Can Cats Eat Grass? Exploring Feline Herbivore Myths

Part 1: Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Have you ever wondered why cats have a penchant for munching on grass? Veterinarians have offered several theories to explain this curious behavior. Let's delve into the question at hand: If cats are primarily carnivores, do they actually need "green roughage" to complement their diet? Should cat owners regularly provide them with kale? Some scientists believe that cats consume plants to obtain raw nutrients in their diet. After all, we're often advised to eat green vegetables. But should cats follow suit?

According to Purina, the official cat food brand, grass contains folic acid, a nutrient essential for the survival of feline species. Folic acid aids in the normal development of cats and improves blood oxygen levels. Cats that don't get enough vitamins in their diet may resort to eating grass for supplementation. Grass also contains niacin and fiber. Cats cannot produce niacin internally, so they must obtain it from external sources. A deficiency in this nutrient can lead to symptoms such as weight loss, decreased appetite, gum inflammation, and hemorrhagic diarrhea.

The fiber in grass can also help alleviate stomach pain. Cats spend a significant amount of time grooming themselves, and during this process, their rough tongues pick up fur. Since they can't digest hair, hairballs form in their stomachs, causing them to feel queasy. Eating grass serves as a laxative, aiding in the cat's bowel movements. It can also induce vomiting, allowing the cat to expel all the hairballs.

Part 2: Is Eating Grass Dangerous?

Many people use fertilizers and pesticides to maintain their lawns. Unfortunately, repeated exposure to these chemicals can be harmful to your cat's health. Even just letting your cat walk on a treated lawn can lead to them ingesting these compounds. Some experts suggest avoiding chemical treatments for your lawn if you have a pet that enjoys outdoor leisure.

Cats can also absorb these dangerous chemicals through their paws and fur. When they clean themselves, they ingest toxins. While this may not cause illness in most pets, sensitive cats may exhibit signs of pesticide poisoning. Symptoms of fertilizer or pesticide poisoning include excessive drooling, seizures, anemia, unsteady gait, and difficulty breathing.

For indoor cats, eating grass can also be dangerous. Have you noticed your cat gnawing on your indoor plants? The reason is the same as why outdoor cats eat grass. However, many potted plants are toxic to cats. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, plants like aloe vera, calla lilies, lilies, birds of paradise, and tulips are all dangerous for cats.

Part 3: A Safer Alternative

Even if you're not a green thumb, you can grow safe cat grass indoors. How do you grow cat grass? The process is quite simple. Many websites sell kits that include pots, soil, and seeds. You can also plant various types of grass to create a catfriendly indoor garden. Oats, rye, barley, and wheat can grow into grass that is safe for cats to eat.

Part 4: How to Grow Cat Grass

Buy seeds from online sources or pet supply stores. Plant them in shallow pots, as you don't want your cat to easily knock over the container. Some people choose to plant cat grass in a large tray, allowing their kittens to walk, sit, and lie down in it.

Fill the container with about threequarters of potting mix. Ensure the soil does not contain fertilizer. You may want to find an organic product. When adding soil to the pot, water it. The soil should be moist but not dripping. Once you've filled the soil, sprinkle the seeds on top and cover the entire soil with plastic wrap. Place it in a sunny spot until you see sprouts emerge.

Once the seeds start to germinate, move the container to a sunny location. At this point, keep it out of reach of your cat, as they may start digging holes out of curiosity, disturbing the growth of the plants. Water the soil as needed, but avoid soaking it. Overwatering can lead to mold growth. When the grass reaches about three to four inches in height, you can place it outside for your cat to eat.

Cat Grass Care Tips:

Since grass grows from the roots, it will continue to grow even if your cat nibbles on it a bit. If your cat really enjoys eating grass, you may want to rotate several pots so that some plants have a chance to recover after your cat has eaten them. After a few weeks, the grass will lose its color and wilt. At this point, you can pull up the plants and restart the planting process. Some people plant cat grass in pots every few weeks to ensure a continuous supply.

Growing cat grass is beneficial for both indoor and outdoor cats. It can prevent your outdoor feline from eating chemically treated lawns and keep your indoor cat from nibbling on your indoor plants. To encourage your cat to eat grass, place it in areas where they frequent, such as window sills or scratching posts. You can also replace indoor plants that your cat loves with grass.