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Cats are quirky creatures with many curious habits, but one odd behavior that has long puzzled cat lovers is grass eating. Though indoor-outdoor cats obviously have more access to the green stuff, even indoor cats are known to nibble on blades of grass if they go outside for some fresh air or to explore.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass and Throw Up?
Cats are obligate carnivores, which means they are biologically designed to eat a primarily meat-based diet. Although cats can the digest grains, fruits, and vegetables found in commercial cat food, cats are not true omnivores, so plant material like grass would not be part of their diet in the wild.
And it would seem that grass might not agree with a cat’s digestive system since some cats that eat grass promptly throw it up a short while later along with the hair and other indigestible materials.. The reason this happens is that cats absence the required enzymes required to properly digest it,
So why does a cat eat grass?
Theories About Why Cats Eat Grass
The answer eluded scientists for ages, but a recent study may have gotten to the bottom of this feline idiosyncrasy. Before we get to that, let’s recap some of the long-held theories about why cats eat grass.
Nutritional boost: One theory suggests that cats eat grass because they are lacking certain nutrients or enzymes in their diet. Grass does contain folic acid, but the jury is out on the idea that cats intuitively know that they need a top up on folic acid.
Upset stomach relief: Cats sometimes vomit after consuming grass. Another theory about why cats eat grass says that cats know they will throw up after a grass snack, so if they ate something that did not agree with them or are otherwise feeling unwell, they might attempt to induce vomiting by eating grass.
Natural laxative: It’s possible that eating grass could help to ease constipation or aid in hairball removal. Grass contains a lot of fiber, so it could get things moving in the right direction.
A New Theory About Why Cats Eat Grass and Added Benefits
Recently, researchers at the University of California, Davis, School of Veterinary Medicine conducted an online survey of more than 1,000 cat owners asking about their cats’ penchant for eating grass and plants. The findings, presented in summer 2019 at the annual meeting of the International Society for Applied Ethology in Bergen, Norway, revealed some interesting facts about cats eating grass.
First, eating plant material is very common: 71 percent of cats in the study nibbled plants at least six times in their life, and 61 percent ate plant material at least 10 times. Another finding was that most cats (91%) were acting normally and did not appear to be sick in the time immediately preceding the grass eating. Of all the cats that ate plant material, only about 27 percent frequently vomited after eating the green stuff.
Based on these results, the researchers hypothesized that cats don’t eat grass as a way to naturally treat an upset stomach. Instead, the scientists believe that cats might instinctually eat grass and other plant matter to rid themselves of intestinal parasites—a behavior that has been observed in wild carnivores and primates. Eating vegetation might trigger the digestive tract to physically expel troublesome parasites.
Is Grass Safe for Cats and How Much Cat Grass Should a Cat Eat?
Whatever the reason, many cats do eat grass on occasion. some cats might even be eating grass every day. But do you need to be concerned if your cat nibbles on the green stuff now and again?
Yes and no…
Eating grass can cause mild stomach upset, which is why some cats vomit after eating grass, but grass in and of itself is not generally dangerous to cats. In fact, the right type of grass is even considered a safe and nutritious snack for cats.
However, the danger comes from what might be on the grass your cat is consuming. Lawn fertilizer, weed killer, pesticides, and other chemicals used on lawns can be very dangerous to your cat, even in small amounts.
What To Do If Your Cat Eats Grass?
If your cat eats grass in your yard, keep an eye on her to make sure she isn’t displaying any signs of illness. This is especially important if you use any chemicals on your lawn like fertilizer, herbicides (weed killer) or pesticides.
If your cat throws up after eating grass, make note of how many times she vomits.
Call your veterinarian if she keeps throwing up, or if she is displaying other symptoms like diarrhea, lack of appetite, lethargy (no energy), seizures, tremors, foaming at the mouth or any other signs of illness.
Other Plants And Flowers
Although grass is not dangerous for cats to eat, other plants are very toxic to cats. Cats that like to eat grass might also try to munch on houseplants and flowers, which can have deadly results.
Some plants cause mild issues in cats like mouth irritation or stomach upset; others can cause severe vomiting and diarrhea, seizures, kidney failure and death.
