What is wrong when your cat is eating grass?

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Domesticated cats will sometimes crave grass---it's simply in the animal's nature. But letting a cat eat just any grass can cause problems. There are some simple solutions to this frequent problem many pet owners experience.

Why Cats Crave Grass

When a pet owner notices a pet eating grass, it does not mean there is a problem with the cat. According to veterinarians who write for the pet web site Doctors Foster and Smith, cats have an occasional craving for grass even though they are carnivores. This could be, the doctors say, because when cats eat meat in the wild, they also usually ingest some plant material.

Intestinal Disorder?

Cats that attempt to eat grass do not always have an intestinal disorder. Some cats enjoy eating grass while others are not interested. Cats who need help digesting may turn to grass for assistance. Others may just have a simple craving.

What to Avoid

Cats that do not have access to healthy grass will usually turn to some unhealthy options, including potentially poisonous house plants or outdoor grass, plants or trees, which could be treated with fertilizer or other chemicals. All of these types of plants should be strictly avoided when it comes to the health of a pet.

Healthy Options

There are lots of options for growing grass indoors that a cat can eat and enjoy. Many pet stores sell grass that is already grown and ready to eat or kits that help owners plant grass seed in a planter and grow it on a window sill. The grass is inexpensive, grows quickly and is simple to maintain. Cats can eat a wide variety of grasses. Some of the best include wheat grass, barley grass and rye grass.

Potential Problems

Normal cats only eat grass in small amounts. Doctors Foster and Smith say that if a cat begins to eat large amounts of grass, regardless of the type of grass, this could signal a larger digestive problem. If the cat only over eats grass once or twice, it is likely OK. But if it's a regularly recurring occasion, a vet visit is probably in order. Cats that eat grass will also regularly regurgitate after eating grass. This does not signal a problem.

Source:

Pet Food Zone: Cat Grass

Dr. Foster and Dr. Smith: Cat Grass Advice

More Information:

Cat Grass Kits

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What is wrong when your cat is eating grass?

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