Seems like a strange habit to you? Don’t worry! Eating grass is not uncommon in the cat world. Although your cat is an obligate carnivore, you might have noticed that your cat sometimes enjoys nibbling on the grass blades and soaking in the sun.
Indoor and outdoor felines enjoy eating some greens on the lawn occasionally. Even if this habit seems weird to you, be assured it is a pretty normal cat behavior. However, be alert because munching on potentially toxic plants can cause poisoning in your furball.
Not all grasses are safe for eating when it comes to cats. If you suspect something is wrong with your cat after a few nibbles now and then, contact your vet immediately. Pet health insurance makes it possible to support your furball with superior medical care during non-routine vet visits in times like this and other emergencies.
Consider having a medical financial backup in terms of pet insurance for cats so that supporting your munchkin with basic health care need not be financially exhausting. In the meantime, read this article to learn why some cats munch on grasses frequently.
1. To clean up the stomach
Sometimes felines consume a bit of grass to flush undigested food in the digestive tracts. These grasses can induce vomiting because your furball doesn’t have the necessary enzymes to digest the plant matter. In the process, the undigested food will be eliminated through the mouth and gets your cat’s stomach and digestive system on track. Also, some grasses have a laxative effect and help break down and excrete ingested hairballs.
2. To eliminate the indigestible matter
Wild cats primarily kill and eat little critters. They consume all of their prey, including meat, bones, fur, and feathers, so it makes sense that such a frisky feline has a mechanism to get rid of things that don’t agree with its digestive system. Some grasses cats feed on help clean out the gastrointestinal system with little hassle.
3. To fill nutritional gaps
While cats primarily thrive on meaty food, they also require vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants. This is one reason why cats can consume grasses with little worry. For instance, regular green grass contains folic acid, which is essential to maintain its health. However, a domesticated cat has little requirement to eat grasses because its human takes care of its dietary needs.
4. To vent out anger
Cats with behavioral issues like compulsive disorders, fear-induced aggression, jealousy, and anxiousness can display such habits. Obsessive chewing and eating grasses and other things can indicate potential health issues.
Get your cat tested by the vet if it displays odd behaviors frequently. With timely diagnosis, your cat’s issues can be addressed and treated in no time. Many cat behavioral problems arise from underlying physical health issues.
Your vet can suggest the right treatment plan to set your cat on the path to good health and happiness. Pet health insurance covers your furball’s testing, treatment, and medication costs during unanticipated vet visits. Pet insurance for cats can be much lower than unplanned vet bills, which is why you must contemplate purchasing a policy.
