Sometimes, us cats seem to do a lot of strange things that you humans simply can’t understand, such as eating grass! To you it may seem weird, but as with most things (such as our zoomies at 3:00 in the morning), there is a method to our madness! Keep reading for reasons that explain why we eat grass and plants.
1.) We might have an upset stomach.
Cats seem to vomit more frequently right after chowing down on some grass. On the flip side, you’ll often find some grassy remnants in your cat’s vomit. Human’s think these blades of grass might tickle out stomach or digestive systems into expelling whatever irritant is currently upsetting it!
The theory basically claims eating grass might help rid us of pesky intestinal parasites. On the flip side, we don’t always throw up after our grassy meal. In fact, we usually don’t. So, if you’re still wondering ‘Why does my cat eat grass,’ read on!
2.) Eating plants is instinctual.
Many human biologists believe we instinctively look to our grassy meals. Most of my little kitty behaviors are actually instinctual, stretching back hundreds (or thousands) of years to my early ancestors, so why not this?
Plants do offer several health benefits, and grass is usually no different. Those tasty grass juices contain folic acid that helps with our digestion, aids in cellular growth, and assists hemoglobin production. Our brains might just have evolved to desire these sorts of things.
3.) Grass works as a natural type of laxative.
Just like you humans, we can feel plugged up. We can all definitely agree on one thing: Constipation is the worst!
Imagine something becoming stuck somewhere along our digestive tracts. Grass might work as a natural laxative, unplugging that obstruction or otherwise helping it along. If this possibility proves to be true, grass might actually be healthy for us!
4.) Some believe cats eat grass to help relieve sore throats.
Now that you know grass contains things like folic acid, some scientists theorize grass might relieve our sore little kitty throats! It’s possible those little blades of greenery help unstick bacteria, soothe inflammation, or just break up those pesky hairballs.
5.) Your cat just likes the taste!
If you’re asking yourself ‘Why does my cat eat grass,’ the answer might be obvious. After all, cats are not known for doing things we don’t want to do. I know I certainly wouldn’t!
What Plants are Safe for Cats
Now that we know grass is safe for us to eat as long as it is pesticide free, what about other plants? You certainly don’t want your kitty to get into anything hazardous! Why keep harmful plants in the house at all?
Plants Cats Can Eat
On the flip side, we like them for a reason. Whatever that reason may be, why wouldn’t you want to provide the plants cats like to eat in your home? I promise we won’t eat the entire plant!
Catnip or Silver Vine
These are both safe and healthy for your kitty to consume. Both plants act as a kind of stimulant for us, lowering our potential stress levels and keeping us feeling great!
Catnip is probably the best known of these two, acting like sugar for a toddler! If you’re a cat lover, there is no way you haven’t heard of catnip. On the other hand, about 33% of us won’t show any kind of interest in it at all. You can read more on why we love catnip is this blog post.
Enter Silver Vine! Silver Vine is safe, resulting in similar reactions, and affects about 80% of us.
Untreated Grass
Now that we’ve answered the question ‘Why does my cat eat grass’ with our list of possibilities above, you know it is safe for us to eat! Just make sure you don’t treat your grass with any harmful pesticides, weed killers, or other chemicals.
Valerian
Many humans look to Valerian for the sleep-inducing effects it promotes. Surrrrrrprisingly, cats can get the opposite effect. Acting as another stimulant, Valerian will have your furry loved one feeling great in no time!
House Plants Cats Can Eat
Spider Plants
Known for their “spider-like” qualities, spider plants are very popular household decorations these days and very easy to keep alive. Also, a bit similar to catnip, cats tend to love stimulant properties offered by this plant.
Valerian
Acting as a stimulant, this is another plant popular among cat owners and felines alike. Native to Europe and Asia, you might get some sweet-smelling flowers with this one. If you can’t get catnip or silver vine to work, give this a shot!
Lemon Thyme
These lemon-scented evergreen perennials are safe for cats, believed to help ease digestion, and limit bacterial growth. That said, experts only recommend a small portion sprinkled on your cat’s meal.
Mint
Catnip and Catmint are both derived from the Mint plant, and both safe for cats to eat. Garden mint is tricky and could cause stomach upset; best to avoid that one! Human type mint is a definite no go for our delicate little tummies.
Spider Plants Safe for Cats
Spider plants are listed as non-toxic for both cats and dogs by the ASPCA. Because of their spider leg appearance, cats are much more likely to want to play with its many leaves, and ultimately chomp down on one or two.
Not only are they safe for my fellow kitties, but they also look fantastic and are fun! My human, Jeff, tells me spider plants are extremely easy to grow also. You might hear them go by many other names, too.
● Variegated Spider Plant
● St. Bernard’s Lily
● Airplane Plant
● Spider Plant
● Ribbon Plant
● Anthericum
● Spider Ivy
Low Light Plants Safe for Cats
To top our list off, we’ve collected several easy to grow, pet-safe plants that are adaptable to a lower amount of light! Though you might not recognize all of these, one or two will certainly look familiar to the kitty fanciers out there.
● Ponytail Plant
● Cast Iron Plant
● Spider plant
● Boston Fern Plant
● Fittonia Plant
● Calathea
● Fittonia Plant
● Parlor Palm Plant
Conclusion: Why Cats Eat Grass
In case you were wondering before, now you know! Grass isn’t a bad thing for us kitties (as long as it isn’t treated) and might actually do some good. With this newfound knowledge of grassy delicacies, you can impress fellow friends and family members alike!