Why Does My Cat Eat Grass?

Many cat owners wonder, “Why does my cat eat grass?” This is understandable as cat vomiting causes include eating grass. As we all know, cats are carnivores. Meat is their choice of food.

However, they can sometimes be seen grazing on grass and then after vomit. On the surface, this can appear confusing. Why do cats do this to themselves? Some owners even try to discourage this behaviour, but there is a reason to this madness.

Cats’ digestive system doesn’t have the necessary enzymes to process fibre, which grass is very high in. However, it can help a cat clean “unwanted matter” out from its stomach.

When a cat throws up after eating grass, undigested matter is also brought back up, so effectively it is helping to clean out their stomach. Fragments of bone or fur can be very painful for a cat’s intestines, so it is much safer for a cat to make itself sick than try to pass them the way. (It will also be cheaper on vet bills, as anything that is stuck may require surgical remove.)

As cats will eat a little bit of grass, it’s important to consider this when treating your lawn. Avoid treatments that are harmful to pets and purchase pet-friendly ones (ask for advice if they aren’t clearly labelled). Cat vomiting causes are not only eating grass; it could be a coincidence, so you need to monitor this carefully.

However, if you do notice that your cat is eating a lot of grass (especially on a regular daily basis), this could be a sign of a problem with their stomach and intestine, so you should consult your vet.

If it turns out that your cat just enjoys grass, then you can always set aside an area of the garden for it to graze in. Pet shops usually stock feline-friendly greens. You can also have peace of mind that your cat isnt eating areas of the lawn that might have been chemically treated.

Another possible reason cats eat grass is that it contains folic acid and consuming grass provides a source. As kittens, they have their mother’s milk as a natural source, but later it might need supplementing (depending upon their diet). Are cats smart enough to know that eat grass will provide an intake of folic acid?

Therefore, you should not worry too much that your cat is eating grass (unless it is regularly and in large amounts). Also, the next time you hear someone ask “Why does my cat eat grass?” you can assure them their cat isnt stupid and realizes it will make them throw up. It’s just cleaning its insides.