If you’ve ever spotted your cat nibbling on the lawn or making a beeline for a patch of grass in the garden, you’re not alone. It’s a surprisingly common behaviour, and one that often leaves cat owners scratching their heads. So, why do cats eat grass? Is it something to be concerned about, or is it just one of those quirky feline habits?
It Can Help With Hairballs
One of the more widely accepted theories is that eating grass helps cats deal with hairballs. As we know, cats are meticulous groomers it’s not unusual for them to spend hours each day licking their fur. In doing so, they swallow a good amount of loose hair, which can accumulate in the stomach and form hairballs.
Grass seems to act as a natural emetic, in other words, it can encourage vomiting. While that might sound a bit alarming, it’s actually the body’s way of getting rid of things it can’t digest properly, like fur. If your cat throws up shortly after munching on some grass, especially if a hairball is involved, it’s likely just their way of clearing things out before it becomes uncomfortable. What we would like to know is why do they come back in, well at least ours do, and throw it up on the lounge floor carpet?
A Natural Laxative
Not all cats vomit after eating grass. For some, it seems to help further down the digestive system. Grass contains fibre, which can aid digestion and act as a mild laxative. If your cat has been a bit constipated or is struggling to go to the toilet, nibbling on some grass might be their way of naturally moving things along.
This could explain why indoor cats sometimes seek out houseplants or even artificial grass mats they’re instinctively looking for something to chew that will help their tummy feel better.
A Craving for Nutrients?
Another possibility is that cats are drawn to the nutritional content of grass. Some researchers believe that grass contains folic acid a vitamin found in mother’s milk that plays a role in oxygen transport and cell growth. Kittens may be especially inclined to seek it out, though adult cats might do the same if they feel there’s something missing in their diet (apart from Dreamies!)
While modern cat food is typically formulated to be nutritionally complete, instinctive behaviours often linger, especially if a cat is feeling a little under the weather or their diet has changed. In some cases, grass might simply be a familiar way to top up on something their body feels it needs.
They Just Like It
Sometimes, the reason is far simpler cats might just enjoy it! Grass has an interesting texture and a fresh, earthy taste that some cats find irresistible. It’s a bit like how some of us enjoy crunchy foods or chewing gum it doesn’t always serve a clear purpose, but it’s still satisfying.
This might explain why some cats will chew grass even when they’ve just eaten or are perfectly healthy. It could be comforting, entertaining, or simply part of their routine, especially if they’ve grown up with access to outdoor spaces.
Is It Safe?
In most cases, yes, grass itself is not harmful to cats. The key issue is whether it’s been treated with any chemicals. Pesticides, weed killers, and fertilisers can be toxic, even in small amounts. If your cat has access to a garden, it’s worth ensuring any grassy areas they favour are chemical-free. If you’ve been using weed killer make sure you read the instructions and keep your cat away from the area until safe.
For indoor cats, or if you’d rather be safe than sorry, you might consider growing cat grass indoors. You can buy ready-to-grow kits or small pots from pet shops and garden centres. Cat grass is usually a mix of grasses like wheatgrass, barley, or oat grass all safe options for curious felines. Growing it is really easy, no green fingers or Alan Titchmarsh skills required.
A Word on Other Plants
While grass is generally fine, many other common houseplants and garden plants are not. Lilies, for example, are extremely toxic to cats, and even a small nibble on the leaves or pollen can cause serious kidney problems. Always check whether a plant is cat-safe before bringing it into your home, especially if your cat is the sort who likes to taste everything green.
Final Furballs Thoughts
If your cat enjoys the occasional nibble of grass, there’s usually no need to worry. It might help them cough up a hairball, ease digestion, offer a tiny nutritional boost, or simply be one of those quirky cat habits we all love. As long as the grass is free from chemicals and your cat seems happy and healthy, it’s perfectly normal behaviour.
If you’ve got an indoor cat or one that’s particularly fond of greenery, growing a little pot of cat grass or offering catnip is a safe and easy way to keep them content. And if your cat ever eats a lot of grass and starts being sick repeatedly, or seems unwell, it’s always worth checking in with your vet.
Here at Furballs Cattery in Hampshire, we’ve spent over 30 years caring for cats and getting to know all their funny little ways. As a family-run, 5-star licensed cattery, we believe every cat deserves a safe, comfortable place to be themselves — grass nibblers included! Learn more about us and the care we offer.
