I try to have my cat eat grass?
Yes, you should try to have your cat eat grass because it is part of their instincts and benefits for their digestion and health. Cats can get a lot of benefits from the grass.
What is the best cat grass to grow for cats?
The best cat grass to grow for cats is organic and free of harmful elements. Cats owners can grow grass in pots inside their homes and give it to their cats. It is possible to buy seeds and even kits for growing grass.
Should cats eat grass every day?
Cats commonly eat grass; however, if they consume too much, they may start having diarrhea and stomach problems. If you see they are excessively eating grass, it may be related to a lack of nutrients in their diet or some other health problem. Better ask the veterinarian for advice.
Is eating grass safe for cats?
Eating grass is safe for cats, providing it is not too much and not treated with harmful products; eating grass has some benefits for cats; therefore, it is safe.
My cat is eating grass and then throwing up. What should I do?
It can happen for cats to throw up right after eating grass due to a lack of a robust digestive system. It is not a problem; they often eat grass because it allows them to vomit and clean their stomach. Providing there is nothing wrong with the grass they took, it can be expected.
How to stop my cat from eating grass?
It is difficult to stop a cat from eating grass. Eating grass is part of a cat DNA. However, if, for some reason, he can’t eat it, then the best solution would be to keep him indoors or to be with him when he is outside to be sure he is not doing it.
What happens if my cat eats too much grass?
If cats are overeating grass, maybe they could have a stomach problem or have some nutrition deficiency. If this repeats, it would be wise to check with the vet. If it happens sporadically, he may vomit, and that is it.
Do cats eat grass when they have worms?
Cats instinctively might eat grass when they have worms. The grass substance wraps around the worm and expels it through the stool.
Why my cat doesn’t it grass?
My cat doesn’t eat any grass or plant because he is picky about his food. He selectively eats. I guess he doesn’t feel the need other cats may have for grass.
