Mary Allen
Outdoor cats like to feast on the stalks in the garden, while indoor cats are happy about a bowl of fresh-cut grass. The reasons behind this behavior can be found here.
Cats Eat Grass as a Digestive Aid
One theory is that cats eat grass because the fiber and fiber it contains help them digest it. Hairballs that are too deep to be vomited can be excreted in the feces by the velvet paws. However, it can often be observed that the fur noses do not eat the grass completely, but only chew on it. They rarely swallow the stalks whole.
Blades of Grass Help Get Rid of Hairballs
According to another theory, however, the grass can also serve as a digestive aid if your cat only nibbles on the stalks. In doing so, it absorbs bitter substances that stimulate its urge to vomit and help it regurgitate less deep-seated hairballs and indigestible remains of its prey. In this way, your pet can rid its digestive tract of waste, so to speak, so that its body can better process the nutrients it needs from the food.
Healthy Nutrients in Grass?
In addition, there is the assumption that grass contains folic acid, which is essential for cats – for example for healthy blood circulation and growth. The juice that escapes from the stalks when nibbling could therefore help the animals to meet their folic acid requirements.
Is It Dangerous for Cats to Eat Grass?
Usually, the grass in the garden is safe for your cat and may even be healthy. However, this only applies if the lawn is untreated. However, if the lawn or that of your neighbors is fertilized or potentially mixed with chemicals for other reasons, eating grass is risky for your furry friend. In this case, it is safer to reserve a bowl or bed of cat grass for your cat. It generally makes sense for indoor cats if you provide them with a bowl of cut grass. This is particularly advisable if your house tiger tends to chew indoor plants. Some of these can be toxic.