Your cat may graze on grass to boost its vitamin levels. Grass contains a nutrient called folic acid, which helps move oxygen through the blood stream. Some experts theorise that eating grass may also help ease sore throats, while others believe cats do it simply because they enjoy the taste and texture.
Why Is My Cat Eating Grass?
These are some theories as to why your cat might be eating grass.
Some scientists hypothesize that domestic cat ancestors would eat grass to relieve other non-digestible materials from the stomach because cats often vomit after eating it. Cats that hunted small prey, for instance, might have wanted to assist in getting rid of feathers and small bones that take a long time to digest.
This technique may be used by modern cats to help them get rid of hairballs, but a 2021 study found no difference in the tendency of long-haired (also known as hairball-prone) cats to eat grass than short-haired cats.
Not vomited grass often ends up unchanged in the stool. For cats who are only mildly constipated, this could help stimulate colon movement. It is advised to give cats who frequently have trouble passing stool higher-fiber diets. If you are worried about your cat having frequent bowel movements, consult your veterinarian.
Many wild animal species may purposefully consume grass and plant fibers to help lower intestinal parasite populations. Adult worms wrapped in plant materials have been discovered in the poop of wolves and civets.
Although there’s no proof that domestic cats deliberately consume grass for this purpose, it’s a very plausible explanation for why the species has retained this trait throughout evolution.
Help us make PetMD better
Was this article helpful?
Is it Okay for Cats to Eat Grass?
Cats can occasionally consume grass as long as it hasn’t been sprayed with pesticides or herbicides. But if your cat eats grass a lot, it might get lodged in her nasal passages and make her sneeze a lot. In the event that this occurs, you must get in touch with your veterinarian right away to have it removed manually. Grass can also get stuck in the digestive tract.
Make sure that none of your houseplants are poisonous if your cat has a habit of nibbling on grass and plants. Popular houseplants like lilies and poinsettias can be poisonous to cats. These two, along with a few others, are toxic to cats and can result in a moderate to severe reaction.
If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, always take them to the veterinarian for treatment or call the Animal Poison Control Center (APCC) at: (888) 426-4435. They’re available 24/7, including holidays, though they may charge a fee for any services provided.