Although cats are carnivores, they often have a craving for green plants.
While not an essential part of their diet, green plants are something most cats will seek out and consume regularly if they are available to them. Non-toxic cat grass can be a great addition to a cats’ diet and there are many reasons why your cat might benefit from munching on it occasionally.
Digestion
Even cats who are on a healthy, balanced diet can benefit from cat grass by speeding up the digestion process due to fibre. If your cat is eating a lot of grass, they may be lacking a sufficient amount of fibre in their diet. Talk with your veterinarian if you notice your cat eating a lot of grass, to ensure they are getting sufficient vitamins and nutrients.
Inducing Vomiting
Cats who might have eaten something which disagrees with them, such as allergic or indigestible matter, may eat cat grass to bring on vomiting to rid their system of any potential toxins, and settle their stomach. Vomiting will not be sufficient to treat a significant toxic event. Repeated vomiting should always be treated as a medical emergency. A cat who vomits more than three times in day should see a veterinarian. More frequent vomiting, e.g.. more than once in an hour indicates that your cat has ingested something toxic. You should seek immediate veterinary care.
Fur Balls
Indoor cats spend about 60% of their day grooming themselves, making them prone to hairballs. Grass eating can help aid in their digestion and help coughing up hair balls. If your cat eats grass on a regular basis it may help to prevent the build-up of hairballs in their stomach.
Dietary Supplements
Cat grass contains niacin and B vitamins.
Non-Toxic Plant
Many cats really enjoy eating plants and as you may know there are numerous plants that are not recommended for cats, as well as pretty plants that you would just prefer they not ruin. Having a non-toxic plant that is your cats preferred snack may prevent them from attacking other houseplants! Of course, if you have cats you should never have toxic plants such as lilies in the house at all.
