{"id":138372,"date":"2022-07-11T15:19:47","date_gmt":"2022-07-11T15:19:47","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/"},"modified":"2022-07-11T15:19:47","modified_gmt":"2022-07-11T15:19:47","slug":"why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/","title":{"rendered":"Why is my cat eating grass outside?"},"content":{"rendered":"<div id=\"ez-toc-container\" class=\"ez-toc-v2_0_17 counter-hierarchy counter-decimal ez-toc-grey\">\n<div class=\"ez-toc-title-container\">\n<p class=\"ez-toc-title\">Table of Contents<\/p>\n<span class=\"ez-toc-title-toggle\"><a class=\"ez-toc-pull-right ez-toc-btn ez-toc-btn-xs ez-toc-btn-default ez-toc-toggle\" style=\"display: none;\"><i class=\"ez-toc-glyphicon ez-toc-icon-toggle\"><\/i><\/a><\/span><\/div>\n<nav><ul class=\"ez-toc-list ez-toc-list-level-1\"><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-1\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_is_my_cat_eating_grass_outside\" title=\"Why is my cat eating grass outside?\">Why is my cat eating grass outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-2\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Is_it_OK_for_cats_to_eat_grass_outside\" title=\"Is it OK for cats to eat grass outside?\">Is it OK for cats to eat grass outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-3\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Does_a_cat_eating_grass_mean_its_sick\" title=\"Does a cat eating grass mean its sick?\">Does a cat eating grass mean its sick?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-4\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_is_a_stray_cat_eating_grass\" title=\"Why is a stray cat eating grass?\">Why is a stray cat eating grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-5\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Do_cats_eat_grass_when_they_are_sick\" title=\"Do cats eat grass when they are sick?\">Do cats eat grass when they are sick?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-6\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Can_cats_eat_grass_from_outside\" title=\"Can cats eat grass from outside?\">Can cats eat grass from outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-7\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_do_cats_eat_grass_outside\" title=\"Why do cats eat grass outside?\">Why do cats eat grass outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-8\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Can_eating_grass_harm_cats\" title=\"Can eating grass harm cats?\">Can eating grass harm cats?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-9\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_do_cats_eat_grass_if_it_makes_them_sick\" title=\"Why do cats eat grass if it makes them sick?\">Why do cats eat grass if it makes them sick?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-10\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Should_I_be_worried_if_my_cat_is_eating_grass\" title=\"Should I be worried if my cat is eating grass?\">Should I be worried if my cat is eating grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-11\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_is_my_cat_eating_so_much_grass\" title=\"Why is my cat eating so much grass?\">Why is my cat eating so much grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-12\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Is_it_OK_for_a_cat_to_eat_grass\" title=\"Is it OK for a cat to eat grass?\">Is it OK for a cat to eat grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-13\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Do_cats_eat_grass_when_they_have_worms\" title=\"Do cats eat grass when they have worms?\">Do cats eat grass when they have worms?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-14\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Do_sick_cats_eat_grass\" title=\"Do sick cats eat grass?\">Do sick cats eat grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-15\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Do_cats_eat_grass_when_their_stomach_is_upset\" title=\"Do cats eat grass when their stomach is upset?\">Do cats eat grass when their stomach is upset?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-16\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_does_my_cat_keep_eating_grass\" title=\"Why does my cat keep eating grass?\">Why does my cat keep eating grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-17\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_does_my_cat_keep_eating_grass_and_throwing_up\" title=\"Why does my cat keep eating grass and throwing up?\">Why does my cat keep eating grass and throwing up?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-18\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_does_my_cat_eat_grass_outside\" title=\"Why does my cat eat grass outside?\">Why does my cat eat grass outside?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-19\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Will_eating_grass_hurt_my_cat\" title=\"Will eating grass hurt my cat?\">Will eating grass hurt my cat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-20\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Do_indoor_cats_need_grass_to_eat\" title=\"Do indoor cats need grass to eat?\">Do indoor cats need grass to eat?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-21\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#What_does_it_mean_when_your_cat_eats_grass\" title=\"What does it mean when your cat eats grass?\">What does it mean when your cat eats grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-22\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Is_eating_grass_bad_for_cats\" title=\"Is eating grass bad for cats?\">Is eating grass bad for cats?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-23\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Should_I_worry_if_my_cat_eats_grass\" title=\"Should I worry if my cat eats grass?\">Should I worry if my cat eats grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-24\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#What_happens_if_my_cat_ate_grass\" title=\"What happens if my cat ate grass?\">What happens if my cat ate grass?<\/a><\/li><li class=\"ez-toc-page-1 ez-toc-heading-level-2\"><a class=\"ez-toc-link ez-toc-heading-25\" href=\"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/why-is-my-cat-eating-grass-outside\/#Why_is_my_cat_only_eating_grass\" title=\"Why is my cat only eating grass?