We all know cats are die-hard carnivores — fur-coated steak connoisseurs with zero interest in your vegan wrap. But then you catch them in the act: nibbling the grass like they’ve just gone full clean-eating influencer. What the Fluff?!
Don’t worry. Your cat hasn’t swapped mouse for microgreens. There’s method to the madness — and it’s surprisingly smart.
So… why the sudden craving for lawn salad?
1. They’re clearing the system.
Sometimes it’s a fur-ball, a bit of greenery, or a suspicious snack that doesn’t quite sit well with their stomach. Grass can help move things along — up or down. Think of it as your cat’s way of booking a same-day digestive detox. Unpleasant? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
2. They're topping up on folic acid.
No, they’re not tracking their macros. But grass contains folic acid — a vitamin that helps with cell growth and digestion, and even gives haemoglobin a boost. So when your cat’s feeling a bit “meh,” a nibble might just be their way of saying, “Let’s fix this.”
3. It's the natural way to battle hairballs.
Hairball season is real. If your cat is a serial groomer, all that fluff has to go somewhere. Grass can help break it down or push it out the other end, no drama. It’s nature’s furball management system.
Is it safe?
Short answer: yes, as long as the grass is clean. If your kitty’s grazing outdoors, make sure the lawn hasn’t been treated with pesticides or fertilisers. Those are a hard no.
If you have an indoor cat with a taste for greenery, skip the toxic houseplants and offer a tray of cat grass — a mix of barley, rye, or wheat that’s safe, satisfying, and won’t turn your living room into a veterinary emergency. Just be prepared for the occasional soil spill—cat gardening isn’t always tidy!
And hey — if your cat is obsessively eating grass or getting sick often, it’s vet time. Always better to check.
City Cat Tip: Grow your own greens.
Window ledge? Balcony box? Kitchen counter? Growing a mini grass bar for your urban feline isn’t just cute — it’s practical. It gives your indoor cat the benefits of a backyard graze, minus the toxins and questionable leaf choices.
In a nutshell
- Cats eat grass for smart reasons: tummy trouble, folic acid, hairballs.
- It’s usually safe — but only if it’s chemical-free.
- Indoor cats deserve their own grass fix too.
- Too much grazing? Get your vet’s opinion.
So no, your cat’s not turning into a bunny. They’re just being clever little health gurus, staying ahead of the wellness game.
