Why do cats eat grass

Reading the title of the article, many people may have this question in their minds, ‘When did cats start eating grass again?’ However, for ‘cat mothers’ or ‘fathers’, that is, those who keep cats, it is a familiar sight to see their pet cat occasionally chewing on the lawn grass happily. The question is, why do cats or dogs eat grass despite being carnivores? When did they start?

There are several theories behind this. Dr. Jamie Lovejoy, a veterinarian at Stock Veterinary Hospital in New York, USA, said that cats or dogs do not have the necessary digestive juices to digest grass in their stomachs. (Let me pause here and say that humans do not eat grass ‘on the other hand’. However, the first chamber of the four-chambered stomach of cows and goats contains special bacteria called rumen; which can break down and digest the cellulose of grass. Grass is an excellent source of sugar, protein, fiber, minerals, folic acid and vitamins. Therefore, grass is an ‘ideal food’ for cows and goats.)

Apart from that, cats sometimes swallow small hairballs or dirt. Then they chew grass and throw out the hairball through vomiting. This provides relief. Overall, the habit of chewing a little grass is not bad for cats, but rather good for the health of the stomach and intestines.

This veterinarian said, ‘Like tigers, cats also chew grass as medicine for fiber when they have an upset stomach, stomach ache or digestive problems. It provides relief. It is said that tigers are cousins, they come from the same ancestor. Both cats and tigers are members of the Felidae family. Tigers are the largest member of this family, and cats are the smallest. That is why cats and tigers have 95% similarity in their genes.

Apart from that, cats often swallow small balls of hair or dirt. Then they chew the grass and throw the hairball out through vomiting. This provides relief. Overall, the habit of chewing a little grass is not bad for cats, but is good for stomach and intestinal health.

A survey of 1,500 cat owners in 2021 found that 71 percent of them had seen their cats eat grass. Only 9 percent said their cats were sick or uncomfortable before eating grass. 27 percent said they had seen their cats vomit after eating grass. It is also believed that the ancestors of cats ate grass. Over time, this habit has survived in modern cats.

Dr. Lori Taylor, a professor at the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences in Texas, USA, told Live Science that if someone’s pet cat or dog is fed a healthy diet, then even if that cat occasionally eats grass on the lawn, there is nothing to worry about. Dr. Lori said, “Pet dogs and cats also want to change their tastes from time to time. There are different types of grass growing around us. They may think, “Let’s try it and see what it’s like to eat it.” Sometimes they eat grass to better understand the environment they live in. They may also chew grass out of laziness, lack of anything to do, or simply “bored.” Sometimes cats eat grass due to a lack of nutrients like folic acid or vitamins.

Cats or dogs eating grass is not that harmful. However, you should make sure that the grass does not contain harmful pesticides. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has a list of grasses and plants that are toxic or harmful to dogs and cats. You can take a look there if you want. However, if your cat eats too much grass, it may cause vomiting, diarrhea, constipation, or other gastrointestinal problems.

If you want, you can grow ‘cat grass’ specially grown for your pet cat indoors or outdoors in a tub or on the lawn. Maybe that will help avoid the problem of eating harmful grasses and vines.