Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

We mums and dads of cats know most key things about them. For example, we know what they love and what they hate. We know where they like spending time in that patch of afternoon sun, what this cat purr means vs that cat purr, and what snacks they prefer. There are just a few things we don’t get, like… Why oh why do cats eat grass?

According to Google, “why do cats eat grass” is a top search term, so it’s a common pet parenting concern. We all want to know! Do cats eat grass because they’re curious or it tastes nice or because it boosts health? Or some deeper mystery? (If you’re a dog parent, you might also want to know why dogs eat grass).

Given many of us have put a lot of effort and research into providing our cats with a top-notch diet, why then, do cats eat grass? Find out here:

Why do cats eat grass to throw up?

A leading reason cats eat grass is to help with gastrointestinal upsets. You or I might opt for a fresh watercress salad or steamed baby spinach to achieve that deep cleansing effect. For cats, however, grass is usually the freshest on-tap option.

But, how does it help?

Grass acts as a digestive aid

One reason for eating grass is it helps settle your cat’s tummy after eating something that’s past its sell-by date. Like, for argument’s sake, a dead gecko they found in the flower bed. Another ingenious reason cats eat grass is to relieve constipation conundrums. And if they’ve taken one too many turns at the food bowl, overeating can also be the reason your cat eats grass.

In short, cats have a natural urge to eat grass to meet some of their digestive health needs. With its high-fibre content, grass aids bowel movement, loosens the stool and sometimes induces vomiting. Grass can also help your cat pass non-digestible items, like for instance a feather from a toy.

Grass may be your cat’s DIY supplement

When cats don’t get the right amount of nutrition from their diet, they may seek out grass. Grass is naturally rich in folic acid and may help reduce folic acid deficiency in cats. Without a healthy balance of folic acid, a cat can get anaemia, or suffer low levels of blood oxygen.

If you suspect this is why your cat seems preoccupied with a diet of fresh lawn, it might be time to consult your vet. They can map out a dietary plan to meet your cat’s nutritional needs based on their breed, age and health.

Speaking of strange things cats do…also read why do cats always land on their feet?!

Cats may eat grass when they’re anxious

Like people, pets experience a range of emotions and anxiety is on the list. That’s right, separation anxiety in pets is just one reason a cat might feel stressed. And, stress very often leads to oral fixations. Think, biting your nails, polishing off a bag of chips or smoking a cigarette.

Cats don’t have access to any of these, but what they can do is chomp on grass. So if your cat’s behaviour leads to you wondering why cats eat grass, do a mental check. Ask yourself whether this happens during times of stress. Pets can get stressed because of lifestyle changes or events which to them are unexpected.

Here are just some reasons your pet might be stressed – click the links to uncover steps for reassuring them:

• Home renovations and pet safety
• Cats and babies
• Kitten and cat first time introductions
• Pet doesn’t like your partner

Be sure your cat doesn’t try nibbling on things that can poison your pet, including poisonous plants.

Is it safe for cats to eat grass?

While we humans can make a switch to a vegan diet and still get by quite well on tofu and beans, cats can’t. Like lions, cats are ‘obligate carnivores’ and need meat to survive. This, of course, isn’t an exclusive rule, they can get some greens in too.

However, it’s typically better to offer them something evidently cat friendly, such as catnip (read why do cats love catnip). And if eating grass is an occasional thing and isn’t causing any problems, you probably don’t need to be concerned.

If on the other hand your cat is really going for it, eating grass often or large amounts of it, then you should chat to your vet. A professional diagnosis of any unknown issues will help lead to a proper treatment.

Another cause for concern is when blades of grass get trapped in the back of the nose causing sneezing fits. Your vet may need to physically remove the grass if this happens.

Do you know that cats can get grass seed infections? Read this ‘Why Are Grass Seeds a Big Problem for Pets?‘ article for more information.

Cat insurance for a softer landing

So why do cats eat grass – as we can see there are a number of reasons. And if yours does, make sure you avoid using chemical fertilisers and pesticides that can make the grass poisonous. Eating poisons like herbicides and similar can cause serious health issues or even death in cats.

Having cat insurance can make all the difference in situations like these. You know you can give your cat the emergency medical care they need and your pet plan will help pay the costs. There are many more reasons to have pet insurance, like cover for non-routine vet visits, pathology, radiology, prescribed meds and more.

You can even get one or more months of free cat insurance when you go with PD Insurance. Click below to get a quote – it’s easy, fast and you can do it all online.