Many plants and flowers are toxic to cats, but some of the most dangerous include all types of lilies, autumn crocus, azaleas, rhododendrons, oleander, cyclamen and daffodils. Keep only non-toxic plants, greenery and flowers in your home.
If you suspect your cat may have eaten part of a toxic plant or flower (or even just licked water from the vase of a dangerous plant), contact your veterinarian or an animal poison-control hotline right away.
How Cats Can Eat Grass Safely?
If your cat likes to eat grass, but you’re worried about her consuming dangerous lawn chemicals, you might consider purchasing some special grass for your cat to safety snack on. Cat grass (sometimes called kitty grass) is a safe grass blend meant to be grown indoors.
Lightly water the grass container, put it near a window for indirect sunlight and let it sprout. Your cat will love munching the grass that grows, and you can rest easy knowing it doesn’t contain any dangerous chemicals.
What Is Cat Grass Made Of
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On the surface, cat grass seems like a pretty odd invention. We know our feline friends are obligate carnivores, so they’re not exactly fond of eating greenery. However, that doesn’t necessarily mean a little vegetation in their diet can’t be a good thing. Your little meat-eater might actually enjoy having the option to mix up their diet from time to time. You might have noticed your outdoor cat munching on plants from time to time, or your indoor kitty trying to steal your flowers. Greenery in various forms does have some very specific benefits for your furry pal – but not just any plant life will do. Cat grass is a special kind of vegetation designed specifically for the leafy green needs of your kitty. Today, we’re going to tell you everything you need to know about it.
What is Cat Grass? An Introduction
The first thing you should know about cat grass is that, unlike catnip, cat grass isn’t a particular type of plant. Rather, when you buy it from a store, or on Amazon, you’re purchasing a selection of seeds carefully chosen for their ability to support cat digestion and health. Cat grass usually features a number of different kinds of cereal grains and seeds, such as barley, rye, wheat grass, and oats – it’s not the same as the standard grass you get in your lawn or on a local field. This type of grass is specifically intended for growth indoors, and it’s designed for your pets. The grass outside could include dangerous pesticides and other harmful edible substances, so your furry pal definitely shouldn’t be encouraged to use your garden as a grass buffet. There are a few different variations of grass on the market, and each has its own ratio of certain seeds to be aware of. To find the right option for your cat, try and keep an eye on their preferences when you’re testing them out on certain recipes. Options include:
Wheatgrass: One of the best all-round cat grasses, wheatgrass is brimming with minerals, vitamins, and useful amino acids for your cat’s health. Wheatgrass is even something we humans eat from time to time, particularly in the form of green juices and smoothies.
Barley grass: The sweetest of the various kinds of grass on the market today, barley grass is more of a treat for your feline friend. This product is usually rich in nutrients, and a good source of fiber for kitties with stomach issues.
Ryegrass: One of the more versatile and durable kinds of grass, many cat grass products feature a decent amount of rye because it’s longer lasting than the other seeds. It gives your kitty something to chew on.
Oat grass: Probably the most flavorful of the cat grass options, Oat grass is a popular pick for many cats, and it’s a fantastic source of soluble fiber and protein too.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Cats are unusual and complex creatures, with equally complicated diets. Most kitties will be able to get by comfortably in life without consuming any cat grass, so you don’t need to worry if you haven’t been growing this treat in your home over the last few years with your cat. Usually, grass will play a number of important roles in ensuring the good health of your kitty. Cat grass can be a helpful deterrent if you tend to bring a lot of plants and flowers home and want to prevent your furry pal from trying to chew on those (perhaps more dangerous) plants. If your kitty has a habit of gnawing on and destroying your personal plants, a cat grass garden could be a great way to minimize this behavior. In the wild, cats occasionally seek out grass and vegetation for digestion purposes. Usually, when your cat is gnawing on grass, it’s seeking something it might be missing in its existing diet. Plants, and particularly cat grasses, are notoriously rich in soluble fiber, which helps to promote good digestion for your cat, and keeps their bowels working well.
If your cat is having tummy trouble caused by issues like hairballs, grass can also be helpful in this instance, as it helps to move things along the digestive tract and gets rid of the excess fur which could be building up. Although it might not sound particularly fun, many cats ingest grass instinctively when they want to induce vomiting, because they’ve eaten something they think disagrees with them. Get 30% off and FREE shipping on cat food!
