Why do cats eat grass and what kind of grass they can and cannot eat - that’s what we’ll talk about today. Many cat owners are very surprised when they first notice that their pet is cutting off stems of grass or house plants. And their surprise is understandable: a predator to the core, which should eat exclusively meat, suddenly begins to behave like a herbivore. What is the reason for this behavior, and why does a kitten need to eat grass, just like adult cats?
How is grass beneficial for cats?
Plants characterized by hard leaves are eaten by kisuli to cleanse the stomach. It may contain indigestible food remains (for example, bones), or wool after licking the fur coat. The hard leaves begin to irritate the gastric mucosa, quickly causing vomiting. If there is enough fiber in the cat's diet, then the hair can come out naturally - through the intestines. And then there will be no vomiting after eating greens.
Other and no less important beneficial properties of weed include:
- Rich in nutrients. Greens are high in fiber and vitamins. However, it all depends on the type of plant that the cat eats. Some herbs pass through “transit”, helping the kitty only to cleanse the stomach.
- Relaxation. When a cat eats greens, she stops being nervous or irritated.
- Presence of folic acid. The herbs adored by kitties contain this vitamin B9. The vitamin promotes the growth and healthy development of the body, saturates the blood with oxygen, and makes the pet active and inquisitive.
- It's simply delicious. Some cats eat greens just because they like the taste.
Reasons why cats eat grass
There is no clear answer to the question of why cats eat grass, and scientists still argue a lot about what prompts graceful predators to eat uncharacteristic food. There are several basic theories according to which these animals eat grass to:
- Eat;
- Cleanse the stomach;
- Get the necessary vitamins and microelements;
- Prevent indigestion.
Each of these assumptions has its own justification, but some do not stand up to criticism. Let's take a closer look at each of the options.
Eating grass
One of the most obvious misconceptions, which, nevertheless, is widespread among people. In fact, cats cannot eat grass because they simply do not have the enzyme that allows them to break down plant fiber. To put it simply, they physically cannot digest and assimilate grassy foods. Thus, it becomes clear that the version about using grass for satiation is complete nonsense.
Stomach cleansing
This option deserves more attention. It is known that in nature, cats do not cut up their prey, which is natural, but eat it whole. This is how feathers, wool and other indigestible remains of their victims enter the animal’s body. In order to somehow remove these inedible things from the stomach, wild cats eat grass, the stems of which irritate the esophagus and stomach, causing regurgitation of undigested remains.
Here lies the answer to the question why it is important for a cat to eat grass: even taking into account the fact that your pet does not eat birds and mice, he often licks himself, putting his fur in order. It is precisely during the process of self-cleaning that excess hair enters the stomach, accumulating there in the form of lumps. In order to somehow get rid of this “garbage”, the domestic cat, obeying its instincts, tries to eat grass.
Obtaining vitamins and microelements from grass
It is partly true that cats chew grass to obtain valuable substances. In the process of chewing stems and young shoots, cats receive a considerable supply of leaf acid - a substance very rich in vitamin B. Young grass that has just sprouted is especially rich in this component. There are practically no other useful substances in the grass, and if there are some plants, it is in very small quantities that do not represent any value.
Many owners of tailed cats will argue that their cat receives a complete, balanced diet, and is unlikely to need grass as a source of microelements or vitamins. Answering the always pressing question of why it is important for a kitten to eat grass, it is worth mentioning instincts - your pet may have enough vitamins obtained from food, but its natural craving makes it look for grass and eat it with particular zeal.
Preventing Indigestion
This version of the reason why cats eat grass is also likely to be viable - the fiber in the intestines helps the passage of undigested food debris, thereby easing the digestion process. But we cannot reliably confirm this, nor, for that matter, refute it.
Another reason to eat grass
And finally, it is worth noting one more reason why it is important for a kitten to eat grass, which is not included in any of those discussed above: in this way, your cat realizes its natural essence, obeying its instincts. This means that most likely he does this unconsciously, at the call of nature, which means punishing him for spoiled plants or vomiting is absolutely unacceptable: this is an uncontrollable process, and the cat himself is not able to suppress or stop the urges - nature itself dictates the actions necessary for the body.
You should be understanding of your pet’s needs and try to provide him with the best living conditions. And then you will receive reciprocal love and affection, which no other pet can give.
What grass can cats eat?
Herbs useful for cats, which they eat with great pleasure, are:
- wheatgrass;
- sprouted oats;
- parsley;
- sprouted wheat;
- thyme;
- sprouted barley;
- rosemary;
Plants such as catnip are also used with caution. Usually it is not eaten, but used to accustom the cat to one thing or another (for example, a scratching post). You can’t just give catnip to eat. When they eat it, it overstimulates the nervous system of cats.
