Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

So, What Does Cat Grass Do?

Many cats—regardless of size— chew on grass to fulfill certain nutritional and physiological needs. For indoor cats, it’s especially important for cat parents to provide organically grown cereal grass for cat cravings. This can include wheatgrass for cats, oat grass for cats, barley and rye. Here’s why:

1. Supports Digestion and Reduce Hairballs

Does cat grass help with hairballs? The short answer is yes. Cat grass acts as a natural digestive aid. It helps cats expel and even prevent hairballs by providing gentle fiber to move fur and other indigestible materials through the digestive tract. You may be wondering why does my cat eat grass and then throw up? Some cats may occasionally use grass to clear their esophagus of hairballs or other materials, inducing vomiting (as a beneficial emetic). You should always check with your veterinarian, however, if vomiting is persistent. Read more tips on preventing hairballs from best-selling author and certified cat behavior consultant Pam Johnson-Bennett.

2. Packed with Essential Nutrients

CatGrass is just another name for a variety of cereal grasses, including wheat, oat, barley, and rye. These nutritious cat greens are rich in vitamins and minerals that support overall health and strengthen the immune system. If you’re searching for more information on cat grass benefits for indoor cats, download or our free eBook “Cat Grass: The Ultimate Guide,” packed with research, nutrition facts, and answers to your questions about wheatgrass for cats, fresh catnip and more.

3. A Surprising Source of Protein

These grasses contain more protein than some common foods! According to Wheatgrass: Nature’s Finest Medicine by Steve Meyerowitz, whole-leaf wheatgrass powder contains 25% protein—higher than spinach (3%), eggs (12.5%), or chicken (17.5%).

Bring the Outdoors In!

Aside from the physical health benefits, indoor cat grass is just one of many wonderful ways to provide environmental enrichment for your cat, adding a fun and safe way to interact with nature—without getting scolded for chewing on potentially harmful houseplants! If you’re looking for tips on how to stop my cat from eating houseplants, providing cat grass can be an effective solution.

How to Introduce Your Cat to Cat Grass

Not all cats immediately take to grass, but these tips can help:

• Lay it on its side initially. The blades of grass, while tender to the mouth, can be a bit off-putting if the tips poke kitty’s nose. By placing the container on its side, your cat can approach it comfortably.
• Lightly mist with water. Many cats will lick the water droplets and then decide to take a nibble.
• Offer blades by hand. If your cat doesn’t recognize it as food, gently offering a blade or two may spark their interest.
• Snip small pieces as a food topper. Finely chopped cat grass sprinkled over wet food can encourage hesitant eaters.
• Supervise snacking sessions. While some cats may nibble, other cats may be tempted to chomp down the whole container at once. Limit snacking sessions to ensure your cats don’t get too much fiber all at once and take care of your cat grass to keep it tender and tasty. Check out our cat grass care video for more information.