Why do cats eat grass 

Is Eating Grass Normal for Cats? 

Yes, eating grass is generally considered normal behaviour for most cats. It’s a behaviour that can be traced back to their wild ancestors, who would have eaten plants, grasses, and other vegetation found in their environment, to aid digestion.  While not all cats will engage in this behaviour, it’s common enough to be observed in many domestic cats. However, understanding why your cat eats grass can help you determine if it’s simply a natural instinct or if something else is going on 

Reasons Why Cats Eat Grass 

  1. Natural Instinct and Dietary Needs

Wild cats, such as lions, tigers, and other big cats, often eat grass as part of their diet. While the primary diet of a wild cat consists of meat, they may eat grass and other plants to aid in digestion. Grass contains fibre, which helps with the movement of food through the digestive tract.  

  1. To Help with Hairballs

Cats are meticulous groomers, and they often swallow hair while licking themselves. In some cases, this swallowed hair can form hairballs, which can be uncomfortable for your cat. Eating grass may help your cat bring up these hairballs. Grass can stimulate the throat and induce vomiting, helping your cat to expel the hairballs that have accumulated in their stomach. 

  1. To Induce Vomiting

Sometimes, cats may eat grass to induce vomiting if they feel unwell or have an upset stomach. The fibres in grass may help trigger a gag reflex, which can result in your cat vomiting and expelling something that’s bothering them, such as hairballs, food, or other irritants in the stomach. 

  1. Nutritional Deficiency

While most of a cat’s diet should consist of meat, there’s some evidence that grass might offer certain vitamins or minerals that cats instinctively seek. Some experts suggest that cats may eat grass to supplement their diet with additional nutrients that they’re not getting from their food. This may include folic acid, which is found in small amounts in grass and is important for your cat’s health. 

  1. Stress Relief and Anxiety

Just like humans, cats can experience stress or anxiety. Some cats may turn to eating grass as a way to self-soothe or relieve stress. This behaviour may be more common in cats that are experiencing changes in their environment, such as moving to a new home, a change in routine, or the addition of a new pet. 

Should You Be Concerned If Your Cat Eats Grass? 

In most cases, eating grass is not harmful to your cat. It’s a common behaviour that is usually instinctual and harmless. However, there are some cases where you may want to keep an eye on your cat’s grass-eating habits: 

  • Frequent Vomiting: If your cat eats grass and vomits regularly, it could be a sign of an underlying health issue, such as gastrointestinal problems or food intolerance. If vomiting occurs frequently or if your cat seems lethargic or unwell, it’s important to consult your vet. 
  • Consuming Non-Pet-Safe Plants: If your cat is eating grass from an outdoor area, make sure the plants are safe for pets. Some plants are toxic to cats, so it’s essential to ensure your cat only eats safe, pesticide-free grass. If you’re unsure about the safety of outdoor plants, consider providing your cat with safe grass alternatives grown specifically for cats. 
  • Changes in Behaviour: If your cat’s grass-eating behaviour is accompanied by other unusual symptoms, such as excessive drooling, changes in appetite, or abnormal behaviour, it’s always best to consult your vet to rule out health concerns.