Most Cats Eat Grass Out of Instinct, Not Illness, Large Survey Finds
Introduction
If you’ve ever caught your cat nibbling on your houseplants or the grass in your backyard, you’re not alone. Many cat owners wonder if this behavior signals an upset stomach, a hairball problem, or something more serious. With conflicting advice circulating online, it’s tough to know if you should worry—or just let your cat graze.
A new large-scale study published in Animals (Basel) offers fresh insight into why our feline companions are so drawn to greenery. The findings challenge popular myths and provide practical guidance for cat owners everywhere.
Research Background
For years, many believed cats ate grass to induce vomiting, helping them expel hairballs or relieve digestive discomfort. This “hairball remedy” hypothesis has been widely accepted but rarely put to the test in large studies. As a result, many owners worry when their cats eat plants, fearing it could be a sign of illness.
This new research stands out because it goes beyond anecdote, collecting data from over a thousand cat owners to better understand how, why, and when cats eat plants. The goal: clarify whether plant-eating is a problem, a symptom, or simply a normal part of feline life.
Study Details
Researchers used online surveys to gather information from cat owners about their cats’ plant-eating habits. The study included:
- About 1,500 cat owners participating in two separate surveys
- Cats of various breeds, ages, and coat types
- Questions on frequency, circumstances, and outcomes of plant ingestion
Owners reported on their cats’ behaviors over time, including whether plant-eating was linked to vomiting, illness, or hairball problems.
Key Findings
Primary Results
The study found that plant-eating is widespread and normal in cats. Most owners reported that their cats chewed on grass or houseplants at least occasionally. Importantly, in the majority of cases, cats showed no signs of illness or digestive upset before eating plants.
- Only about 30% of cats regularly vomited after eating plants
- Most plant-eating episodes were not preceded by signs of nausea or discomfort
This suggests that the behavior is not primarily a way for cats to make themselves vomit or to clear hairballs from their digestive tracts.
Secondary Findings
Additional results revealed:
- Young cats—especially juveniles—were the most likely to eat plants frequently
- Short-haired and long-haired cats ate plants at similar rates, indicating that coat type (and thus hairball risk) was not a major factor
- Plant eating appears to be instinctual, possibly tracing back to ancestral wildcat behaviors of consuming roughage for digestive health or parasite control
These findings upend the traditional belief that plant-eating is mainly a hairball remedy or a response to illness.
Implications for Pet Owners
What This Means for You
If your cat enjoys munching on grass or other greenery, there’s usually no cause for concern. Plant-eating is a natural, instinct-driven behavior for most cats—even healthy, happy ones. Owners should focus on making sure their cats only have access to safe, non-toxic plants. Cat grass (such as wheatgrass or oat grass) is a safe option, while many common houseplants (like lilies, philodendrons, and pothos) can be toxic.
Simple steps for cat owners:
- Provide safe greens, like commercially available cat grass kits
- Keep toxic plants out of reach or out of the home entirely
- Observe your cat’s behavior, but don’t panic if they occasionally chew on plants
To further support your cat’s well-being, consider offering high-quality limited ingredient cat food or natural treats that align with their instinctual dietary needs.
When to Consult Your Veterinarian
While plant-eating itself is not a red flag, certain signs should prompt a call to your vet:
- Persistent vomiting, diarrhea, or loss of appetite
- Dramatic changes in behavior or energy level
- Suspected ingestion of a toxic plant (seek immediate veterinary care)
If your cat seems ill before or after eating plants, or if you’re unsure about the safety of your household plants, consult your veterinarian for personalized advice.
Study Limitations
It’s important to note that this study relied on owner-reported surveys, which can be influenced by memory or bias. No veterinary exams or laboratory tests were used to confirm the owners’ observations. The study also couldn’t determine cause and effect, and there were no physiological measurements of the cats’ health before or after plant-eating episodes. More research using direct observation and clinical data would help clarify the full picture.
Bottom Line
The evidence from this large survey is clear: most cats eat grass and other plants out of instinct, not because they’re sick or trying to get rid of hairballs. This behavior is especially common in younger cats and is not linked to coat length or frequent vomiting. For most owners, the best approach is to provide safe, non-toxic greens and to monitor your cat for any signs of genuine illness.
Don’t feel you need to stop your cat from nibbling on grass—just make sure what they’re eating is safe. And remember, if you notice any unusual symptoms or suspect your cat has eaten something toxic, contact your veterinarian right away.
Recommended Products
Based on the research findings discussed in this article, we’ve carefully selected these top-rated products to help you provide safe, healthy options for your cat’s instinctual plant-eating behaviors and overall well-being. These products are chosen for their quality, customer satisfaction, and alignment with the scientific evidence presented.
Natural Balance Limited Ingredient Adult Grain-Free Dry Cat Food, Salmon & Green Pea Recipe
Optimeal Grain-Free Wet Cat Food – Beef & Rabbit Recipe
SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit
Disclosure: We only recommend research-based products that support your pet’s health. As an Amazon Associate, we earn from qualifying purchases at no additional cost to you—helping us fund our mission to provide cutting-edge research to all pet lovers.
Disclaimer
This article summarizes peer-reviewed research for educational purposes. Always consult with your veterinarian for personalized advice about your pet’s health and behavior.
