Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Posted by Jennifer Copley Jun 27, 2009

There are several theories as to why cats like to eat grass. It has been speculated that they do this to:

• Obtain some roughage in their diets
• Get rid of hairballs (either by inducing vomiting or helping them move through the digestive tract)
• Obtain folic acid (folic acid deficiency can cause anaemia)

The folic acid hypothesis is the most likely reason, though there may be more than one cause of this behaviour.

Eating grass is a natural proclivity among cats, and indoor cats that lack access to grass may snack on houseplants as a substitute. Given that some common houseplants such as lilies can be toxic and most cats will choose grass over potted plants if given the option, growing some cat grass in a pot for indoor felines is a good idea.

For more information on cats and plants, see:

• Plants That Are Poisonous to Cats
• How to Keep Cats out of Gardens
• Catnip Is Safe and Non-Addictive for Cats

For more answers to common questions about cat behaviour, see Why Does My Cat Do That?