Why do cats eat grass?

Seeing your cat eat grass can seem a bit odd, especially because cats are obligate carnivores and will usually turn their nose up at any form of fruits or veggies!

Is it safe for my cat to eat grass?

Eating grass is perfectly safe for your cat and a lot of them actually really enjoy eating it too!

It's not fully understood from a scientific point of view, but there are many theories as to why they like eating it.

One of the theories is that grass contains extra nutrients that your cat needs in their diet, such as folic acid. This could be why it's so tasty to them.

Some studies suggest that grass helps your cat's digestive system, which, in turn, would mean that those hairballs that aren't able to be coughed up by your cat, get a little help being broken down, so they can pass them naturally.

Dangers when eating grass

While your cat will enjoy fresh grass and it's nothing to be worried about, there are a couple of things you will need to be aware of:

• Remove toxic plants: Make sure that all toxic plants have been removed from your home and garden so that your cat isn't tempted to nibble on these instead of the grass
• No chemicals: Avoid using any pesticides, herbicides or chemicals on your grass because they're toxic to cats

It's worth considering getting a small tray of grass to put in your home to add to your cat's indoor experience too. This encourages your cat to eat the grass in your home, rather than outdoors where it could contain pesticides or chemicals used for treating gardens.

If you're worried about the amount of grass your cat is eating or concerned that your cat is getting sick from it, contact your vet who'll be able to book you an appointment to check them over.