Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
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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