Cat eats grass for peristalsis
Another “digestive” version. Our cats' ancestors, who lived in the wild, ate grass to improve peristalsis - the wave-like contraction of the intestinal walls to move its contents towards the exit. The tougher the contents of the intestines, the more strongly they have to contract and the more effectively their cleansing occurs. In addition, the grass also acts as a brush, cleaning off the remains of fur, feathers, and parasites that have completed their life cycle from the walls. Although our cats, thanks to modern effective medications, are protected from parasites and also eat highly digestible food, instinct dictates that they regularly carry out preventative measures.
What plants can cause the death of an animal?
Dangerous and even deadly plants that kitties are prohibited from eating include:
- geranium;
- calendula;
- aloe;
- Melissa;
- peppermint;
- lily.
In fact, the list of dangerous plants is very long. Therefore, before buying a new indoor plant, you need to make sure that it will not be dangerous for the cat. Of course, a kitty is unlikely to eat a toxic plant. But this risk cannot be excluded either.
The cat eats grass to get vitamins
Cats can chew green grass with appetite due to a lack of vitamins and minerals in the body. Despite the fact that a cat, as a predator, has almost no need for fiber, the body of our pets is quite capable of extracting the substances it needs from the grass. And this may serve as an answer to those who are wondering why cats eat wheatgrass. This plant has long been used in folk medicine for a reason. It is considered an effective remedy for arthritis, gout and rheumatism, gastritis, metabolic disorders, and cholecystitis. Wheatgrass rhizomes are also used to improve vision. Perhaps knowledge of the secrets of nature is one of the keys to the survival of cats.
How to plant grass for a cat in an apartment?
To grow vegetation for a cat on the windowsill, you need to purchase several things:
- First, purchase soil. A special light mixture for flowers is suitable.
- Buy a container or tray. Any container will do.
- Buy plastic film. It is needed to create a greenhouse effect.
The main “ingredient” is, of course, the seeds. Before planting, they must be thoroughly washed and soaked for an hour.
The seed planting algorithm looks like this:
- Soil is poured into the prepared container.
- The seeds are evenly planted in it.
- They are sprinkled with a thin layer of soil on top.
- Next you need to water the seedlings.
- Finally, a plastic film is stretched over the container.
After this, the container is placed in a warm place. On the second or third day, when the seeds sprout, there is no need to remove the polyethylene. But after a week, the film is already removed, since the greens have already grown and can be eaten. Cats love to eat grass grown at home. Especially fresh and young.
Why do cats eat grass? They just like it.
So why do cats eat grass? Perhaps these are simply individual gastronomic preferences of individuals. After all, the world is full of cats who are absolutely indifferent to grass. And there are those who love cucumbers, tomatoes or, for example, sweets. In the behavior of our pets, as has already been said, there is much that remains a mystery to us.
But those who have a “herbivorous” cat in their family must take care that this passion does not bring harm to the animal. Some plants, such as lilies of the valley, calendula, violets, poppies, geraniums, daffodils, henbane and philodendron, are poisonous to cats. And grass growing on the lawn can be treated with chemicals. Therefore, to pamper your pet, it is better to buy weed for him at a pet store. If you want to save money, grow herbs for your pet on your windowsill. By the way, sprouted oats or wheat are very healthy for people. So there is a great reason to have a meal together. Bon appetit!
Svetlana Mosolova
What should you do if your cat vomits after eating plants?
First of all, you need to understand why the cat is vomiting. In the wild, animals clear hairballs from their stomachs by vomiting. The green growth stimulates the urge to vomit, accelerating the process of release. In cats, like small predators, the body works according to the same scheme. Therefore, periodic vomiting after eating weed is normal.
The following symptoms may indicate that your cat is poisoned:
- complete refusal to eat;
- constant vomiting;
- lethargy, apathy, lack of playfulness, sweat;
- plaintive "crying";
- belly hard to the touch;
- desire to hide in a dark place.
In this situation, vomiting is not normal. You need to urgently take your kitty to a veterinarian.
Another reason to contact a veterinarian is that your cat eats green grass every day. This indicates digestive problems and even intestinal obstruction. If the cat refuses to eat, vomits blood, and the feces are colored black, it is necessary to urgently take the pet to the clinic.
If your cat vomits after eating grass
It is not uncommon for a cat to vomit after eating grass. The most common reasons:
- The cat ate a lot of grass, which caused a reverse gastrointestinal reaction. If the grass is hard, it can damage the walls of the intestines and stomach, as evidenced by the admixture of blood in the vomit. In this case, it is useful for the cat to give chamomile decoction and follow a diet.
- Vomiting of undigested grass, which emptys the cat's stomach of unnecessary food and hairballs. In this case, everything is fine with the cat. You can keep him on a diet for a while and give him water as indicated above - chamomile decoction.
- Vomiting due to eating dirty or vermin-infested grass. If your pet has eaten grass that grows outside, it is quite possible that it has been contaminated with chemicals and dust. The pet needs medical attention and medication treatment. It is important to immediately contact a veterinary clinic, notifying the specialist about what grass the cat ate.
