If you have watched a cat play outside, chances are you have seen him stop and chew on a few strands of grass.
But why do cats chew on grass?
After all, they are meant to be carnivores right?
Well, even scientists are puzzled by this phenomenon and are yet to find tangible answers.
So far, we have a few speculations as to why your cat chews on cat grass.
Why do felines eat cat grass?
Cats and dogs eat grass a lot. In cats, cat grass induces vomiting.
This helps your feline friend get rid of something dodgy he ate.
It could be an indigestible object or an impurity that is causing him stomach upsets.
That means cat grass is an effective laxative that solves your cat’s digestive issues.
And should we also assume that cat grass is totally safe for your feline friend?
It depends on what type of grass it is and where it grows.
You see, cats are not that choosy about what grass to chew on.
As long as it is green and will help with their gut issues, they will gladly chew on it.
Your cat can easily chew on a poisonous or contaminated plant and end up really sick.
So as a cat owner, you need to know which grass is good for your cat. This will prevent your cat from ingesting toxic grass that can cause further health issues.
Which cat grass is good for cats?
Medical experts highlight five types of cat grass that are good for your feline.
They include Alfalfa, Barley, Rye, Oat, and Wheatgrass.
Give your cat any of these and you become best friends for life.
You see, Cat grass not only acts as a laxative.
The same plant contains health properties that benefit more than your cat’s digestive health.
- Alfalfa carries nutrients that can help lower cholesterol levels. If you are living with a chubby cat, alfalfa grass can help the feline lose weight. This plant also helps in lowering blood sugar and carries anti-inflammatory properties. Alfalfa packs vitamin C, copper, Vitamin K, magnesium, and folate.
- Ryegrass is also great for blood sugar control. It is also rich in magnesium which promotes a healthy heart in your feline. Another health benefit of ryegrass is its ability to lower cholesterol levels.
- Oat grass is rich in antioxidants that help your cat keep a shiny coat. Oat grass is also rich in flavonoids that help relax body muscles. This is essential for a cat that is experiencing gastrointestinal cramps. Oat grass is a soluble fiber that reduces constipation and helps regulate cholesterol and sugar levels.
- Barley grass packs plenty of vitamin B6, folate, potassium, and fiber. It not only lowers cholesterol levels it is also a rich source of soluble fiber. Barley grass will help reduce hanger in your cat and lower the risk of heart disease.
- Wheatgrass packs nutrients that help fight the growth of cancer cells. It reduces cholesterol and packs antioxidants that help your cat maintain a youthful. Also, wheatgrass is a fast relief for inflammation and helps in weight loss as well.
Chewing on cat grass keeps your feline friend healthy in the long run.
But,
What if the grass growing in your home is not any of the aforementioned cat grass?
It is important that you also know the grass plants that can potentially harm your feline pet.
Ensure you keep your cat away from any of the following plants;
- Autumn crocus, Amaryllis, and Azaleas plants
- Cyclamen, Castor Bean, Daisy, and Daffodils
- Dieffenbachia, English Ivy, Kalanchoe, and Hyacinth
- Lily, Peace Lily, Lily of the Valley, and Tulips
- Pothos, Devil’s Ivy, and Marijuana
- Spanish Thyme, Oleander, Sago Palm, Yew, and Pothos
We agree,
Trying to keep up with all these names of blacklisted plants is not possible.
But you still want to keep your feline safe from chewing harmful cat grass.
What we can suggest is growing your own cat grass at home.
You can also train your cat to chew the grass you provide for him.
If you live in an apartment or a place with limited vegetation, growing your own cat grass is the safest bet.
Where can you find cat grass?
Fortunately, pet stores have realized the importance of cat grass and are availing it to cat owners.
Visit a pet store near you and inquire which type of cat grass they sell.
Grow the plant in small pots at home and place it where your cat can easily access it.
You also don’t want your cat throwing up all over the place.
Whenever he chews on the grass, let him go out for a while so that he comes back refreshed.
Final Thoughts
A cat may go for years without hunting but it cannot go a week without chewing on cat grass.
This shows just how important this plant is to your feline friend.
The best types of cat grass for your feline pet are wheat, oats, rye, barley, and Alfalfa.
Which other types of cat grass do you know of?
