Share. in its throat. As a result, it engages in an action unrelated to the source of stress. Be aware that repellents have two common shortfalls. âStatistics tell us about 80% of cats eat plants of some kind or another,â says Susan Konecny, Medical Director of Best Friends Animal Society. Here are three top reasons behind this unwelcome cat behavior: 1. In the home, cats sometimes eat houseplants out of boredom, or because they're attracted to the leaves fluttering in the air currents. grass or plants. Other related symptoms…, Pet owners are often curious as to why their cat constantly scratches at windows. For your cat to express fondness for you physically…, Your cat bringing up white, foamy vomit can be an alarming sight. To be safe, keep people foods to a minimum. Once the first tiny blades of grass pop up, move the container to a sunny location. How to Use Clicker Training to Keep Your Cat off the Counter, Training Your Cat To Stay Off The Kitchen Counter. The cat would need medical care.â Even the wild Wild animals will also eliminate in the grass. The most common reason why cats eat grass is to settle an upset stomach by inducing vomiting or diarrhea. You can also plant a container of wheatgrass yourself; it's easy. Why do cats chew on houseplants, anyway? Your cat may deliberately eat grass to speed up digestion. This could include wild grass, or it could be the plastic leaves of an artificial plant. Since spider plants are often found in hanging baskets, simply keep them (and any other potentially threatening plant) up high and out of reach from your cats. Keep dangerous plants out of kitty's reach. A catâs digestive tract is unable to break it down, which means that the grass will quickly be regurgitated. Various plants also have an enticing smell If your cat eats grass, the fiber will increase the likelihood of elimination. Cats eating grass and plants is very common, but shouldn’t be encouraged. Felines require animal proteins, as these contain taurine. Pay attention to what kinds of plants draw ⦠The cat will do whatever it takes to find this vitamin. Unfortunately, cats seem to enjoy our houseplants as much as we do, but for the wrong reasons. They arenât toxic plants, thank goodness, but itâs not good for them and now my cacti are chewed little stubs. If your cat enjoys eating insects, it will try to find them. Some cats are more prone to this…, A cat's diet is crucial for its health and wellbeing. For smaller plants, you can place them on high shelves, mount them on the wall, or hang them from the ceiling. No cat will thrive by eating greenery. The following plants are generally recognized as safe for cats. Plants and flowers with the most enticing scents include: It is fine for your cat to eat these plants. Play with her each day, provide her with an array of scratching posts and high perches, set up hiding places, keep a bird feeder stocked outside the window, and hide treats in random places throughout the house. The only way to avoid this is by keeping your cat indoors at all times. Cats do Iâm happy to report that you can have the best of both indoor worlds: a contented indoor cat and thriving potted house plants. Helping itself to grass may lead to finding more live prey. Sign up for the FREE Cat Health Mewsletter: How to Keep Your Cat from Chewing on Houseplants, Click here to see a comprehensive list of toxic plants, Click here to see a comprehensive list of non-toxic plants, How to Select, Set Up, and Maintain The Litter Box(es), If it's after-hours, call the nearest emergency veterinary clinic or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at. this effect. First, it is important to understand why some cats do this. Tweet. The other is that the scent of the product wears off after a few days; however, if it's strong enough, it won't take long for kitty to get the message. Stress-related grass-eating could also be linked to comforting scents. Plant them in dirt that is kept moist but not saturated. So, a feline’s dietary interest in grass and plants confuses many owners. Some cats eat grass to clear up constipation and feel more comfortable. âIf I eat this, I am going to get spacy, and I like that feeling.â Some cats also like spider plants, which contain compounds related to opium. Wait? Sometimes, stress or boredom can cause strange behaviors!Although Iâve rarely eaten any plants when I was preparing for a stressful meeting, stress does have a huge impact on us and the way we behave. However, be aware that any plant matter, when consumed, may produce minor gastrointestinal discomfort, vomiting, or diarrhea. âSome people believe that cats will eat plants instinctively if the pet is feeling in ill,â Pressly says. You can find wheatberries at most health food stores. This, in turn, ensures that a catâs internal organs function appropriately. Even though cats are obligate carnivores (meaning they only eat meat) some researchers suggest that eating plant material may provide trace elements or vitamins that may be missing in their diet. As many cat parents suspected, eating plants is an extremely common behavior: Seventy-one percent of the animals were caught in the act at ⦠Cats eating grass and plants is very common, but shouldnât be encouraged. Fresh catnip is another healthy option; the plant is not difficult to grow indoors. In the wild, they may eat plants in addition to meat for the added nutrients or fiber, or maybe they just like the way it tastes. 