Do Cats Like Grass? Why They Eat It, What It Means, and How to Offer It Safely

You may have noticed your cat nibbling on grass in your back garden, or perhaps you have seen cat grass products in the shops. The reality is that cats do like grass, and it is considered normal behaviour for them.

In fact, a large owner-survey study revealed that 65% of cats ate plants weekly. Another survey suggested that only ~11% of cats were never seen eating plants. This means you can expect to notice your cat grazing on a few blades, returning to it regularly, and choosing grass over other plants when it’s available.

In this guide, we will look at different ideas on why cats eat grass and just what the attraction of it might be.

Why Do Cats Like Grass?

Having established that cats like grass, the question moves on to why. There are lots of theories about what makes it attractive to cats, including that it helps their digestive system or offers some kind of nutrients for them. Let’s go over the most common theories:

• Digestive help: Many believe grass may help shift indigestible stuff like fur, feathers and bones, inducing vomiting or easing constipation.

• Hairball support: It is possible that grass may help hair move through the gut or trigger vomiting in some cats.

• Nutrients: Folic acid is seen as a potential draw for cats to grass. It may also be a source of fibre for them.

• Instinct: Plant-eating could be a disposition cats are born with - something that comes from the behaviour of their ancestors.

This shows that there could be a lot more to the behaviour than it being a sign of cats feeling unwell. In a 2021 study, 6% of the cats involved appeared ill before eating plants, while 37% frequently vomited after. Sickness may be a factor, but it is not the only one.

If you have a cat, it may be helpful to know that younger cats are more likely to do it. However, older cats still do, and are more likely to vomit after eating grass than their younger counterparts.

Is It Safe for Cats to Eat Grass?

Generally speaking, there are no immediate dangers to cats from eating grass. If it is clean and chemical-free, there is unlikely to be any harm in a cat grazing on a few blades of grass. However, there are some specific hazards that owners should know about.

The Risks (and How to Reduce Them)

Here are some things that could make eating grass dangerous for cats:

• Chemicals: If there are things like herbicides, pesticides or fertilisers present on grass, this is a big risk. It is best to keep cats away from treated lawns.

• Grass blade inhalation: It is possible for a blade to get stuck in the nasal passage or back of the nose. This can cause excessive sneezing or irritation and requires a vet to help.

• Digestive obstruction: Eating too much grass, or grazing on long strands, can risk intestinal blockage. This is rare, but it is important to be aware of.

• Grass seeds: When people sow grass seeds in the summer, these tiny things can lodge in the ears, nose, eyes and paws of your cats, potentially causing serious problems.

When You Should Call a Vet

In most cases, a cat eating grass is not a reason to rush to the vet. However, there are some symptoms to look out for that may mean medical intervention is needed for your cat.

The first thing to watch for is frequent vomiting. If this is a new behaviour, or you notice it increasing, it is best to get your cat checked for gastrointestinal disease. Things like inflammatory bowel disease or parasites are a real threat to your animal, and a vet can carry out tests on blood and faeces to make a diagnosis.

If your cat is vomiting and is off their food or seems lethargic, this is another red flag. You know your cat, and you can judge whether it is acting as though it feels unwell. We know that vomiting is fairly common after eating grass, so this isn’t automatically an emergency. Use your judgment and determine whether the cat is vomiting excessively.

Best Ways to Offer Grass at Home

Cats do like grass, but it is down to you to ensure they get it in a safe way. You may have seen a product called “cat grass” in your local pet shop. This grass is typically grown from wheat, barley, oats or rye, and you grow it indoors specifically for your pet.

Let’s look at a few tips for how to make the best of your cat grass:

• Growing time: Seeds usually sprout within a few days. You should offer it to your cat once it reaches ~3-4 inches tall - this usually takes around 2 weeks.

• Growth tips: Grow the grass in a small indoor tray. Place it near a windowsill for sunlight. Once ready, position it near your cat’s favourite hangouts to encourage use.

• Maintenance: If your cat is a heavy grazer, it may be a good idea to have several pots and rotate them. Grass wilts after a few weeks and many owners replant every few weeks for continuity.

Cat grass can deter the chewing of other plants in your home. This is helpful because you may want to protect your delicate plants, or some of them might even be toxic to cats. Remember, you can’t force your cat to eat the grass. Some cats simply won’t want to, and that is normal as well.

Frequently Asked Questions About Do Cats Like Grass

Should I stop my cat eating grass?

Usually, no. For most cats, it is normal behaviour and not harmful, as long as the grass is chemical-free.

Why does my cat eat grass and then throw up?

Grass can irritate the stomach and trigger vomiting, so it is quite common for cats to throw up after eating it. However, if the vomiting becomes frequent or severe, there could be another problem.

What kind of grass is safe for cats?

Cat grass grown indoors is the safest option. It’s usually made from wheat, barley, oat or rye grass. You should avoid outdoor grass if it may have been treated with chemicals.