Scooping litter is not the most exciting activity, but it can tell you a lot about your cat’s health. Have you noticed grass in your cat’s poop recently? Are you wondering if this is normal?
Most of the time, it is normal. The grass is indigestible for cats. If you see grass in your cat’s poop, this could be a sign of constipation or stomach trouble.
Cats eat grass to help with digestive troubles. They also eat grass for nutrients they may not be getting from their diet.
If you are worried your cat may have stomach issues, read on to find out more!
Why is your cat pooping grass? (5 reasons)
#1 Cats cannot digest vegetation.
Cats poop grass because they do not have the enzymes to break down vegetation. They will also sometimes vomit grass for this reason.
Cats are true carnivores, which means they need meat to survive.
Since meat is supposed to be their primary meal, their bodies cannot break down plant proteins the same way they break down animal proteins.
#2 Your cat is trying to remedy stomach discomfort.
If you see grass in cat poop, your cat is probably eating a lot of grass. Cats eat grass to alleviate stomach discomfort.
Cats know that eating grass will help pass along anything stuck in their digestive tract.
Furballs are often dispelled through vomiting, but sometimes they move into the intestines. When this happens, cats use grass like a laxative.
Cats also eat grass when constipated. They don’t usually advertise their illnesses. So, you can tell your cat is constipated if she strains at the litter box and nothing comes out.
If you see grass, then your cat has naturally treated this issue.
#3 Your cat may need better cat food.
Cats also poop grass because they eat grass to get nutrients. Grass can provide cats with folic acid. Folic acid helps your cat to absorb the vitamins she needs.
If she is eating grass a lot, she may be lacking some of the nutrients she needs in her diet.
In the wild, cats would get all their nutrients from the prey they killed. In the home, kibble and wet foods should provide these same nutrients.
Cats need high protein diets. They can tolerate some grains and vegetation but need foods high in animal protein.
#4 Your cat may have food sensitivities.
Your cat may be pooping grass because she is eating grass to calm her upset stomach. In fact, it may be her cat food causing her stomach to hurt.
Cats can develop allergies to typical cat foods. Most kibbles have a lot of plant proteins in them. Even cats who have eaten the same kibble for years can develop sensitivities.
Some ingredients in cat foods trigger sensitivities more than others. The most common ingredient sensitivities are corn and chicken.
Cats can develop irritable bowel syndrome (IBS). This sensitivity to ingredients in cat food causes your cat to have trouble with digestion.
When they have IBS, they may be eating grass to relieve the nausea they may feel.
#5 Your cat may like the taste of grass.
Some cats like to nibble on grass for the taste. They don’t really have a reason for it. They just like it. This causes them to poop grass.
This is not a cause for concern on its own, but it is crucial to ensure they don’t have any underlying problems. Also, make sure the grass they are eating is safe for them.
Cats will nibble on grass here and there. Some cats simply like the taste. It is not a cause for concern unless your cat does it often, which probably points to other stomach issues.
What should I do if I see grass in my cat’s poop? (5 tips)
Tip 1: Provide alternatives.
You may want your cat to stop pooping grass, especially given the fact there are chemicals on many lawns. Try giving her an alternative to help her stay away from the grass outside.
Cat grass is an easy plant to grow in the home. Contrary to popular belief, it is not the same as catnip.
Cat grass is usually a mix of rye, barley, oat, and wheat grasses. Alfalfa grass is an excellent choice because it contains a lot of nutrients that cats need.
You can grow these grasses in a shallow dirt with growing medium. Remember to water it regularly and ensure your cat doesn’t start nibbling on it until it is well established.
Tip 2: Give your cat special cat food for digestive troubles.
There are many special diet cat foods available now. Cats with IBS or other food sensitivities benefit from a limited ingredient diet.
You can also mix up your own cat food or try a raw food diet to help your cat.
Senior cats may be especially sensitive to foods they used to tolerate well. It is essential to find them easily digestible food as they age.
Many formulas of kibble and sensitive cat foods are available for senior cats.
Tip 3: Give your cat furball medications
If your cat is pooping grass, she may have a furball lodged in her intestines. Cats are usually pretty good about getting hairballs out through vomiting.
Yet, sometimes they get stuck in the digestive tract.
If your cat eats grass regularly, you may want to add furball medications to her routine. She may need a little extra help getting her furballs dislodged.
Cats who frequently groom themselves or other cats are especially prone to hairballs.
Tip 4: Keep your cat inside for a while.
If the grass in your cat’s poop concerns you, you can keep her inside.
Then, you can observe her behaviors and see if anything is troubling her. She may enjoy nibbling grass with no other real explanation.
After a few days of keeping her indoors, you shouldn’t see grass in the poop any longer. If you do, you may want to check any indoor plants for bite marks.
She may be getting into indoor vegetation, which can be very dangerous. Many indoor plants are toxic to cats.
She may also be getting into decorations inside the home. Many fake trees and foliage have removable leaves and needles. In poop, these can resemble grass.
Cats enjoy chewing on these. They can get trapped in your cat’s digestive system. If you find this is the case, you will want to put away any decorations your cat may be getting into.
Tip 5: Make sure nearby grass doesn’t have chemicals.
If you notice grass in your cat’s poop, it’s important to ensure she isn’t ingesting harmful chemicals.
Many people treat their lawns with fertilizers, bug sprays, and other chemicals. Many of these chemicals are harmful to pets.
Even if you don’t treat your lawn with these harmful chemicals, your neighbors might. It is best to keep your cat from eating grass as much as possible for this reason.
When to take your cat to the vet.?
Your cat is pooping grass often.
If your cat is pooping grass all the time, that means she is eating grass often.
This could mean your cat is suffering from frequent indigestion, stomach pain, nausea, or constipation.
Your cat may need to see a vet to determine the problem. Your vet should be able to help you treat your cat properly.
There is blood along with the grass in the stool.
If your cat has blood in the stool along with the grass, she may have an infection, parasites, or even cancer. Vets will diagnose and treat your pet accordingly.
For example, infections will need antibiotics. The vet can also conduct tests to check for parasites or masses.
It is always concerning to see blood in your cat’s stool, but not all blood in the stool is dangerous. Sometimes blood in your cat’s stool simply means your cat was constipated.
If you see the grass in her poop, she may have finally been able to pass a difficult bowel movement.
You suspect your cat has ingested something toxic.
Whether it be chemical-soaked grass or toxic indoor plants, you should see a vet if your cat starts acting differently.
Your cat will be lethargic, drool, and/or vomit after you see grass in her poop if she has eaten something she shouldn’t have. If this is the case, she needs to go to the vet.
If you know what plant or chemical caused the issues, let your vet know so that he can better treat your cat.
Conclusion
If you see grass in your cat’s poop, this is not generally a sign of trouble. Cats use grass as a natural laxative to supplement nutrients and relieve stomach discomfort.
However, if your cat poops grass frequently, she may have underlying problems. It is also vital to ensure the grass your cat is eating is chemical free.