It is probably due to our fascination with the mysterious and somewhat enigmatic nature of these animals that people have domesticated cats and allowed them to become the MSN repo- Cats are interesting animals with peculiar behaviours and even more peculiar diets. It is concerning this product that the following question often crosses the minds of many cat owners: what is the deal with cat grass for cats? This simple addition to a cat environment can be of great benefits including promoting healthy digestion, to the fulfilment of natural instincts.
Table of Content
- What is Cat Grass?
- Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
- Health Benefits of Cat Grass
- Bringing Cat Grass to Your Cat
- Advantage of Providing Cat Grass
- Reasons Why Cats Eat Grass
- Final Thought
What is Cat Grass?
What many people refer to as cat grass is not a specific type of grass but rather several species of grass that are safe for cats to digest. Some of the most frequent types are **wheat grass, oat grass, barley, rye. These grasses can be grown in indoors or in gardens and are a good substitute for grasses that might be sprayed with pesticides or chemicals found in the outdoors.
Cats are obligate carnivores, and their staple food is meat. But they have a rather innate desire to chew on the grass. Such behaviour can be explained by their distant ancestors that probably ate grass together with their hunting prey. The grass contributed the aspect of fiber and assisted them with digestion.
Why Do Cats Eat Grass?
There are several theories as to why cats eat grass:
- Digestive Aid: Not surprisingly, one of the main concerns is that grass aids the digestive system of cats. The fiber in cat grass can therefore be used in treating constipation and encouraging bowel movements.
- Natural Instincts: It also helps them meet some of the instincts which are inherent with cats such as eating grass. Wild cats are known to play with their food and have what is called in the paw chew instinct even indoor cats cannot resist chewing on plants.
- Inducing Vomiting: According to Wills, some cats may eat grass as a means of vomiting. This can benefit them by enabling them to pass out any non digestible including hair balls or any other materials that were taken with the meal.
- Nutritional Benefits: Cat grass also contains several vitamins and minerals that are generally good for the cat. For instance, it contains vitamin A, vitamin C, and vitamin E, as well as essential amino acids.
Health Benefits of Cat Grass
Cat grass is more than just a snack; it offers several nutritional benefits:
- Rich in Fiber: It reduces constipation or helps to ease bowel movements, all thanks to the high fiber content. This is especially of value for the cats that are likely to develop hairballs or constipation.
- Vitamins and Antioxidants: Cat grass is a concentrate of vitamin A, C, E and K. These vitamins are said to be important in enhancing health and immune systems in the body and this made me to decide on them.
- Chlorophyll Content: Chlorophyll popular in green plants can improve your cat’s breath as well as has an anti-inflammatory effect in moderation.
- Hydration: Forcing your cat to eat fresh cat grass is also beneficial if the cat is not a big fan of drinking water.
You may also like: Cat Birthday Cake
Bringing Cat Grass to Your Cat
Introducing cat grass into your cat’s diet can be a straightforward process:
1. Commercial cat grass is available from pet stores while growing your own cat grass is easily done from kits that are readily available at most stores. This is especially important since most fruits and vegetables in the market are sprayed with dangerous chemicals.
2. Put the cat grass where your cat spends much of its time either being lazy, doing its kitty things or playing. If it is accidentally within the reach of the cat’s mouth it will likely get nibbled.
3. First, pay attention to their behaviour with the grass. Some people will embrace it warmly, while others will probably take some time before getting used to it.
4. Cat grass has a relatively short useful life especially once it has been cut or harvested. It should be replaced every couple of weeks to maintain its freshness and supply the infant with the nutrients he/she needs.
5. Pat your cat near or around the grass and reward them with treats every time they approach or touch it.
Advantage of Providing Cat Grass
1. Aids Digestion
Widely known health wise, cat grass has the flexibility to assist in digestion. The fiber content assists in passing of bowel and in this regard, it would prevent constipation. Cats eat grass involuntarily especially when they have upset stomach or feeling that their tummy is upset.
2. Reduces Hairballs
This is a very general problem with cats, particularly those with longer hair. Food developed specifically for cats with hairballs can be ingested freely, as this assists in preventing the formation of hairball in the system owing to hair consumed when grooming itself.
3. Freshens Breath
Cat grass also contains chlorophyll that helps to freshen breath naturally. Chewing this green treat often may help keep your cat’s breath smelling better than it does now.
4. Satisfies Natural Instincts
Offering the cats the cat grass enables the indoor cats to display some aspect of the natural behaviour that would otherwise only be restrained to outdoors, specifically the portion of chewing on grass but with little dangers involved with the outside grass.
5. Saves Your Houseplants
If you have some plants at home that are in jeopardy from the interference from wandering cats, bringing cat grass will prevent the cats from munching on your poisonous plants.
6. Mental Stimulation
They help in the cat’s play by allowing the cat to grow it and play on it as this will stimulate their brain. This means cats love to experiment with food textures and this makes them happy always.
Reasons Why Cats Eat Grass
While there are many benefits to providing cat grass, some concerns may arise:
1. Vomiting After Eating
Some cats follow vomiting after consuming green grass; it’s normal and still assists in the expulsion of undesired particles. Vomiting should not be a cause for concern if it lasts only a day, and the dog is not unstable on his/her feet; otherwise, it would be wise to contact the veterinarian.
2. Allergic Reactions
However, it is not common to see your cat develop an allergy or a sensitivity to any kind of grass. When feeding your pet with new types of cat grass, observe them for signs of abnormally high allergic reactions that include itching and gastrointestinal problems.
3. Overconsumption
If cat grass is within their reach, there’s a tendency for cats to consume more than enough of it. Although you shouldn’t notice any common side effects when consuming moderate amounts, excessive intake can irritate your stomach.
Final Thought
Bringing cat grass into your pet’s life can vastly improve his or her existence in addition to the multitude of benefits that come with it. It fulfills their primal needs, prevents constipation, eliminates hairballs, and may even eliminate bad breath, all of which while making them happy.
Selecting the proper type of cat grass either wheat grass, oat grass, barley, or rye can help you in such way that your cat must enjoy this fresh green delight without dire consequences.
Of course, if you are still unsure or have some questions regarding your pet’s diet or any other related issues, please do not hesitate to contact your veterinarian – any major changes should always be discussed with your veterinarian.
In giving your cat, a safe greens such as cat grass you actually enhance the value of the cat’s diet in a way that promotes its wellbeing and in a way that is natural and instinctive for the cat- a situation that can only be described as the perfect for you and the feline friend!
