Content
- Why does the cat eat grass and vomit?
- Does your cat eat grass because of nutritional deficiencies?
- Do cats eat grass as a laxative?
- Is eating grass bad for cats?
- cat grass
- Good plants for cats
cats are animals strictly carnivoresTherefore, the basis of their nutrition is animal protein, such as veal or beef, chicken, turkey or fish. However, felines can also benefit from consuming fruits and vegetables that are good for their health. Many of us were even surprised to find that our kittens chose to eat plants of their own free will.
In such circumstances, many tutors ask themselves questions such as: "why does my cat eat grass?" or "is my cat sick if it eats plants?". In this article by PeritoAnimal, we'll explain why cats eat grass and why cats are forced to occasionally introduce vegetables and plants into their food, helping you to identify when this behavior is a cause for concern. Good reading.
Why does the cat eat grass and vomit?
A survey conducted by the University of California at Davis, in the United States, and released in August 2019, in Norway, revealed what tutors around the world have been asking themselves for many, many years: why do cats eat grass anyway?
According to the study, carried out with more than 1,000 guardians who closely monitored the behavior of their feline companions, cats eat grass so that it works as a priority. kind of dewormer and to speed up your intestinal transit, improving your digestion.[1]
It's instinctive for felines. Plants provide a high intake of fiber to your body, and eventually you may notice grass in your stool. The American survey showed that 71% of all cats observed ingested grass at least six times in their lifetime and that 91% were very well after eating grass. didn't vomit.
It was believed, until then, that the main reason that led a cat to eat grass is to induce vomiting after ingestion of something toxic or that it didn't do the pet any good. But, as we see from the survey, this act goes beyond that.
So if you notice that your kitten is vomiting, has symptoms of digestive problems or intoxication, and if it's a case of a cat with a stomachache, don't hesitate to quickly take him to the vet to check his health.
Does your cat eat grass because of nutritional deficiencies?
If he doesn't have complete and balanced nutrition, the cat eating grass could be an indication that he is doing it. to complement your diet and combat these nutritional deficiencies. In addition to being rich in fiber, plants are sources of folic acid, a B-complex vitamin that participates in the formation of cells and tissues, improves blood circulation, helps strengthen the immune system, prevents anemia and many other diseases.
Remember that cat food is a fundamental aspect for your health and the development of their cognitive, emotional and social capacities. Therefore, we recommend always relying on the guidance of a veterinarian to offer the best diet for your kitten, considering its age, size, health and the specific needs of its body.
Do cats eat grass as a laxative?
The high fiber content of plants stimulates intestinal transit, helping to fight and prevent constipation in cats. If your cat has difficulty defecating regularly or his stools are too hard and difficult to pass, he may eat grass to relieve the uncomfortable symptoms and pain he experiences when he has a constipation.
Normally, cats defecate every day and their stool is neither dry nor soft. In general, you can consider your feline to be suffering from constipation if it goes 2 or more days without a bowel movement. So if you notice that your cat hasn't had a bowel movement in 2 or 3 days, don't hesitate to take him to the vet.
Is eating grass bad for cats?
At first, eating grass is not a bad thing or harmful to the health of the cats. Many guardians wonder what happens to a cat that eats grass. Vegetables are natural sources of fiber, vitamins and some minerals that help strengthen our kittens' immune systems, improve their digestion and prevent constipation. The cat's body is prepared to consume grass in specific situations to protect its well-being and maintain the balance of its metabolism.
However, we must be aware and repair the reasons that make our cats eat grass and see if this behavior is accompanied by other symptoms. If your kitten is thin, is always hungry, or if your cat is eating grass regularly, we recommend consulting a specialized veterinarian to see if their diet is adequate for their nutritional needs.
On the other hand, if you notice that your feline does not go to the bathroom regularly or notice changes in your feline's feces, it is also better to take it to the veterinary clinic to find the cause of your constipation and rule out the presence of parasites or fur balls in your gastrointestinal tract.
Logically, the consumption of plants that are toxic to cats is strictly prohibited for all kittens, under any circumstances. To ensure that your cat can safely eat grass, we recommend that you always have cat weed or natural malt in your home, or grow some beneficial vegetables for cats, without the use of pesticides or pesticides that can poison your body. Offering cat grass can also be very beneficial to your cat.
Remember that PeritoAnimal's articles are informative and in no way replace specialized veterinary care. Therefore, when you observe any changes in your feline companion's behavior or appearance, take them quickly to the veterinary clinic.
In this video you can see the effects and benefits of catweed:
cat grass
We've already seen that grass benefits cats because it helps their intestinal tract and control their hairballs. And something that has become very popular in recent years is the so-called cat grass, also called cat bush or cat grass.
And which cat grass is ideal? There are several types of cat grass. The most used by tutors are the grams of oats, wheat and popcorn (not microwave). Do not offer cat grass that contains flowers. It is possible to buy the seeds, but first make sure they are free of pesticides. You can also buy grass at pet stores.
Another suggestion is that you buy a vase and plant grass for cats to leave in your apartment, house or even in the backyard, available to the feline.
The cat will instinctively eat the grass when it sees fit, so you shouldn't worry about quantities. Just make the pot accessible to him, and when you see the cat eating grass, you'll know it's okay to do so.
Good plants for cats
In addition to catnip or catnip and cat grass, cats can eat plants like valerian, dandelion, chamomile and even more aromatic plants, such as basil or rosemary. They all have different properties and benefits that can help you improve your health. However, as we said, this type of vegetables should never be the basis of your diet, they are supplements added to your usual diet.
And if you've noticed that your cat is eating the plants in your garden and you want to stop him or teach him to eat only the plants intended for him, like cat grass, don't miss this article: How to keep cats away from plants ?
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