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What is cat grass?
Cat grass may look just like the grass in your yard, but it’s actually pretty different. Unlike what you might think, cat grass isn’t a unique plant species created specifically for cats. Instead, the cat grass you buy in stores is usually a mixture of rye, barley, oat, wheat and alfalfa. Sounds tasty, right?
Why do cats like to eat grass?
A common misconception is that cats only eat grass when they aren’t feeling well. Even healthy cats enjoy nibbling on some fresh, juicy cat grass. Here’s why our felines love it so much:
Spitting up hairballs
Cats throw up after eating grass relatively often, which leads many people to believe that our feline friends only eat grass to get rid of indigestible things that are stuck in their stomach such as cat hair.
As long-haired cats ingest much more hair when grooming than their short-haired cousins, you’d expect long-haired felines to eat more cat grass. However, a 2021 study from the University of California found no difference in grass-eating habits between long-haired and short-haired cats, so it seems there’s more to the grass munching than just getting rid of hairballs.
Nature’s laxative
Ever noticed blades of grass in your cat’s feces? When cat grass isn’t vomited up, it usually passes through the digestive tract unchanged. So, while the grass doesn’t get digested very well, the bulk added by the blades may help stimulate bowel movements, providing some relief for constipated cats. If you suspect your cat suffers from constipation, make sure to consult your vet.
Getting rid of intestinal parasites
It’s true that cats need a meat-based diet, but munching on some grass every now and then might actually be good for them! Wild carnivores do this too, and researchers believe it helps clear out parasites from their intestines.
Today’s pet cats don’t really need this habit anymore since high-quality cat food, deworming treatments, and vaccines are readily available. Still, it’s likely that our feline friends have held onto this instinct from their wild ancestors.
A tasty snack
Have you ever noticed how cats often nibble on plant leaves without actually eating them? With cat grass, it’s different. Cats love to chew and swallow the blades, suggesting that grass might simply be a tasty treat for them!
Some experts believe the texture and taste are naturally appealing, while others think the added bulk could provide some digestive benefits. Either way, munching on grass is perfectly normal cat behavior that – unless your cat seems unwell – you don’t have to worry about.
