{"id":2213,"date":"2018-08-28T12:36:11","date_gmt":"2018-08-28T11:36:11","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/blog\/?p=2213"},"modified":"2018-08-28T12:36:11","modified_gmt":"2018-08-28T11:36:11","slug":"my-cat-is-chewing-on-my-plants-should-i-be-worried","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/gardenadvice.co.uk\/newsandarticles\/my-cat-is-chewing-on-my-plants-should-i-be-worried\/","title":{"rendered":"My Cat is Chewing on My Plants! Should I Be Worried?"},"content":{"rendered":"

 
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\nBeing one of the deadliest hunters on earth, it\u2019s no secret that cats mainly munch on meat. But what most people don\u2019t know about these magnificent creatures is that they also enjoy feasting on some greens from time to time. <\/span>
\nIf you accidentally catch your feline pet ravaging the plants in your garden, cast all your worries away because this seems to be a common thing among cats. Yes, even the disgusting grass puke that follows such an act is unexplainably normal. <\/span>
\nWhile experts are yet to determine the reason for cats\u2019 uncharacteristic chewing of plants, many theories have been formulated as to why they exhibit this particular behavior.<\/span>
\nNutrient Deficiency<\/b>
\nAs one of the true carnivores, cats are designed to digest large amounts of protein in a single feeding. However, just like humans, they also tend to seek what they lack \u2013 including some nutrients that are deficient in their system.<\/span>
\nOne of the most common beliefs as to why cats eat plants, especially grass, is because they contain a variety of nutrients including folic acid which helps produce hemoglobin in the blood and an essential vitamin<\/a> that helps with many bodily functions. <\/span>
\nMany plants also contain vitamins A and D as well as niacin. The chlorophyll in plants also helps in oxygenating the blood.<\/span>
\nVomit Reflex Trigger<\/b>
\nAnother possible reason why cats ingest grass and various other plants is to trigger their vomit reflex. When cats groom themselves, the hook-like structures in their tongues enable them to comb their fur and dislodge hair. <\/span>
\nUnfortunately, they also often ingest some of the hair. While hair mostly passes through a cat\u2019s system, there are also quite a lot that remains stuck in the stomach causing the formation of a hairball.<\/span>
\nFurthermore, cats are known to eat their prey as they are \u2013 fur, feathers, and bones included. Because of this, they<\/span> aren\u2019t able to fully digest all the parts of their food<\/span><\/a>, hence the need to expel said remains from their bodies.<\/span>
\nBy ingesting grass and other plants, cats are able to trigger their vomit reflex and expel the hairball or whatever remains in their system. The whole process may be unbearable but the comfort and relief the act provides cats afterward are definitely worth the effort.<\/span>
\nStress & Anxiety<\/b>
\nSince cats do not naturally eat plants, the very act itself may be a sign of anxiety or stress. When cats feel anxious or stressed, they may exhibit bouts of stress eating as a way to relieve themselves. It just so happened that plants are one of the easiest to munch on due to your cats\u2019 ease of access to your garden.<\/span>
\nPlant-eating caused by stress and anxiety usually comes with other behavioral signs such as the distancing of the cat from its owner and aggressive behavior. When you notice these signs, you should immediately consult your vet or an animal behaviorist to determine the root cause of these problems.<\/span>
\nIs It Harmful?<\/b>
\nWhen it comes to eating grass, the act itself is not normally harmful to cats. But, there are some plants that <\/span>can be toxic to cats<\/span><\/a>.<\/span>
\nPlants like daffodils, tulips, and sweet peas are highly poisonous to cats. Azaleas, chrysanthemums, and lilies also have the same unfortunate effects on your feline pets so it would definitely be wise to keep your cat away from them.<\/span>
\nAlong with knowing your plants, you should also know which ones could potentially kill your cat. What\u2019s more is that the pesticides and insecticides you use on your plants can also prove fatal to cats which is why you should take the necessary steps to keep your garden and your pet safe.<\/span>
\nKeeping Your Cat Away From Your Plants<\/b>
\nWhile you can decide to place safe plants only inside your house, the outdoors is something you have less control of. Since cats are curious and playful by nature, you can\u2019t really keep them away from the great outdoors and all the risks that the outside world brings. But there are ways you can use to<\/span> deter your furry pet away from your plants.<\/span><\/p>\n