Do you let your indoor cat go outside? If so, you may have noticed that they love to nibble on grass. But does that mean they should eat it? Turns out, there is no definitive answer — some vets say it’s good for them, others say it’s not.

So what should you do? Keep reading to find out more about the pros and cons of allowing your indoor cat to eat grass.

Grass helps with stomach upset and functions as a natural laxative because they still need help digesting their food properly. The grass is probably the closest thing to a natural laxative for cats. It contains folic acid, which helps with digestion, and it also helps to bulk up the stool. Grass juice also contains chlorophyll, which is a natural detoxifier.

Chlorophyll can help to remove toxins from the body and improve liver function because is a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are important for a healthy immune system.

There are many animals you may expect to see eating grass – cows, sheep, even horses; but you might not expect to see your indoor cat doing it! It may be unusual, and you may be wondering – should I be worried about this? 

Do Cats Eat Grass When They Have Worms? 

One theory that many people have is that eating grass is a sign of cat health problems; if you see them eating grass, does that mean your indoor cat has worms?

The answer can be yes, but it can also be no. 

 There are actually many reasons a cat could be eating grass, and they are not all negative. 

• Grass can act as a natural laxative. The rough nature of grass helps your pet to clean out its digestive tract. When a cat grooms itself, it swallows a lot of its own hair. Some come up in hairballs, but some go farther into the digestive system. The roughage provided by the grass actually helps the cat move the hair through better. 
  
• Grass contains folic acid, which helps with your indoor pet’s hemoglobin. This will actually help your cat have better-oxygenated blood and can be beneficial for their overall health. Just like humans need their greens to be healthy, cats do, too! 
  
• Grass can help get rid of other non-digestible items, too. Cats do not have the enzymes that are needed to digest vegetable matter; when they eat grass, it stays pretty much intact the way they swallow it.
  If your pet has eaten small prey, they may have things in their stomach that also do not digest, like fur. The grass can help to bind those things in their stomach and allow them to throw them up. 
  
• Yes, grass can help with worms and parasites. Much like with the fur or hair, the grass wraps around the worm or parasite and the cat can then either throw them up or expel them as poop. 

So, while it could mean your indoor cat is having a health issue, it is not the only reason a cat is eating grass. 

Should I Be Worried If My Cat Is Eating Grass?

Eating grass may be an indicator of a health issue, but try to observe other things that may help you decide whether or not to schedule a vet appointment. 

• If your cat is eating grass and then throwing up afterward several times, try to determine if there looks to be anything suspicious they are throwing up. It may just be hairballs, but if it looks worrisome to you, then calling your vet may be a good choice. 
• If your cat has multiple episodes of diarrhea afterward, it could possibly be a sign of worms or a parasite. Once again, if you feel like it looks worrisome, it may help to call the vet for guidance. 

However, eating grass itself is not a cause for concern. 

If your indoor pet has been practicing their hunting skills, they may have caught and eaten some sort of small prey – a bird or a mouse, perhaps. The grass may be helping your pet to get rid of the parts of the prey it cannot digest, like:

• Fur,
• Feathers,
• Beaks,
• Bones.

Some cats also just like the taste of grass! Even the pickiest eater eats salad sometimes, and cats are the same way. It is totally possible to have a cat that just likes to snack on greenery, and as long as it is safe, fresh grass, that is ok!

Should I Stop My Cat From Eating Grass?

The simple answer is no, but sometimes yes. 

Eating grass itself is not harmful to cats – even indoor pets. It in fact can have many positive benefits, like acting as natural roughage and providing vitamins they may need. However, you should be aware of what grass your cat is eating. 

If you treDaiat your lawn with any kind of pesticide, please be sure that it clearly states it is not harmful to pets. Even more natural herbicides can be toxic to animals so it is necessary to know what is on your grass. 

Any products containing specific products like Deet or metaldehydein are dangerous for animals; make sure you are doing what you can to keep them away from your pet. It is a safe practice to check any chemical you would be using in or around your home for toxicity to animals; if you cannot find the information on the package, a quick internet search with help. 

It is also a good idea to be aware of the other types of plants in your house. Though grass is not toxic, many plants that people like to keep indoors actually are dangerous to cats. These include things like:

• Lilies
• Daffodils or Jonquils
• Daisies
• Ferns
• Eucalyptus
• Hostas
• Snake Plants
• Rubber Plants

There are many others. If you have these plants, consider moving them to a location in your home where your cats do not go. You may also be able to use cat deterrents to keep your cats away from them. 

Many pet stores sell deterrents that can be sprayed or placed in your plant pots, but there are also some items around your house that may work. Cats do not generally like the smell of these things, so they can often keep them away from the area. These things can include:

• coffee grounds
• citrus peels
• eucalyptus
• cayenne pepper

Of course, cats also do not usually like being sprayed with water. Outdoor plants could be protected with a motion-activated sprinkler, and indoor plants with a spray bottle or squirt gun filled with water. 

If you are concerned your cat is trying to snack on the toxic plants, you may want to try some of those options!

So can cats eat grass everyday?

Yes, if your cat is one that has a taste for grass, it is okay that they like to eat it. If you want to be sure it is safe, fresh grass, consider growing a small cat patch in your home. This can be even just a small flower pot with cat-safe grass growing in your home. 

Many pet stores carry options, and they are often small enough to fit even into a small apartment. It is attractive for your home and good for your pet. 

In the long run, if you see something that worries you, check with your vet. While it is safe for cats to eat grass, if they are eating it and then throwing up or having diarrhea repeatedly, call your vet’s office to be sure. 

Otherwise, happy snacking!