Why Do Cats Eat Grass
Cats do a lot of weird things and one of them is eating grass. As it stands, researchers haven’t agreed on one definitive reason to explain this behavior. But the most common is for digestive needs and relieving anxiety.
- One of the most common theories behind the question “why do cats eat grass” is that it helps with stomach pain. This is linked to the fact that they tend to throw up after they eat it. This happens because cats lack the appropriate enzymes needed to digest grass. Although grass is not necessary for cats‘ digestive system, cats may seek out soft blades of grass “to settle their stomachs, much as humans”. If your cat overeats or is blocked up, her instinct is to sweep all that out with the fiber found in vegetation. For the same reason, you may find your kitty chewing on the toilet paper roll.
- Cats require folic acid to aid digestion. While kittens get their required dose from their mother’s milk, a younger cat doesn’t get enough of it. Folic acid can be found in grass juice, some researchers assume that seek for grass to supplement this deficiency, but there is no definitive evidence for that.
- Anxiety is not common only in people but in cats as well. “Some cats may exhibit over-grooming or excessive vocalization when they are anxious, while other cats find something to chew. Cats partake in what’s called “stress eating”. This means that your feline is eating to relieve anxiety and not hunger.
Is Eating Grass Safe For My Cat?
There are certain houseplants that are actually poisonous to cats (such as Lillies or kalanchoes) and can cause mild to severe reactions. If your cat is in the habit of eating plants or grass then it has to be safe. Please make sure that every plant in your household is nontoxic without pesticides or herbicides.
You can buy or cultivate some indoor grass so that your cat will have a safe lawn to help them fulfill their natural desire to eat grass. This will give them a chance to exercise this innate behavior.
If you notice that your fur baby is chewing grass or household plants excessively or shows other signs of stress or anxiety, such as displaying aggressive behavior, get in touch with your vet to see how you can help your kitty.
Photo: Heidi Moriyama
