Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
Sharni MartensShare
Have you ever noticed your cat nibbling on grass, only to wonder why they do it?
Despite being obligate carnivores, many cats instinctively seek out fresh grass. This natural behaviour has been observed in both domestic cats and wild felines for generations.
While researchers are still studying all the reasons behind it, there are several widely accepted benefits that help explain why cats enjoy grazing on fresh grass.
π± 1. It Helps Support Healthy Digestion
One of the most common reasons cats eat grass is to aid digestion.
Fresh grass provides natural fibre, which can help food move through the digestive system and support regular bowel movements.
For indoor cats especially, this can be a simple way to help maintain digestive health.
π 2. It Can Help Reduce Hairballs
Cats spend a large portion of their day grooming themselves.
During grooming they swallow loose fur, which can build up in the stomach and eventually form hairballs.
Many experts believe that eating grass may help cats naturally pass swallowed fur through their digestive system, reducing the likelihood of uncomfortable hairballs.
π 3. Fresh Greens Contain Valuable Nutrients
Young cereal grasses contain naturally occurring nutrients including:
- Chlorophyll
- Vitamins A, B and D
- Magnesium
- Folic Acid
- Natural fibre
While cats obtain most of their nutrition from a balanced diet, fresh greens can provide an additional source of natural plant nutrients.
π‘ 4. Indoor Cats Still Have Natural Instincts
Even cats that have never been outdoors retain many of their wild instincts.
Chewing on grass is simply one of those natural behaviours that has remained throughout evolution.
Providing safe, pesticide-free grass allows your cat to satisfy that instinct without turning to houseplants, many of which can be toxic.
β οΈ Not All Plants Are Safe
Many popular indoor plants can be harmful to cats.
Examples include:
- Peace Lily
- Devil's Ivy (Pothos)
- Aloe Vera
- Sago Palm
- Philodendron
Instead of letting your cat chew unknown plants, it's much safer to provide grass that has been specifically grown for pets.
π± Choosing the Right Cat Grass
When selecting cat grass, look for products that are:
β Grown specifically for pets
β Free from pesticides and herbicides
β Freshly grown
β Easy to access indoors
Healthy, well-established grass is generally more appealing than very young seedlings.
Why We Grow Fresh Pet Super Greens
At Potting Mad, we grow our Fresh Pet Super Greens right here in Queensland.
Each pot is grown specifically for pets and supplied fresh, giving your cat a safe and natural alternative to chewing on garden plants or household greenery.
Whether your cat enjoys a nibble every day or only occasionally, fresh grass is a simple way to encourage natural behaviours while adding enrichment to their environment.
Frequently Asked Questions
Is cat grass safe for kittens?
Yes. Most kittens can safely nibble pet grass once they begin exploring solid foods. As with anything new, supervision is recommended.
How often should cats eat grass?
Most cats will simply eat it when they feel like it. There's no need to encourage themβjust make it available and let them decide.
What is cat grass made from?
Cat grass is usually grown from young cereal grasses such as wheat, oats, barley or rye.
Can dogs eat pet grass too?
Yes. Many dogs also enjoy fresh grass, which is why our Fresh Pet Super Greens are suitable for both cats and dogs.
Final Thoughts
Eating grass is a completely natural behaviour for many cats.
Providing fresh, pet-safe grass gives your feline friend the opportunity to satisfy their instincts while supporting digestion, helping with hairballs and adding enrichment to their daily routine.
If you're looking for a simple way to keep your cat happy and healthy, fresh pet grass is a great place to start.
π± Explore Fresh Pet Super Greens
Looking for fresh, well-established pet grass?
Our Fresh Pet Super Greens are grown with care in Queensland and are suitable for both cats and dogs.