Veterinary stores sell grass seeds that you can grow for your beloved pet yourself. This way you will protect him from poisoning, which can be dangerous to the cat's health.
What plants are dangerous for cats?
If there is a cat at home, get rid of flowers that he could at least potentially eat:
- geraniums;
- lilies;
- aloe;
- amaryllis;
- Dieffenbachia;
- sago palm;
- violets;
- mint;
- lemon balm;
- calendula;
- lily of the valley;
- chrysanthemums.
The list of flowers dangerous for cats is long. Before you plant a new plant on the windowsill or in the garden, find out whether it will harm your pet. Do the same if there are already flowers on the windowsill when the kitten appears.
A cat is unlikely to eat toxic greens, but this possibility cannot be ruled out. The result can be tragic - from stomach bleeding to death.
How to grow grass for your cat at home
It is better to help animals clear their stomachs by growing grass for them on the windowsill yourself. To do this, it is recommended to plant a plant for them yourself, and then add them to the cat’s food. To grow grass at home, you will need:
- healthy green seeds;
- fertile soil suitable for indoor plants;
- flat jar or plastic container;
- cling film;
- water.
Why do cats cover their faces with their paws while sleeping?
To get a decent harvest of greens, you need to do the following:
- Fill the container halfway with soil.
- Lightly moisten it with liquid from a spray bottle.
- Sow the seeds so that they are located at a distance of 0.5 to 1 cm from each other.
- Cover the seeds with soil so that there is up to 2 cm of free space from the top edges.
- Lightly moisten the soil with water again.
Note! To make the seeds germinate faster, it is recommended to create a greenhouse effect. To do this, cover the container with a thick plastic bag or film.
As soon as the first shoots appear, the film can be removed and the container moved to a warm and bright place. Subsequent care is similar to that required for fully growing seedlings. It is important to monitor the condition of the soil and water it as it dries.
Greens for a cat are grown in the same way as ordinary seedlings
Even grass that was grown at home is not recommended to be given to a kitten, as it will become a big burden for its body. An adult animal can be allowed to eat it, as it contains vitamins that are beneficial to its health.
Important! There is no need to feed your cat special grass. She will use it herself when she feels that she needs it. But overeating should not be allowed, as this will worsen her well-being.
Digestive needs
While experts don't believe that grass is essential to a cat's digestive system, furry pets may seek out soft blades of grass to soothe their stomachs, much like humans pop a pill for the same purpose. If your cat is overeating and constipated, she will instinctively try to remove all the excess from the stomach with the help of plant fiber.
Have you ever noticed your cat chewing on a roll of toilet paper? This behavior is explained by the need for fiber - the animal is looking for relief, and not trying to use up household goods. Cats need folic acid (vitamin B9) to stimulate digestion.
How to Grow Cat Grass at Home
It is quite possible to create a green lawn at home, on the windowsill. After all, domestic cats do not have the opportunity to go outside and “get caught.” It is preferable to choose cereals, lemongrass, and catnip.
Seeds are purchased at a pet store.
The green delicacy is grown hydroponically in the ground. The seeds are placed in a substrate and covered with film. When shoots appear, it is removed.
After 4-6 days, the grown-up “treat” is offered to the pet.
Dangerous plants according to the degree of impact on the body of cats
Plants that contain toxins that cause nausea and vomiting: arum, belladonna, datura, sweet tobacco, petunia, tansy, celandine, potato shoots, eggplant, tomatoes and other nightshades. This effect is caused by the high content of alkaloids, glycosides and organic acids, which are extremely dangerous for cats. Drowsiness, cramps, increased salivation and diarrhea may occur.
Swelling of the larynx, burns of the oral mucosa and the entire esophagus can occur if a cat eats shoots or leaves of begonia, trifoliate arizema, azalea, oriental thuja, honeysuckle, dogwood, tobacco or maiden grapes. Often these plants cause impaired coordination of movements and acute heart failure.
Diarrhea and vomiting in cats occurs when eating castor beans, wisteria, crocuses, clematis, laconosa, American lysichiton, ferns, rhododendron and yew berry.
Are herbs always beneficial?
Cats living in nature or on the street usually instinctively choose the right herbs for medicinal or cleansing purposes. Pets do not have this experience, and their instincts are most often somewhat muted. There is a high risk for them to chew grass that is hazardous to their health while walking.
Even a plant that is safe in its composition can cause considerable harm if it grows in a polluted area - on roadsides or near industrial enterprises. In addition, there is no guarantee that this grass is not contaminated with helminth eggs or contaminated by the feces of a sick animal.
Not all outdoor grass is good for your pet.
If the animal does not leave the house and does not receive the necessary greenery in the required quantities, then it may well switch to nibbling indoor plants, some of which may be very poisonous. As a result - various troubles, even death, and specifically the following side effects:
