Why do cats eat grass?

Key Takeaways:

- Eating grass can be a totally normal behaviour for cats, so you shouldn’t worry too much.

- It doesn’t always mean they’re sick, but could indicate digestive discomfort or troubles with their gut health.

- Giving them a complete diet will support their gut health and might help cut down how much grass they eat.

You’ve found the most delicious, nutritious food for your cat to enjoy every day. They happily tuck in and finish off their bowl. But then they head out into the garden and start nibbling on your lawn or plants. Sometimes, they may even keep going until they throw up!

Seeing this behaviour may be worrying, especially if you haven’t seen them do it before. The good news is that eating grass is commonly a natural behaviour for cats. Here, we’ll explain the reasons why they might be doing it and what steps you can take to keep them safe.

Why is my cat eating grass?

There is no definitive evidence or reason why cats eat grass. Many people think cats do it when they feel ill or sick, but this isn’t always the case. Here are some theories as to why cats might be eating grass.

To aid digestion

Cats can’t digest grass because they’re carnivores, so they don’t have the right stomach enzymes to break it down.

This makes grass a great natural laxative for them. By eating it, they can get their poo moving through their digestive system (that’s why you’ll notice it in their stools!). So if your cat is feeling constipated, they could be trying to ease it by eating grass.

Similarly, if there is something irritating a cat’s digestive system, like hairballs, objects like feathers or bones, or parasites, then they might start eating grass. In some cases, they might keep eating until they throw up. This is a cat’s instinctive way of trying to clear their digestive system.

That said, if they’re constantly vomiting and go off their food for more than a day, you should take your cat to the vet. They might also get grass blades or seeds stuck in their mouth, ears or nostrils, causing them to sneeze or seem unwell, which should be looked at.

They just like it!

As you know, cats have their quirks! One of them might be eating grass. Whether they like the texture or the flavour, if they occasionally graze grass after or between their meals, they might just be enjoying it as a little snack.

You may have noticed your cat eats more grass in the spring and summer, which is because it is more abundant and perhaps because the sugar content is higher, making the taste more pleasant.

Why do cats eat grass and vomit?

Cats will sometimes eat grass to the point of vomiting to try and clear an irritant from their digestive system.

Whether they’ve eaten something they shouldn’t have or are experiencing mild indigestion, eating grass and vomiting are ways for cats to try and make themselves feel better.

If your cat continues to vomit multiple times after eating grass or seems generally off colour, then you should take them to a vet, as there might be an underlying issue.

Is grass safe for cats to eat?

Generally, grass is safe for cats to eat as long as it hasn’t been treated with herbicides or pesticides.

If you have put a treatment on your lawn, keep your cat away from it for a few days afterwards. You might want to grow a tub of grass indoors for your cat to enjoy at these times or whenever they can’t (or won’t) go outdoors.

There also might be garden plants that are toxic to your cat.

Lilies, tulips, daffodils, yew and boxwood are just some that can cause issues if ingested by your feline. Make sure you remove or fence off any of these plants to keep your cat completely safe.

Arrow grass can also be poisonous if they eat a lot of it, but it’s uncommon in most gardens.

Should you stop your cat eating grass?

Eating grass is a natural behaviour for cats, so there’s little point trying to stop them from doing it.

In fact, by giving them safe areas of grass to nibble on, you’ll stop them from trying plants which could be toxic.

That said, try and make it so grass isn’t all they’re snacking on! Prioritise creating an everyday, complete diet with rich, natural superfoods and quality protein, which will support their gut health. This will make them less likely to eat grass to ease their digestion or to correct a fibre deficit.

By choosing quality foods made from natural ingredients that boost your cat's wellbeing and give them all the vitamins they need, they’ll stay healthy and nibble less on your lawn.