\">Why is my cat only eating grass?<\/a><\/li><\/ul><\/nav><\/div>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_cat_eating_grass_outside\"><\/span>Why is my cat eating grass outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your cat may graze on grass <b>to boost its vitamin levels. Grass contains a nutrient called folic acid, which helps move oxygen through the blood stream. Some experts theorise that eating grass may also help ease sore throats, while others believe cats do it simply because they enjoy the taste and texture.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_OK_for_cats_to_eat_grass_outside\"><\/span>Is it OK for cats to eat grass outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your cat eats grass indoors, he may nibble the lawn if he goes outside. <b>Eating outdoor grass can be harmful if it has been treated with pesticides<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Does_a_cat_eating_grass_mean_its_sick\"><\/span>Does a cat eating grass mean its sick?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>You may notice that your cat vomits shortly after eating grasshe or she is actually doing this on purpose. <b>Cats don&#8217;t have the necessary enzymes to digest a large amount of grass, which is why it can make them sick.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_a_stray_cat_eating_grass\"><\/span>Why is a stray cat eating grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>In the wild, cats sometimes eat grass after they&#8217;ve ingested their prey  and the prey itself likely had grass in its digestive system. <b>Grass stimulates the cat&#8217;s urge to vomit, which can be nature&#8217;s way of expelling the parts of the prey that are not digestible. This is an instinctive behavior that all cats share.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_eat_grass_when_they_are_sick\"><\/span>Do cats eat grass when they are sick?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your cat eats grass indoors, he may nibble the lawn if he goes outside. <b>Eating outdoor grass can be harmful if it has been treated with pesticides<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_cats_eat_grass_from_outside\"><\/span>Can cats eat grass from outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Cats don&#8217;t have the right enzymes in their stomachs to digest grass and other vegetation. Instead, grass will stimulate the stomach and intestinal muscles to move the unwanted blades of grass, and other non-digestible matter, thus causing your feline to throw-up after chowing down on the green vegetation.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_cats_eat_grass_outside\"><\/span>Why do cats eat grass outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Their theorybased on research in chimps and other wild animalsis that grass munching <b>helps animals expel intestinal parasites (p. 106) by increasing muscle activity in the digestive tract.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Can_eating_grass_harm_cats\"><\/span>Can eating grass harm cats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not only is there <b>no evidence to suggest that grass will harm your cat, but many experts theorize munching on those long green blades can be beneficial for your cat. Cats regurgitate when they eat grass because they lack the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable matter.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_do_cats_eat_grass_if_it_makes_them_sick\"><\/span>Why do cats eat grass if it makes them sick?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Their theorybased on research in chimps and other wild animalsis that grass munching <b>helps animals expel intestinal parasites (p. 106) by increasing muscle activity in the digestive tract.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_be_worried_if_my_cat_is_eating_grass\"><\/span>Should I be worried if my cat is eating grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>While there&#8217;s no single reason cats may supplement their diets with grass, <b>it is generally not a concern. However, if you do notice your cat eating lots of grass, ensure you seek help from a vet.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_cat_eating_so_much_grass\"><\/span>Why is my cat eating so much grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Like dogs and other animals, cats will eat grass and various herbs when they feel the urge, which might be from <b>stomach or intestinal irritation caused by a hairball or parasites, or nausea from chronic liver, kidney or other health problems.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_it_OK_for_a_cat_to_eat_grass\"><\/span>Is it OK for a cat to eat grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Many online explanations for grass eating posit that <b>the behavior helps cats throw up when they&#8217;re feeling ill. But only about a quarter of grass eaters were observed vomiting afterward, and 91% of respondents said their cat did not appear sick before imbibing plant matter.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_eat_grass_when_they_have_worms\"><\/span>Do cats eat grass when they have worms?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Good for them! <b>Grass benefits even well-fed cats. Grass provides roughage that aids digestion and elimination. Cats that eat grass routinely may have more regular gastrointestinal tracts, fewer hair balls, and less constipation.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_sick_cats_eat_grass\"><\/span>Do sick cats eat grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Some cats vomit the grass covered worms however, and because owners observed these cats eating grass also, the old wives&#8217; tale arose that sick cats eat grass to make themselves vomit. <b>No scientific data supports this theory; in fact, research showed that cats inherit the habit of eating grass or learn it from their <\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_cats_eat_grass_when_their_stomach_is_upset\"><\/span>Do cats eat grass when their stomach is upset?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>It relieves an upset stomach<\/b> But in the process of throwing up, your cat also clears his stomach of fur, feathers, parasites or bones, which can irritate the digestive tract or even cause more lasting illness. When your cat eats grass, he will typically self-regulate the amount.