Loose Lips - Cat's Eating Grass

[BorisV]

Saw this the other day and thought it might be worth sharing with those that have outdoor kitty's .......My kitties (always been indoor) have never eaten grass and have NEVER been the slightest bit interested in catnip?!!!

Cat Myths: Do Cats Eat Grass When They're Sick?
7959455_mIf you've got an outdoor kitty (or one who escapes every time the front door swings open), you've probably seen her chomping on grass from time to time. It's not at all uncommon to witness a cat grazing in the yard, nibbling on those green blades like they're a rare and delicious delicacy. One theory that's been widely circulated claims that cats eat grass when they're feeling sick. It's been hypothesized that cats with vitamin deficiencies or intestinal issues crave grass.
This cat myth is mostly false. Typically, a kitty who's dining on grass is feeling perfectly fine. Eating grass is completely harmless for felines, as long as it's not been exposed to pesticides, herbicides, or any other lawn chemicals. In fact, grass consumption can actually be beneficial for cats, explains petMD. Grass contains properties that assist with digestion, and it's rich in certain nutrients, which may be why this myth took hold to begin with.
Grass contains folic acid, just like a mama cat's milk. When your cat consumes grass, the folic acid can help essential bodily functions and assists in hemoglobin production, which promotes oxygen movement in the blood.
Eating a bit of grass can help your kitty clear out her digestive system, so it's possible that her "gut" instinct draws her toward it when she needs a cleanse. Or it may just be pure coincidence! Either way, cats tend to regurgitate grass after they've eaten it because they lack the natural enzymes to break down vegetable matter, explains petMD. This is nothing to worry about-- just a natural response. But it can be helpful for kitties who need to clean out their digestive tracts. It's also a sort of natural laxative and can help break down fur balls in your cat's digestive system.
So if your cat enjoys feasting on the lawn every now and then, you can feel confident she's probably perfectly healthy! As mentioned earlier, just be sure the grass she munches on has not been treated by any chemicals. If you'd like to give your kitty a safe & delicious treat, consider growing cat grass in your home instead.

 

[Hillary & Maui (GA)]

I grow grass and Buster is obsessed with it! If I put it in her reach, she would eat it all at once. I have to portion it out to her. She never gacks it and rarely, if ever do I see it come out the other end. She must process it completely, otherwise, she is full of grass and I don't know it!

 

[tomtom13]

Thanks Bern!!

That was nice of you to pass along....I always wondered if I should just stand by while Tom munched away or try to deter him away.......I usually do a combo of both.

Figured there was a reason behind his sudden obsession to eat grass some days and other days......no thanks.

Tom isn't much of a catnip guy either....I grow some every summer in two long planters and bring them inside in the fall.....then I get my string and kinda hide it within and shake the catnip....he does love that. but as far as rolling in it and turning totally nut crazy drunk like some cats......nope.

Have you tried catnip with the two new babies yet?

~kelly

 

[tomtom13]

Hillary

what type of grass do you grow? perhaps I will start to grow some before the last of summer is over.....maybe Tomcat will enjoy that better in the house ......

thanks

kelly

 

[BorisV]

Kelly, so far "baby cat's" have not been smitten - but, in all reality - do I need to make them any crazier?!!! Ivan met Uncle Bo for a minute and a half today ....... there was a "Hisssss" but it seemed like an afterthought - like, ug, I guess I should do this, so I will. It's ONLY been 3 1/2 weeks! WAY past time but I've been so paranoid of Bo getting their colds etc;
Again, i am convinced my lot in life is to be a cat nurse - all that "training" is not to go to waste! I've even been boiling the baby washcloths to clean their eyes! One minute they were soaked in ice water for after the ear poke - now being boiled to clean their eyes! What a life!

B