Why Do Cats Eat Grass and Is It Good or Bad for Them?
If you are a cat owner, you probably have seen your pet nibbling on grass sometimes. And, you might have wondered if your cat is sick when you see them vomiting afterwards. But there's really nothing to worry about. It is believed that munching on grass could actually be beneficial for cats.
Why do cats eat grass?
It is no secret that cats are brilliant at keeping themselves clean by licking, nibbling and biting their fur. All of this may lead to excessive hair being swallowed which can block their gastrointestinal tract and make them constipated. It is believed that by eating grass, the cat is instinctively calming down their GI tract in an attempt to move things through their system or help them vomit up hairballs.
Some cats also eat grass to make up for nutritional deficiencies in their diet. Grass contains folic acid which is an important vitamin that helps the body make healthy red blood cells. Perhaps the cats instinctively know that something is missing in their diet. But, if you suspect that your cat might be eating grass to supplement a deficiency, speak to vet before treating the issue on your own.
But, too much grass could lead to medical complications
While eating grass may help your cat with digestion, consuming it in large amounts could lead to medical complications as well. Often, if a cat eats too much grass, it could get stuck in their stomach and might even require surgery to remove it. If your cat is eating too much grass and gets sick, visit a vet immediately. The vet will do a physical exam to check for any underlying medical condition tha is causing the grass eating and treat it with medications.
