Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Unlike dogs, cats are a strict carnivore so they need meat in some form to sustain life. This means that cats in general have a hard time digesting plant matter – especially uncooked vegetables. Despite this, it’s not uncommon to see your cat munching down some grass in your back garden, but why exactly do they do it? The reason is still unclear and has led to speculation and the creation of multiple theories.

Medicinal purpose

When your cats eat grass (wild or cat grass) it’ll either stay down or come back up. One reason put forward for this is that if cats don’t take the time to chew the grass properly it’ll tickle their throat and stomach lining as they eat it, making them throw it back up. It’s suspected that they do this when they’re not feeling well or when they want to eliminate all indigestible matter they’ve eaten, resulting in them feeling better. However, when grass is chewed thoroughly they’re less likely to throw it up and will benefit from the natural vitamins and minerals in it.

A Natural Laxative

It’s also suspected that cats use grass as a natural laxative to try and clear any cases of indigestion. Indigestion can be caused by fur that hadn’t been thrown up as a fur ball and has instead moved further down the digestive tract.

FOLIC ACID

Grass contains folic acid, as does cats’ milk, which is used within the production of haemoglobin – a protein that transports oxygen around the body. It’s also an essential vitamin for a cats normal bodily functions.

So whilst it can be useful for your cat to eat grass, keep an eye on them still encase they start throwing up more than normal or accidentally consume a toxic variety of grass that has been treated with pesticides/herbicides or other chemicals.

Team Shanklinpets