<\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_keep_eating_grass\"><\/span>Why does my cat keep eating grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Our pet cats may not get the same nutrients in their processed cat food, so <b>some experts think they may eat grass as a substitute. Grass juice contains folic acid, which helps support blood, immune and digestive health, as well as trace amounts of vitamins A and D and niacin.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_keep_eating_grass_and_throwing_up\"><\/span>Why does my cat keep eating grass and throwing up?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p><b>Because they lack the proper enzymes to digest it, cats who eat grass will then vomit that grass, along with the hair and\/or other indigestible items.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_does_my_cat_eat_grass_outside\"><\/span>Why does my cat eat grass outside?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>If your cat eats grass indoors, he may nibble the lawn if he goes outside. <b>Eating outdoor grass can be harmful if it has been treated with pesticides<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Will_eating_grass_hurt_my_cat\"><\/span>Will eating grass hurt my cat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your cat may graze on grass <b>to boost its vitamin levels. Grass contains a nutrient called folic acid, which helps move oxygen through the blood stream. Some experts theorise that eating grass may also help ease sore throats, while others believe cats do it simply because they enjoy the taste and texture.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Do_indoor_cats_need_grass_to_eat\"><\/span>Do indoor cats need grass to eat?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Not only is there <b>no evidence to suggest that grass will harm your cat, but many experts theorize munching on those long green blades can be beneficial for your cat. Cats regurgitate when they eat grass because they lack the necessary enzymes to break down vegetable matter.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_does_it_mean_when_your_cat_eats_grass\"><\/span>What does it mean when your cat eats grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your cat may graze on grass <b>to boost its vitamin levels. Grass contains a nutrient called folic acid, which helps move oxygen through the blood stream. Some experts theorise that eating grass may also help ease sore throats, while others believe cats do it simply because they enjoy the taste and texture.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Is_eating_grass_bad_for_cats\"><\/span>Is eating grass bad for cats?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Is it safe for cats to eat grass? <b>When eaten in moderation and providing it hasn&#8217;t been treated with any pesticides or herbicides, cats eating grass is completely fine. However, if your cat eats grass a lot, it could get stuck inside their nasal chambers and cause them to sneeze excessively.<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Should_I_worry_if_my_cat_eats_grass\"><\/span>Should I worry if my cat eats grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your cat should also be checked out if you notice them eating much more grass than they normally do, if they vomit more than usual after eating grass, or if you suspect they may have eaten chemically treated grass. But, in general, don&#8217;t worry: <b>eating grass is a normal habit in healthy cats<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"What_happens_if_my_cat_ate_grass\"><\/span>What happens if my cat ate grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Cats don&#8217;t have the necessary enzymes to digest a large amount of grass, which is why it can make them sick. But in the process of throwing up, <b>your cat also clears his stomach of fur, feathers, parasites or bones, which can irritate the digestive tract or even cause more lasting illness<\/b><\/p>\n<h2><span class=\"ez-toc-section\" id=\"Why_is_my_cat_only_eating_grass\"><\/span>Why is my cat only eating grass?<span class=\"ez-toc-section-end\"><\/span><\/h2>\n<p>Your cat should also be checked out if you notice them eating much more grass than they normally do, if they vomit more than usual after eating grass, or if you suspect they may have eaten chemically treated grass. But, in general, don&#8217;t worry: <b>eating grass is a normal habit in healthy cats<\/b><\/p>\n","protected":false},"excerpt":{"rendered":"<p>Table of Contents Why is my cat eating grass outside?Is it OK for cats to eat grass outside?Does a cat eating grass mean its sick?Why is a stray cat eating grass?Do cats eat grass when they are sick?Can cats eat grass from outside?Why do cats eat grass outside?Can eating grass harm cats?Why do cats eat&#8230;<\/p>\n","protected":false},"author":4,"featured_media":0,"comment_status":"open","ping_status":"open","sticky":false,"template":"","format":"standard","meta":{"_kad_post_transparent":"","_kad_post_title":"","_kad_post_layout":"","_kad_post_sidebar_id":"","_kad_post_content_style":"","_kad_post_vertical_padding":"","_kad_post_feature":"","_kad_post_feature_position":"","_kad_post_header":false,"_kad_post_footer":false,"spay_email":"","footnotes":""},"categories":[622],"tags":[],"class_list":["post-138372","post","type-post","status-publish","format-standard","hentry","category-pet-care"],"jetpack_featured_media_url":"","_links":{"self":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138372"}],"collection":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts"}],"about":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/types\/post"}],"author":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/users\/4"}],"replies":[{"embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/comments?post=138372"}],"version-history":[{"count":0,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/posts\/138372\/revisions"}],"wp:attachment":[{"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/media?parent=138372"}],"wp:term":[{"taxonomy":"category","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/categories?post=138372"},{"taxonomy":"post_tag","embeddable":true,"href":"https:\/\/animalshelterz.com\/wp-json\/wp\/v2\/tags?post=138372"}],"curies":[{"name":"wp","href":"https:\/\/api.w.org\/{rel}","templated":true}]}}