The cat eats grass – is it harmful?
This week we had a visit from the cat Ursus. She was in bad shape – and the cat mom could tell that she was coughing, snoring and had a poor appetite. What was wrong with Ursus?
We took her in for a thorough examination – and quickly discovered a small blade of grass sticking out of one nostril. Ursus was anesthetized – so that the blade of grass could be removed and the nasal cavity properly rinsed. A few hours later – equipped with both painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications – Ursus was ready to go home with his mother; a little groggy – but already in better shape.
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Digestive aid
One of the main reasons why cats eat grass is to aid digestion. Cats' diets consist primarily of meat proteins – and this can be difficult to fully digest. Grass acts as a natural way to help your cat eliminate indigestible parts of their food – such as bones and feathers – as well as helping to promote regular bowel movements. When the cat eats grass, it may appear as if it is trying to induce vomiting. This can be part of the process of getting rid of unwanted food scraps.
Why do cats eat grass?
Some animals – like cats – show a strange urge to eat grass. It may seem strange to see that the cat eats grass – but it’s actually quite common. Unfortunately, cats don’t have the necessary enzymes in their digestive systems to break down and digest all the grass they eat. This can result in the cat vomiting – often along with hairballs and undigested materials they’ve ingested.
Although eating grass is not harmful in itself, problems can arise when the grass gets stuck in the cat's nose or throat. If the cat is unable to get rid of the grass on its own, it can irritate the mucous membranes in the respiratory tract. Over time, this can lead to health problems for the cat. A blade of grass in a cat's nose is not an unknown phenomenon!
Intake of fiber
Grass also contains a certain amount of fiber – which can help regulate your cat’s digestive system. Fiber helps promote healthy bowel movements and can help reduce the risk of constipation. Additionally, the fiber in grass can help remove any hairballs that your cat may have swallowed while grooming itself. This can be especially important for long-haired cats.
How cat grass can be a safe solution
Although cats are known to be headstrong creatures who do as they please, it is actually possible to prevent them from eating grass. One method of achieving this is by growing what is called "cat grass". Cat grass is a special type of grass that does not have barbs – the sharp parts of the blades of grass that usually get stuck in a cat’s nose or throat. By having cat grass available to your cat, you can also prevent them from chewing on other plants and objects that could potentially be harmful to them.
At A-Vet Small Animal Clinic, we have a selection of fast-growing ones cat grass which is available in decorative ceramic pots. These paws can also be used as food or water bowls when the grass has been eaten. This provides a practical and aesthetically pleasing solution to give your cat a safe alternative to regular grass.
So if you are concerned about your cat eating grass and potentially experiencing health problems as a result, you may want to consider investing in cat grass. It can be a good way to satisfy your cat's natural instinct without exposing it to the risks that regular grass can bring. A-Vet Smådyrklinikk offers a practical and safe alternative to meet your cat's needs.