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Generally, your cat won’t need cat grass specifically for nutritional purposes. Although cat grass is rich in various nutrients and vitamins, your kitty should be getting most of what they need from their existing diet. However, that doesn’t mean your cat doesn’t enjoy eating grass. Cat grass can be something of a treat for your furry friend, because various kinds of grass have a unique flavor - and it's a lot safer than letting a cat eat chocolate. If your cat likes the taste of cat grass, they might eat it for this reason alone. It can be especially decent for indoor cats as it can act as a source of environmental enrichment. In some cases, it may provide some micronutrients, such as vitamins A and D.
Is Cat Grass Safe?
In general, there are only a handful of specific kinds of plants you should be feeding your kitty. As mentioned above, cats are designed to get the majority of their nutrition from meats, so vegetation isn’t really necessary. In fact, there are a number of plants which can be extremely dangerous to your cat, like lilies. Even the standard grass outside on your lawn may not be safe for your cat. Everyday outdoor grass can be covered in pests, pesticides, and other unwanted substances which cause sickness in your feline friend. However, cat grass isn’t the same as your “everyday” grass. In general, grass should be safe for your furry pal, because it’s specially designed to only include seeds which aren’t going to cause cats any harm. Just make sure you keep your cat garden separate from any other houseplants and greenery. There’s a comprehensive list available from the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals which highlights the most dangerous plants for cats. If you’re worried about the quality of the cat grass you’re buying, we’d recommend doing as much research as you can before you invest. Take some time to examine the ingredients in the product and read the reviews from other customers. This should offer some peace of mind.
Do Cats Only Eat Grass When They’re Sick?
Cats frequently eat grass to manage their digestive system and address various problems with sickness. If your furry pal eats something that disagrees with them, you might have noticed them chewing on grass outside or seeking out some extra plant life. This is because vegetation can help with inducing vomiting in cats. However, just because cats frequently eat grass when they’re unwell, doesn’t mean they only ever use grass for sickness. Cat grass can positively influence your cat’s digestive system, and it can benefit your kitty’s life by giving them something fun and delicious to chew on. Most forms of grass will contain valuable substances for your feline friend, including folic acid. This vitamin is commonly found in human cereals and grains, and it helps to promote proper bloodstream flow. Cat grass also works as a handy laxative for flushing out hairballs and getting rid of bits of food that your cat has ingested. If your furry pal starts eating excessive amounts of grass, or throwing up regularly, of course, it’s important to check with your veterinarian. Your vet can ensure there are no underlying medical reasons for the over-consumption of grass.
Can Cats Eat Too Much Grass?
Cat grass is a relatively safe alternative to most outdoor grass and plants. However, like any vegetation, it’s not the healthiest product your kitty can eat. There are no strict guidelines or “dosage” suggestions when it comes to cat grass, so the best thing you can do is keep an eye on your feline and pay attention to how they’re using their very own cat garden. If you notice your cat throwing up a lot of hairballs, or consuming excessive amounts of cat grass, to the point where they’re not eating their other food as much, this could be a sign of a problem. Ideally, you should only plant around a handful of seeds at a time and try not to leave your cat alone with the plant to eat everything at once if you know they have a habit for binging. Watching your cat when initially introducing them to grass is also helpful because it will allow you to pinpoint signs of other issues like Pica. If your kitty starts eating the soil or other products around your cat grass, this may indicate a more significant problem, like an absence of crucial nutrients in your cat’s diet. Keep in mind there are also cats who may not enjoy eating grass at all. Cats are notorious for snubbing all kinds of food – even the ones they’re supposed to enjoy.
