Why is Your Cat Eating Grass?

Why is Your Cat Eating Grass?

Have you ever wondered why it is that your cat is eating grass?

Or better yet, have you ever come home to a nice pile of half digested grass on the arm of the couch?

Gross!!

But why do cats eat grass in the first place?

And why do they so often through it up in the most inconvenient places?

Is it bad for them?

If you want to know the truth about why your cats eat grass, or just want to see some photos of cute kitties then keep reading!

After all the internet is for cats.

Off the bat, as long as there is no pesticides or fertilizers on the grass, eating most varieties grass is safe, and even good for cats.

Some people even plant them a patch in the yard, or in a pot for indoors.

In my experience one of the benefits to having healthy, quality grass in my yard is that the cats love to eat it. At least for a moment they are distracted from killing the birds while they munch on the lawn. Dogs eat grass too, you can read more here.

But why do they do it?

Here’s the thing, it’s good for them in a lot of ways.

Here are the Top 3 Reasons Cats Eat Grass:

1. Supplement their Diet 
2. Natural Laxative
3. Relieves Upset Stomachs

As a Supplement for Their Diet.

Grass juice contains vitamin B9 better known as, folic acid. 

This vitamin supports a cat’s growth.  And also increases oxygen in the blood. One of the reasons cats may be grazing is that they are deficient in the folic acid.

As a Natural Laxative.

As it turns out, broad grasses in particular are thought to help a cat’s digestion. 

Grass eating can regulate your cat’s bowel movements. This can be especially important if their digestive tract is clogged with fur.

Is Eating Grass Safe for Cats?

Yes, consuming grass is safe for cats and can actually be beneficial for them. It's important, however, to ensure the grass they consume is free from harmful chemicals.

How often is it normal for a cat to eat grass?

Cats may graze on grass occasionally, depending on their individual habits and dietary needs. Frequent grass eating is usually not a cause for concern unless accompanied by signs of illness.

To Relieve an Upset Stomach

Narrow Grasses on the other hand, appear to relieve an upset stomach. 

You may have noticed that shortly after eating grass your cat vomits. They are doing this on purpose.

Here’s why. It is not just to make you clean up an inconvenient pile of cat vomit. This happens because cats don’t have the enzymes to digest large quantities of grass. As a result your cat throws up and their stomach is cleared of feathers, bones and fur. Sometimes this process can even get rid of parasites

Not only does it relieve an upset stomach, it can be a necessary part of their digestion. If your cat eats a mouse or bird, after the meat has digested, the bones, feathers and fur may be sitting in their stomach. In order to get them out, they need to eat some grass and throw up on your new coat.

Most people don’t know this but if a cat doesn’t throw up on at least one item that you own each year, they will lose one of their nine lives.

The Best Grasses for your cat:

• Oats
• Rye
• Wheat
• Barley

What alternatives exist if cats can't access grass?

Cat owners can grow pet-safe grass indoors or purchase cat grass kits from pet stores. Additionally, incorporating fibrous vegetables into your cat’s diet can mimic the benefits of grass.

Build a Cat Garden

Grass isn’t the only plant cats are interested in other plants as well. 

A cat garden can be a great way to stimulate your cats, and give the birds a break. Even if your cats are indoor cats you can make them an indoor garden using pots.

Let’s take a look at what plants cats like, he might even make you some cash. 

Besides grasses there are other herbs you can add to your cat garden:

• Lemon Grass- This plants benefits are twofold. One it repels mosquitoes, and two it is a good treat for cats (in moderation).
• Catnip- This is the most obvious and with good reason, though I prefer cat mint as a mild alternative. Catnip really gets cats, well a little loopy. Once they are done smelling it however, and indulge in a bit or two they become very tranquil.
• Cat Mint- This mint is a great addition to your cat garden. It is actually a popular fast growing perennial. It has beautiful purple blooms throughout the year, and here’s a secret, cats love it! One of mine will literally lay in a patch of it for hours at a time. It is not quite as crazy as catnip either. He just sits there for hours and watches the world.
• ParsleyandThyme- Parsley provides several nutrients to your cat, including beta carotene and potassium.  As well as vitamins A, B and C.
• Spider Plants - This plant is not necessarily great for cats because of it nutrients. But it does make an excellent toy for your cats to play with. They just can’t ignore those dangling patches of fun.

TL;DR: Key Points on Why Cats Eat Grass

What's the Bottom Line?

Your cat eating grass is often nothing to be worried about.

If they throw it up once in awhile, that is normal. Treat your kitty to a fresh pot of oat or wheat grass, it is always nice to have plants in the home. Just be sure the pot is stable enough for your cats antics or you may end up with a lawn in your living room.

Now that you know how important grass is for cats, why not spruce yours up with GreenPal, and be sure to share this with all your cat loving friends!

Want more to read? This one is for the dog lovers

Now that you know why cats eat grass, you have an interesting piece of trivia which you can share when you are on your next date!

Take care and if you'll excuse me I need to go steam vacuum my couch.