Adorable Cats In Weird Places - See More At Defyingobesity.org
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As almost any cat owner who lets their feline friends outside knows, cats have a strange obsession with grass. They’ll poke and prod at it, play with it, sniff it and even bite it—a lot. Cats eating grass is a pretty normal occurrence, and so is the pile of vomit you’re sure to find shortly after.
Both indoor and outdoor cats are guilty of eating grass at some point. Many pet owners worry about their cats when they see them eating grass because they know the cat will eventually get sick. While it’s natural to assume that throwing up is synonymous with danger, that isn’t the case with normal, clean grass. In reality, your cat eating grass is nothing to worry about.
If cats can eat grass, but will almost certainly get sick after doing so, then why do they continue to eat it? Veterinarians and animal experts don’t have an exact reason behind this, but they do have a few theories for why cats love to nibble on nature’s most prevalent greens.
They need vitamins
Grass has a healthy dose of folic acid—an essential vitamin cats get from their mother’s milk as a kitten. Folic acid aids the production of hemoglobin, which helps move oxygen in their bloodstream. Without enough folic acid, cats can develop health problems.
If your cat spends most or all of its time inside, you can ensure it gets enough folic acid through its daily food or through a supplement.
It might be a stomach ache
The reason cats throw up after eating grass is because they do not have the necessary stomach enzymes to properly digest veggies. Cats also run into trouble digesting some materials from animals they kill—particularly in outdoor cats. When they hunt and eat their prey, cats will devour it entirely, feathers, bones and all. Additionally, hairballs can be difficult to digest.
One theory from cat experts suggests that cats will eat grass because it will make them throw up, more effectively getting rid of that undigestible material from their stomachs. This might help them feel better!
The problem might be with the other end, too. Hairballs can be difficult for cats to pass once they venture further into the digestive system. Some vets believe grass acts as a natural laxative for cats because of its fiber content, helping them break down and pass hairballs.
Chock it up to curiosity
Finally, some experts think cats might just eat grass because they’re curious and because they like the taste. Our feline companions do a lot of strange things and eating grass might just be another one!
When eating grass becomes a problem
Healthy cats eating grass once in a while isn’t going to pose a problem for their health. However, obsessive eating might be indicative of a larger underlying health issue.
Pica, an eating disorder in which your cat will persistently consume non-digestible materials, may cause cats to eat an unhealthy amount of grass. This disorder can be a big problem for cats, so you should take it in to see a vet if you think the grass-eating is getting out of hand.
Similarly, there are a few different compulsive disorders that may cause cats to eat grass more often than normal. These disorders are usually signified by the cat chewing on a lot of different items, like clothing.
While these disorders should be addressed as soon as possible by a pet care professional, you shouldn’t jump to this conclusion immediately if you notice your cat munching on grass. Pay attention to their behavior and monitor the amount of grass they eat, as well as if they start digesting other materials.
Healthy grass, healthy cats
If your cat likes to eat grass, one big problem you could face is if the grass is treated with pesticides and other chemicals before your cat starts nibbling. These chemicals are extremely toxic to animals and can make your cat very sick, so be sure to keep them away from the grass around lawn-spraying time.
If your cat spends most of its time indoors, monitor their behavior if they do go outside to make sure they don’t eat the chemically-treated grass. For outdoor and indoor cats, you might want to consider growing an herb garden or a small planter of pet grass. This will ensure the grass your cat munches on is safe and healthy. Remember, though, not all plants are the same. Many houseplants are toxic to cats, so try to find grass specifically designed for felines.
In summation, don’t fret if your cat heads outside and nibbles on a little grass now and then. Cleaning up cat puke is never a good time for pet owners, but you can rest assured that your feline friend will be just fine, if not a little healthier than before.
Андрей Павелкопротезирование зубов металлокерамика
By Stacia Friedman
Nibbling on grass is a natural behavior for all cats. If you have an outdoor cat, chances are it’s part of your kitty’s daily routine. But if your pet spends all of its time indoors (like most domestic cats), you may want to consider growing cat grass in your home.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
“Research has not yet shown why cats eat grass, but we have several ideas,” said Carlo Siracusa, animal behaviorist of University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. “In the wild, cats eat grass after they have eaten their prey. In many cases, the grass causes the cat to vomit. We believe this is nature’s way of helping the cat expel the parts of their prey that are indigestible.”
Even if your indoor cat has never caught a mouse or bird, she will instinctively be attracted to cat grass. Why? “It’s a behavioral instinct,” Siracusa says. “Grass is also a form of fiber that helps cats either throw up hairballs or digest them by acting as a laxative.”
Another theory is that cats may eat grass for some trace minerals and the vitamins A and D. Grass also contains chlorophyll, which, before the discovery of antibiotics, was a remedy for pain, infection, ulcers, skin diseases and anemia. Grass also contains folic acid, which helps with the production of hemoglobin, the protein that moves oxygen into the blood to help kitty’s circulation. Plus, there’s the benefit of breath cleansing chlorophyll.
What is Cat Grass?
Not to be confused with catnip, which is a member of the mint family, cat grass is typically grown from rye, barley, oat or wheat seeds. You will find a variety of kitty grass kits at your local pet store, which contain everything you need, including seeds, soil and a potting container. All you’ll need to provide is water and sunlight, and within one week, your cat will have her very own organic garden for safe, healthy nibbling.
“Cat grass is safer than outdoor grass which may have been chemically treated with pesticides,” Siracusa said. “It also gives your cat a healthy alternative to nibbling on houseplants and flowers, many of which are toxic to cats.”
Talk to your veterinarian before you bring any flowers or plants, including cat grass kits, into your home.
Is Cat Grass Safe?
Cat grass is a safe alternative to outdoor grass, which can be treated with weed killers or other pesticides, and to certain houseplants, which can be toxic. It provides your cat with an opportunity to engage in a natural behavior. For outdoor cats, an indoor garden provides a healthy alternative to nibbling on the neighbors’ possibly pesticide-laced lawn. For indoor cats, it offers a delicious taste of the outdoors.
How to Grow Cat Grass
Your cat grass kit will likely come with easy-to-follow directions, but here are some basic tips for caring for and growing cat grass:
Before sprouting, seeds should be kept damp but never soaked. Once sprouts appear, use less water.
Allow three to seven days for seeds to sprout.
The grass will be ready for your cat to eat in 10 to 14 days after sprouting, or once it has reached a height of four inches, and will last one to three weeks.
Continue to keep it in natural light and water daily with a spray bottle.
Do not over water, as this causes mold.
Allow your cat to eat directly from the container.
When the grass starts to wilt or turn color, plant a new container.
Image: Veera / Shutterstock
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