Benefits Of Grass For Cats

Yes, odd as it may sound, majestic furry felines are known for occasionally eating grass, which, surprisingly enough, has several feline health benefits.  The grass is an excellent natural laxative that can help prevent constipation in cats and other gastrointestinal concerns, calm nerves, and even help induce vomiting to relieve indigestion during an upset stomach. And since grass is non-toxic, it does not have any adverse effect on feline physiology. So, if you are wondering why do cats eat grass, you can rest easy, for cats eating grass is not a concern that might cause you to be worried about your regal munchkin. 

To put your mind at ease, this article discusses all the potential reasons why your cat might be chewing on grass. So, why not sit back and relax, and enjoy a front-row seat to your dearest furry friend and its adorably enigmatic antics? 

Why do cats eat grass?

Cats are carnivores, which means their normal diet largely comprises of animal proteins and fats. Furthermore, the feline digestive system is unable to produce the necessary enzymes to help cats naturally break down the vegetable matter and other fibres present in the grass, meaning grass is not a natural component of a cat’s diet. So, why do cats keep munching on grass from time to time? 

For cats, chewing on grass has several benefits. Since the fibres present in the grass cannot be digested by cats, it serves as an excellent natural laxative that can help cats avoid being constipated. Furthermore, Chewing on grass helps cats induce vomiting, which can help get rid of any undigested food matter, inedible particles, and hairballs present in their food pipe or stomachs, and help avoid any cases of indigestion. Grass also contains various minerals and vitamins, acting as a dietary supplement for cats.

How eating grass helps cats

1. Cats eat grass to supplement their diet

   Cats are carnivores, which means their natural diet is rich in proteins and consists mostly of animal flesh and fats. Though cats grass does not form the majority of a cat’s diet, it is not unlikely to spot your feline furry munching happily on grass for cats as a supplement to their diet, as it is a rich source of vitamins, B9 folic acid, and minerals that are otherwise not a part of their normal diet.

2. Grass works as a natural laxative for cats

   Cat parents often wonder, why do cats eat grass? One of the greatest cat grass benefits is that grass contains fibres that cannot be naturally digested by the enzymes present in a cat’s stomach. As a result, in addition to cats grass being helpful in causing cats to throw up, and eliminating undigested food particles and hairballs from the digestive tract, the fibres in grass for cats can clear out constipation, serving as a natural laxative for cats. Cat grass benefits also include getting rid of disease-causing worms from the cat’s stomach.

3. Grass relieves upset stomach in cats

   In addition to being a potential cause for feline obesity, overeating can also cause indigestion or upset stomach in cats, causing them to eat grass for cats. Cats eat grass to induce vomiting, and is a popular way of relieving indigestion in the feline community, adding to the cat grass benefits. This is because cats lack the ability to digest grass as their feline tummies do not produce the necessary enzymes to process grass, causing them to throw up the grass along with undigested food.

4. Cats eat grass to express displacement behaviour (anxiety)

   If you have been a cat parent for a long time, you must already be aware that cats are private, introverted beings who do not do well coping with sudden changes in their environment. In fact, any rapid changes, such as having to move to a new neighbourhood can be a causative factor to prolonged anxiety and stress in cats. If you see your cats eat grass it can also be a sign of displacement behaviour, where chewing on cats grass can help them relieve anxiety and calm their nerves.

5. Some cats just like eating grass

   So, why do cats eat grass? As regal and sophisticated as our fabulous felines are, they are not above silly shenanigans from time to time. In addition to being immensely expressive and intelligent, cats can be quite the oddball, enjoying their weird feeding antics. So, you should not be caught surprised if you see your cats eat grass for no apparent reason. Rather than relying on the cat grass benefits, some of our favourite felines can often be spotted eating grass just because they like it!

Is it safe for cats to eat grass?

As carnivores, cats are required to consume animal protein and fat as a majority of their normal diet, with grass not being a part of the regular diet. However, given grass is non-toxic, and can have several beneficial effects on your furry munchkin’s everyday lifestyle, it can be considered safe for feline consumption, but, in moderate amounts. So, as cat parents, it is important to be aware that your kitty friend is eating grass in limited amounts, as overconsumption may indicate underlying concerns. 

In addition to ensuring that the grass or plant your feline furball is chomping on is non-toxic, it is also vital to make sure that the grass your cat is munching on is free from harmful chemicals such as commercial pesticides and herbicides. Given their curious nature, indoor cats are likely to munch on houseplants, mistaking them for grass. So, to save your precious houseplants you can always consider getting a separate pot of grass for cats to prevent your furry buddy to chomp on your favourite houseplants any further.

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