Why does my cat eat grass and plants? Is it a sign of illness?

Some cats may eat grass to settle an upset stomach or to self induce vomiting. Cats will also eat grass due to boredom or simply because it tastes good. As long as Kitty is behaving normally, there is likely no cause for concern.

It is normal for cats and dogs to chew plants occasionally but If this is new for Honey and started suddenly, it could indicate nausea. Watch for other signs including loss of appetite, vomiting, or weight loss. If you see any of these, head to your vet as soon as possible. Of course also remember that it’s getting warm out and that this could be related to increase shedding and hairballs. Best of luck to you and Honey!

You are welcome! Some dogs just like the taste! This is pretty common. It doesn’t necessarily mean a deficiency in diet. I remember you from other questions about Chloe, and recall you are very on to it with her nutrition, so I don’t think that’s the case here. Sometimes dogs can eat grass due to nausea, but you’d like see other signs of stomach upset with that like drooling and a loss of appetite. I suspect she likes the taste. It’s not harmful as long as there are no pesticides on the grass.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While we do not know why some dogs do this (my own dogs included), there may be several plausible reasons. They may eat it because it tastes good, out of boredom or even to make themselves vomit if they aren't feeling well. It is best to avoid this as much as possible. The reason is that the grass during the spring and summer can be sprayed with pesticides which can be quite toxic to dogs. My own theory is that one possible reason they seem to eat it is because of stuff sprayed on them like pesticides which may have a flavor they enjoy. Good luck and have a great day!

Pets will eat grass when they are either bored or have an upset stomach. By eating the grass it will tickle their throat on the way down and usually cause them to vomit up whatever is upsetting their stomach. If Riley isn't vomiting or has a decreased appetite, then he is likely just bored. I would however refrain him from eating grass, to prevent him from having any vomiting episodes. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach, and I hope that Riley continues to do well. Best wishes and take care.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Actually, most dogs that eat plants, grass or dirt do not do it because of a lack of minerals, vitamins or any other essential ingredients. With that in mind, while vitamins are not going to hurt, he may not really need them. In most cases, we never find out why they eat plants. I encourage avoiding this behavior as sometimes they do this because the grass or plant has been sprayed with chemicals that sometimes have a smell/taste to them which is a reason why they may do it. I would discourage this behavior as much as possible and if he is already eating a complete and balanced diet, there is no need to add vitamins or minerals of any sort. I would also avoid Blu from eating this plant as sometimes it can actually have a toxic effect causing gastrointestinal upset including vomiting and diarrhea and can even be more toxic when large amounts are ingested. Good luck and have a great day!

Grass is good for cats. It helps break down their food and therefore helps cats that vomit frequently due to a sensitive stomach or IBD (inflammatory bowel disease). However if Luna doesn't like to eat the grass, then unfortunately there aren't many options to get her to like it. As an alternative you can offer her an easily digestible diet once she is an adult cat (over the age of 1). I would recommend some good high quality brands such as Royal Canin Gastrointestinal high fiber, Limited ingredient Natural Balance or even Wellness no grain, if she develops any kind of stomach issues in the future.