Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

ginger cat lying down outside with flowers

Your cat is micro chipped, has a quick release safety collar and the cat flap has been installed. Your cat is ready to explore the outside world. While this is an exciting time for both you and your cat, it can also be a daunting time too. There are many ways to prepare your cat so they feel comfortable exploring your outdoor space but as a pet owner, there isn’t much you can do to control what they do outside or what they eat for that matter.

As a pet lover, it’s a rewarding experience watching your cat become more and more confident exploring your garden and beyond. You might catch your cat eating grass from time to time but why do they do this and do you need to worry about it? Read on to discover why cats eat grass and what you need do about it.

 

Is it bad for cats to eat grass?

It may seem strange that your cat eats grass while exploring the outdoors but it is no cause for concern. In fact, there are a few benefits involved in eating grass including stress relief and it is also beneficial to the cat’s digestive system as grass acts like a natural laxative. Often, cats and kittens eat things such as prey that can’t be fully digested and chewing on grass results in regurgitation which in turn, cleanses the digestive system of anything your cat couldn’t digest itself.

 

What does it mean when a cat eats grass?

There are many theories as to why your cat likes to munch away at the lawn. One is that your cat is seeking the vitamins that grass contains while another is that your cat potentially is looking for relief from an upset stomach.

 

What are cats lacking when they eat grass?

A popular theory behind cats eating grass is that it provides an essential vitamin that your cat or kitten isn’t getting elsewhere. If your cat is deficient in vitamins such as folic acid, it could be eating grass in an attempt to get their fix.

 

Should I stop my cat from eating grass?

Can cats eat grass? Cats eating grass is no cause for concern. If your cat eats a small amount of grass, there is no reason to worry or stop your cat from eating it. If your cat is eating grass in excess, you may notice they start to sneeze and this is a sign that the blades of grass are getting stuck in the nasal chambers.

If this happens, you can end up having to visit the vet to have it removed. It is fine if your cat consumes grass that is free from pesticides and herbicides in moderation but if your cat consumes grass that has been chemically treated this could also lead to a visit to your vet.

Are you protected from potential costly vet visits? You can get ultimate peace of mind with our pet insurance policies. At Asda Money, we have a policy to suit every pet and every preference.

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