![]() As always, cat owners should consult with their veterinarian if they are concerned about nutritional deficiencies in their cat’s diet. Ultimately, the decision to introduce cat grass to a feline friend is up to their owner. It is important to keep those plants out of reach of any pets.” “The bigger concern would be if a cat or other animal confused cat grass with other plants in the home that are potentially toxic. “It is not likely that cat grass would be a problem for other animals in the household,” Teller said. Owners residing in multiple-pet households can also be assured that cat grass is likely a safe addition to their home. “While it would not be dangerous to have the cat grass freely available, if a cat seems to eat it voraciously, then it may be worth consulting with a veterinarian to determine if the cat’s diet is meeting all of its nutritional needs.” “For outdoor cats, homegrown cat grass will be safer than what they may nibble on outside because those plants may have been exposed to chemicals or water contaminated with bacteria that may cause disease,” Teller said. Teller also advises that owners shouldn’t be nervous about introducing cat grass to their pet’s environment, even if it something their pet hasn’t yet encountered. It is also thought that the chlorophyll contained in the grass could serve as a mild pain reliever and help keep the cat’s breath fresh.” ![]() “When cats lived in the wild, they may have eaten grass to trigger vomiting to rid their stomachs of the non-digestible parts of the prey they ingested. “One theory is that cat grass is a source of fiber that can either act as a mild laxative or trigger vomiting,” Teller said. Though veterinarians have yet to come to a consensus on one definitive answer, several theories exist. The reasons cats seek out such grass are still unclear. In some cases, it may provide some micronutrients, such as vitamins A and D.” “Especially for indoor cats, it can be a source of environmental enrichment. “Cat grass is not a required part of a cat’s diet if the food they are eating is well-balanced, but it is something that many cats enjoy,” Teller said. Most owners don’t need to rush to the store to purchase this grass for their pet, however, as it is not always necessary to complete their diet. ![]() “Cat owners can buy kits at many stores to grow cat grass for their kitties.” “Cat grass isn’t any one type of grass but can be a combination of grasses, such as rye, barley, oat, and wheat,” Teller said. Lori Teller, a clinical associate professor at the Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine & Biomedical Sciences, discusses the basics of cat grass that every cat owner should know.
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