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Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
If you have a cat, you might have noticed them occasionally nibbling on grass. While this may seem odd given that cats are obligate carnivores, eating grass can actually offer several benefits.
All cat owners know that their feline companions often graze on grass, only to throw up their breakfast shortly after. This reaction leads many to ask, why do cats eat grass? Some assume grass is a toxic plant, discouraging the behaviour, but despite being obligate carnivores, cats eat grass for various reasons, and it can actually help cats in several ways. When cats consume grass, it may aid their digestive system, remove toxins, and even help with bowel movements. Grass contains nutrients like folic acid, which supports their overall health. For indoor cats, offering a safe cat grass option can mimic the great outdoors, providing a natural way to support their digestive tract and potentially reduce intestinal parasites.
Why do cats eat grass?
The exact reason why cats eat grass isn’t fully understood, but there are a few common theories:
1. Grass Helps with Digestion
When cats eat prey, they consume bones, fur, or feathers, which can be tough to digest and may lead to constipation. Likewise, swallowing their own fur while grooming can cause digestive issues. If they struggle to vomit naturally, grazing on grass can help them bring up indigestible material or act as a natural laxative, making it easier to pass.
2. Grass Contains Vital Nutrients
Grass provides essential nutrients like fibre and folic acid, which may be missing from a cat’s diet. This could explain why cats like to eat grass. To ensure they receive all the nutrients they need, feed them a complete cat food designed to support their digestive system and overall health benefits. Learn more in our guide on Foundations of Cat Feeding and Cat Nutrition.
3. Purging Hairballs
Since cats often vomit after eating grass, some researchers believe their wild ancestors used this behaviour to expel non digestible materials from the stomach. For instance, when hunting small prey, cats eat bones and feathers, which can be difficult to digest. Grazing on grass may have helped them clear these materials more easily. This instinct may also play a role in managing hairballs, which can form from swallowed fur during grooming. Learn more about Cat Hairballs | Causes, Symptoms, and Treatment.
4. Parasite Prevention
It is believed that various wild animal species consume grass and plant fibers to help reduce intestinal parasites. Studies have found adult worms in the stool of wolves and civets, often wrapped in plant material. While there is no clear evidence that domestic cats eat grass specifically for this reason, it is likely an evolutionary trait that has persisted to aid in maintaining a healthy digestive tract. Learn more about Worms in Cats | Symptoms, Causes, and Treatment.
5. Grass Tastes Good
Some cats genuinely enjoy eating grass and leafy greens simply because they find it appealing. But why do cats eat grass? Just like humans, cats have unique personalities and preferences in taste and texture. Some may love the fresh scent, satisfying crunch, or how it feels on their tongue. Others graze on grass out of curiosity or as entertainment, much like chewing on cat toys. For indoor cats, eating grass can mimic the great outdoors, adding mental stimulation. If your cat stays inside, offering safe cat grass can satisfy their instincts. Learn more in Indoor Cats | Pros & Cons of Keeping Your Cat Indoors.
6. Easing Constipation
Some cats eat grass to help with digestive issues, including both constipation and diarrhoea. Grass acts as a natural laxative, helping cats pass indigestible material more easily, while also stimulating the digestive tract. In some cases, it may also trigger vomiting, aiding in the removal of toxic substances or hairballs. If your cat frequently experiences digestive problems like diarrhoea, it could be a sign of an underlying issue. Learn more in our guide: Diarrhoea in Cats | How to Help Your Feline Friend.
Why does my cat eat grass and throw up?
When cats eat grass and then vomit, it’s often intentional. Since they cannot digest large amounts of grass, consuming it may trigger vomiting, helping them clear their digestive system of fur, feathers, bones, or intestinal parasites that could cause irritation. This natural process can help cats feel better by removing indigestible material. However, if your cat is vomiting frequently or also loses their appetite, it’s best to visit a vet to check for any underlying health issues. Learn more in our guide: Cat Vomiting | What It Means and How to Treat It.
Is Grass Safe for Cats?
As long as the grass is free from pesticides and fertilizers, it should be safe for your cat to eat. However, it’s important to ensure your cat doesn’t overindulge. Eating large amounts or swallowing long blades of grass can be difficult to digest and may lead to an intestinal blockage. Some cats may also ingest soil or potting materials, which could cause digestive issues. If your cat has a habit of grazing on grass, supervision may be necessary to keep their consumption safe and controlled.
How to encourage your cat to eat grass
Most cats will naturally graze on grass if it’s accessible, requiring little to no encouragement. Consider offering your cat a pot of fresh grass, either indoors or outdoors, depending on where they spend the most time. Ensure it’s free from herbicides and pesticides to keep it safe. If your cat is interested, they’ll nibble on it at their own pace. However, if they show no interest, there’s no need to worry, some cats simply don’t feel the need to consume grass. The key is to provide the option without forcing them to eat it.
How to stop cats eating grass
Grazing on grass is a natural instinct for cats, and it’s generally best not to discourage this behaviour, unless the grass has been treated with herbicides or pesticides. Offering a safe grass option can also help redirect their attention away from other plants you’d prefer they avoid. This not only protects your prized flowers but also prevents your cat from nibbling on toxic plants that could be harmful to their health.
FAQ
Do cats eat grass when they are sick?
Yes, some cats eat grass when they feel unwell, as it can help them vomit and clear their digestive system of irritants like hairballs or intestinal parasites. Since cats cannot digest large amounts of grass, it often triggers vomiting, which may provide relief. However, if your cat is frequently eating grass and getting sick, it could signal an underlying issue, so a vet check is advisable.
Do cats eat grass when they have worms?
Yes, cats may eat grass when they have worms. This behaviour is thought to be a natural instinct aimed at self medicating. Eating grass can help cats expel intestinal parasites, including worms, by inducing vomiting or aiding in the passage of parasites through their digestive system.
Should indoor cats eat grass?
Indoor cats can safely eat cat grass or other safe grass varieties, which can aid in digestion, provide essential nutrients like folic acid, and offer behavioral enrichment by satisfying their natural instinct to graze.
Is it normal for cats to eat grass?
Yes, it is normal for cats to eat grass, as it can aid their digestive system, help remove hairballs, and provide nutrients like folic acid. As long as the grass is safe and free from pesticides, this behaviour is generally harmless and instinctual.
Are there benefits to providing cat grass for indoor cats?
Yes, offering cat grass indoors can satisfy their natural urge to graze, provide mental stimulation, and potentially prevent them from nibbling on houseplants.
Which cat breeds are more prone to eating grass?
There isn’t a specific cat breed that is more prone to eating grass, as this behaviour is instinctual and seen across all breeds. However, highly active and curious breeds like Bengals, Siamese, Abyssinians, and Maine Coons may be more likely to graze on grass, as they enjoy exploring their surroundings. Indoor cats, regardless of breed, may also show a greater interest in grass consumption since it provides sensory enrichment and mimics outdoor experiences.
Kelly Rushton
Meet Kelly Rushton, a dedicated cat enthusiast and proud owner of Feline Fancy Ltd. With a heart as big as her household, Kelly is the loving mum to 10 charming Ragdoll cats. In her world, felines reign supreme, and she brings professionalism and warmth to everything she does. Through her blog, Kelly shares her wealth of knowledge and experiences, offering insights into cat care, behavior, and the joy of living alongside these majestic creatures.
