As cat owners, we all know cats are carnivores. More specifically, however, they are obligate carnivores, which means they require meat in order to thrive and they would not be able to survive on plant material. This is because they don’t have the enzymes necessary to process the vegetation. But have you ever noticed your cat drawn to grass despite this? Well, there are a few explanations on why your cat may be consuming grass. The most common cause may be tummy troubles but other causes may be to aid in the removal of non-digestible material (fur, bones, feathers), assist in relieving constipation, and provide them with nutrients (folic acid). Some theorize it may also be a stress reliever.

Regurgitation

            Outdoor cats or actively hunting cats may consume bones, feathers, and fur, and all cats consume fur due to regular grooming. This material is non-digestible and when it doesn’t pass through the system, cats will seek grass in order to vomit it out instead. Since cats lack the necessary enzymes, it causes them to regurgitate the eaten grass. When it does come back up, however, it brings everything else that may have been in the stomach they were trying to get rid of as well, including the non-digestible material.

Natural Laxative

            Most of the time, the non-digestible material is either vomited up or passes straight through, but sometimes this material can get clogged inside the cat’s digestive tract. Cats then require a little assistance to be able to pass this material and this is where the grass comes in. Grass acts as fiber and collects everything to clean out their system. “Although experts do not refer to grass as being necessary for cats’ digestive system, if your cat overeats or is blocked up, [the] instinct is to sweep all that out with the fiber found in vegetation” (Christine O’Brien, Why Do Cats Eat Grass, Hill’s Pet).

Dietary Supplement

            Folic acid (Vitamin B9) is found in the juices of grass and is required in the diets of cats. “[Folic acid] supports cats’ growth and helps increase oxygen levels in their blood. If your cat is grazing, it may be because he or she is battling a dietary deficiency” (Why do cats eat grass?, Purina). If the cat is not getting enough folic acid from the regular diet provided by the owners, cats may be seeking out grass in order to supplement their. If you think your cat is trying to compensate a deficiency with grass, it may be best to consult with your veterinarian.

            Whatever may be the reason your cat is drawn to eating grass, consuming grass in of itself is no cause for concern. It may be instinctive to help relieve digestive discomfort, to supplement a folic acid deficiency, or to even just act as a stress reliever. As long as the grass has not been chemically treated or is not being consumed in large quantities, cats eating grass can be considered a very normal behaviour.