Article courtesy of Pet Alive
While it may be alarming to see your cat nibbling on the front lawn or a houseplant, it shouldn’t be a cause for concern unless the grass or plant was recently treated with pesticide, fertilizer, or another poisonous chemical. Both dogs and cats from time to time may take an interest in grass or similar substances, each for different purposes that can actually benefit their bodies.
Grass ingestion appears to have some
redeeming qualities for dogs and cats which can sometimes lead to
vomiting. Some veterinary experts suspect that ingestion could have
been a catalyst for self-induced vomiting to relieve stomach upset.
Whether or not it was intentional, it may have detoxifying properties
for this very purpose.
Cats often ingest plants and grass to
relieve stomach upset and to assist common bodily functions. Cats are
avid groomers and seem to spend hours preening and licking
themselves. Unfortunately, this usually means that they end up
swallowing a lot of loose fur, which accumulates in their stomach to
form matted lumps called furballs.
While furballs are usually vomited or
emitted in feces as part of the body’s natural elimination process,
a weak digestive system, modern diet, sedentary lifestyles, or
inadequate nutrition can interfere with this process. To help
stimulate this elimination, cats may use grass as a laxative or to
self-induce furballs, as it acts as roughage to promote bowel
movement or regurgitation. This not only helps promote overall health
as bodily functioning is restored, but also relieves the discomfort
associated with the blockage.
It may also be possible that the cat
just likes the taste! However, it is important to discourage
ingestion of grass or plants directly after a meal, as unintentional
regurgitation of dinner may result.
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