How to Grow Cat Grass
If you think your kitty might enjoy having access to their own little feline garden, then you’re in luck. These days, there are tons of cat grass growing kits available, so you shouldn’t have too much problem growing your own cat grass. Because you’re basically just growing a number of seeds, the grass is also reasonably easy to take care of too. To begin, you’ll need a shallow container – some of the cat grass kits on the market come with a container, while others require you to find your own. You’ll also need some potting soil, a little water, and the selection of cat grass seeds you’re going to be using. Ideally, you’ll want to place your cat grass in a relatively sunny area in your home, out of the way of paws while it grows. Once you’ve chosen your cat grass:
Find a shallow container your cats aren’t likely to accidentally knock over on their own. Although it’s best to keep the container out of the way during the growing period, you don’t want your cat to flip it when they’re eating the grass shoots that eventually grow.
Fill your container of about three-quarters of the way with loose, organic potting soil. You’ll need to keep the soil damp and reasonably flat as you’re adding it. To avoid allowing water to go everywhere, place your container on a tray or saucer.
Sprinkle a handful of your cat grass seeds on the surface. You’ll usually see instructions on how many seeds you should add at one time on the packaging for your cat grass. Try not to grow too much at once, as this can be harder to maintain.
To help the seeds germinate and grow, cover your container with a very loose strip of plastic wrap. You’ll need to keep the tray and the seeds at room temperature, so avoid any overly hot or cold spots. Before sprouting, your seeds will need to be kept reasonably damp at all times.
When sprouting starts, usually within 3 to 7 days, you can remove the plastic wrap, and move your cat grass to a sunny spot with natural light, where it can begin to thrive. Again, try to avoid choosing a space too warm, as this can dry out the seeds.
Water the seed sprouts regularly when the soil begins to feel a little dry to the touch. You don’t want to add too much water here. Excessive amounts of water can cause mold to grow around the container – which isn’t good for your cat.
Wait until the grass sprouts to around 3-4 inches tall before you begin offering it to your cat. This usually takes a couple of weeks after sprouting, so be patient. You don’t need to snip off sections of grass for your kitty, just let them eat it out of the container.
When the grass begins to wilt after a few weeks, pull the shoots from the soil, and plant a new selection of seeds. If you want to maintain a consistent supply of cat grass, you can always plant a few different pots a week or two apart. Make sure you monitor your cats for signs of excessive consumption and vomiting.
What if My Cat Doesn’t Like it?
Even if your cat likes to spend their afternoons in the summer munching on your grass outdoors, this doesn’t mean they’re definitely going to love cat grass. Our kitties are often confusing and fickle creatures, so it’s worth keeping this in mind when you’re introducing the grass to your furry pal. Remember, if your cat doesn’t like eating cat grass, you can always consider trying a different mixture of seeds. However, most cats can easily get by and enjoy a healthy life without consuming cat grass. If you can’t convince your feline to eat this treat, just let them go without. No matter what, don’t allow your cat to eat outdoor grass and other plants instead of cat grass. You could be exposing your cat to some dangerous additional substances this way.
FAQs
Do indoor cats need cat grass?
If your cat spends most of its life indoors, you might assume it needs more vegetation than an outdoor cat. The reality is grass isn’t a required part of your kitty’s diet, but it could be something they enjoy. Indoor cats could see cat grass as a source of valuable environmental enrichment.
What are the benefits of cat grass?
Generally, cat grass is best suited to giving your cat an extra source of dietary fiber. This fiber helps to speed up and stimulate digestion. Because of the high fiber levels, cat grass can also work as a natural laxative, and it’s great for getting rid of hairballs.
Can cat grass make cats sick?
While your cat might vomit after eating cat grass, this doesn’t mean the grass itself is “making” your cat sick. Your cat might be inducing vomiting on purpose to get rid of something in their system they don’t like, such as a bad piece of food.
How do you serve cat grass?
You can allow your cat to eat grass directly out of the container it comes in. Usually, you should serve cat grass when it’s around 3-4 inches tall. Continue to keep it moist with a spray bottle over time and remove the grass when it begins to wilt.
Should I let my cat eat grass?
Allowing your cat to eat regular grass can be dangerous due to the pesticides and other substances on outdoor fields. However, you can safely allow your kitty to eat cat grass if they enjoy the taste. Try not to let your cat eat too much grass without supervision.
Can I grow cat grass without soil?
Yes, all you need is a jug filled with stone and a piece of paper towel. Place the seeds on the paper towel and fill the jug with water below the towel. The seeds should begin to sprout within a few days, and the grass should grow normally.
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