0 Shares. Artificial plant leaves can provide the same level of stimulation. Of course, if your cat is using the planter as a litter box, you need to diagnose and fix the underlying cause, which could be anything from an insuffficient number of litter boxes to dangerous bladder stones. Be stealthy if you use the latter technique, so that kitty associates the squirt with the act, not with you. Cats can eat all of these ⦠Choosing Safe Indoor Plants Avoid keeping toxic plants in the house. Disclaimer: This website is not intended to replace professional consultation, diagnosis, or treatment by a licensed veterinarian. Sometimes, a cat will eat grass due to stress. I love having plants in the house, particularly succulents, since they are gorgeous and easy to take care of. Why Does My Cat Eat Plants? Your cat may be eating grass and plants because it lacks appropriate nutrition. Crunching down on an insect may have been a pleasant surprise while eating grass. So, it may associate the taste of grass with prey. One is that cats' reactions vary widely. Some plants do contain polyunsaturated fat, though. Cats are not always fulsome about their feelings. If something in the house is making your cat nervous, it may hide outside. About two out of three cats go wild over catnip for its mind-altering properties (which, by the way, decrease the more that a cat is exposed to the plant). Your kitty is naturally a carnivore, surviving off meat in the wild. The texture of a plant may also appeal to a cat. Notice: Ask-a-Vet is an affiliated service for those who wish to speak with a veterinary professional about their pet's specific condition. This involves licking and eating the plant or flower. A lot of people think animals eat grass and plants in order to purge. Induced vomiting will purge the hairball from the cat’s body and it will feel much better afterwards. âThey believe that it helps the pets to vomit and feel better. In this case, that means grass or a bed of plants and flowers. This is known as displacement behavior. if your cat wanders outside, it will eat grass and plants. Although many plants aren't ⦠Chewing on these materials can also become a compulsion. Many pet shops sell cat-safe grazing grass, too. This, too, can provide relief to a feline. Your cat may be drawn to a unique scent or taste within the greenery. Grass and plants can carry a wide range of scents that capture feline attention. Many popular houseplants, such as ivy and philodendron, are poisonous to cats. Keep in mind that cats are true carnivores; they only really need meat-sourced food. Share. Insects are an acquired taste for felines. Although cats are primarily carnivores, in the wild they also nibble on plants, for added nutrients or fiber, or perhaps just because they like the taste. Create an interesting environment, with lots of playtime, to keep your cat from being bored. Initially, a bot will ask questions to determine the general nature of your concern. Cats feel encouraged to eat something that smells good. Grass is typically rich in vitamin A, vitamin D, and chlorophyll. It's a good idea to provide safe plants for your cat to eat, such as pet grass or catnip. Common toxic plants include: As the Journal of the South African Veterinary Association explains, plant poisoning isn’t always fatal. Itâs not just hairballs that could have It creates hemoglobin in the body, a protein that ensures steady blood flow. The only downside to this setup is that the grass usually dies out after a couple of weeks, so you have to replenish often. Some even believe cats eat grass to relieve sore throats. This hiding place will be identified by scent. We tend to believe that nature knows best and that pets will only ever eat plants or foods that they ⦠A cat intrigued by a unique scent will investigate further. That sounds weird for an animal race that is considered to be intelligent. In some cases, it's easiest just to give plants away to someone who doesn't live with a cat (or other animal who needs to be kept away from houseplants). When your cat returns home, keep an eye on it. If your cat shows signs of toxicity, it may have eaten pesticides or herbicides. If a cat eats a mouse, it eats what is inside the mouseâs stomach. For a cat that spends most of his time inside, a plant = grass.He may eat those plants for the same reason that he eats grass.. If they were intelligent enough to connect those dots, they'd be smarter about a lot of other behaviors, too. But young, tender vegetation seems to be their favorite. Its abdomen will feel swollen, and the cat may try and fail to relieve itself. If your cat has a penchant for eating plants, there are steps you can take for keeping cats from spider plants. The simple reason for cats to eat grass, is to be able to vomit. According to The American Journal of Veterinary Research, a lack of folic acid means a low blood cell count. Cats require a meat-rich diet in order to thrive and stay healthy. Previous: Meet Our Veterinary Receptionists Who ⦠Your cat may enjoy chewing the tough material, though. I raised a catnip plant in a community gardern and protected it with a chicken wire cage. Your cat could be stress eating, just like humans can do. Put cat-friendly plants like "kitty grass" in a separate area, such as near the food bowl. Your cat may be drawn to a unique scent or taste within the greenery. But be careful to keep toxic plants out of the home! Clap your hands, say "no" in your moderately-loud "bad kitty" voice, or use a squirt gun. Another option, especially with larger plants, is to keep the plants in a room that is inaccessible to kitty, but this is much easier said than done. Note: lilies with an asterisk (*) after the name are particularly dangerous; they may cause kidney failure in cats. 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