Vet issues verdict on whether or not cats should eat grass

Have you ever caught your cat chewing on grass and wondered whether it’s safe or not for their digestive system?

Vet charity PDSA took to TikTok to explain. “Lots of cats like to nibble on grass when they get the opportunity, but we don’t really know why,” began apprentice veterinary nurse, Michaela in a video.

She reassured, however, that it’s “normal behaviour” for felines and not something we should normally be concerned about. Of course, if the grass is contaminated with harmful chemicals such as pesticides, fertilisers or weed killer, this isn’t safe whatsoever.

Michaela continued: “Grass is full of nutrients including fibre and folic acid, which is why they’re attracted to eating it.” In fact, eating grass can also aid their digestion, she revealed, as it can act as a “natural laxative”, allowing your cat to pass furballs and poo more easily.

“Make sure they have access to cat-safe grass,” Michaela urged. “It might distract them from nibbling on plants you don’t want them to – such as your prize blooms, which may be poisonous.”

Michaela closed, however, by pointing out one of the “main dangers” to be aware of when your cat does indulge in grass. “They can accidentally inhale blades of grass,” she cautioned. “This can end up getting stuck in their nose or the back of the throat.

“If this does happen, you might notice them sneezing a lot or gagging, in which case you should take them to your vets so it can be removed safely.”

Michaela stressed: “Some cats want to eat grass and others don’t – they don’t feel the need to. But it’s important to give them the choice – and not force them if they don’t want to.”

Hundreds of TikTok users responded to the advice, including one who penned: “My old girl goes for a morning stroll in the garden and always has a little nibble, she loves it.”

A second person added: “It’s like my phone reads my mind. I was watching my cat eating grass earlier and wondered.” A third wrote: “My cat sometimes eats grass then he sticks it up with abit of fur, think it’s to clean their stomachs.”

A fourth replied with their own scary experience: “Old cat growing up got long bit grass stuck in throat. Struggling to breathe. We thought he was dying. Rushed to vets. She rushed us straight in. Pulled it out stright away and explained it was grass.”

Whilst a fifth individual shared: ” I was told by my vet that they do it because it helps trigger them to throw up and helps them get out hair balls. So I let them and then prepare for sick.”