Why Do Cats Eat Grass? Is Grass Safe for Cats?

Cats can exhibit some quirky and questionable behaviors now and then because well, they’re cats! If you’re a cat owner, you’ve probably noticed your feline friend munching away at grass every once in a while, and wonder why?
It’s perfectly normal for cats to eat grass and most cats do it. The main reason cats eat grass is because it comes naturally to them and helps support their overall health. Here are a few more specific reasons why cats eat grass.

It Helps Them Regurgitate Other Things They’ve Eaten

The stomach of a cat does not contain the enzymes needed to break down and digest grass. This is why it’s common for cats to vomit up the grass they’ve eaten, or at least part of it. Together with the grass, comes other things they can’t digest like inedible parts of prey such as bones and fur and hairballs.

The next time you’re grossed out by your cat throwing up a chunk of fur and bone, you can bet that your cat has likely eaten some grass to help him regurgitate those inedible parts of prey, as disgusting as it may be!

It Helps Them Poop

It’s common for a cat to eat something it can’t digest properly where instead of regurgitating, it moves through the digestive tract and passing it out might be a challenge. When this happens, the cat may eat some grass to help him poop. It’s not all that different from us humans eating things like fibrous bread or salads to help us move our bowels.

When a cat eats grass, the grass works as a natural laxative due to the fiber it contains.

Grass Contains Folic Acid That Supports Good Health

Many experts believe that cats eat grass when they feel they need folic acid which is a B vitamin grass contains. Folic acid helps the body build new cells and grass is full of it.

While nobody knows for sure, it’s believed that cats sense when they need folic acid instinctively.

Eating Chemically Treated Grass is Not OK

It’s safe for cats to graze on grass unless the grass has been sprayed with fertilizers or chemicals. If your cat is allowed out in your yard, don’t spray your grass with fertilizer to make it grow long and lush or treat it with any chemicals. This way, you’ll know that the grass your cat is grazing on is safe to eat.

If your cat roams freely around the neighborhood, there’s not much you can do about monitoring his grass-eating behavior. You’ll just have to keep an eye on your cat to ensure he’s feeling healthy. If your cat seems to be in pain, is lethargic, or exhibits some other unusual symptoms, get him to the vet right away.

Indoor Cats Can Be Given Cat Grass

If you have an indoor cat that never has the chance to munch on a little grass, we’ve got a helpful tip! You can buy a cat grass growing kit and grow your own grass in just a few short days. This type of kit is easy to use and it’s a safe alternative to outdoor grass with zero harmful chemicals.

Your indoor kitty cat will love having some fresh green grass to munch on whenever he likes! This type of grass is a good source of vitamins and minerals cats need to maintain good health so do your feline friend a big favor and grow some cat grass!

Featured Image Credit: Piqsels