By nature: A born carnivore with refined taste buds who won’t touch any pouch. Secretly? A foodie with a soft spot for juicy blades of cat grass and a suspicious taste-tester of your ferns. Because that’s how cats roll – when the mood strikes, they’ll gladly munch on some greens. But why do they do it? And is every type of grass safe for your cat? Grab your gardening gloves, fabCats – let’s dig into it.

Meat for dinner, greens for digestion

Cats’ dietary needs are based entirely on animal products. Their digestive systems are made to extract everything they need from meat. Plant-based food? Only in trace amounts – usually what’s left in the stomach of their prey. So no, salads and veggie diets are not their thing – in fact, if served solely, they’re a fast track to malnutrition. Still, put a pot of fresh, green, juicy grass in front of some cats, and they won’t be able to resist. 

Why? Chewing grass (or other plants) is an instinct that helps cats digest and pass hairballs and other blockages from the digestive tract. That’s why it’s worth making sure your cat has regular access to some cat-safe greens – you can grow them in a pot and treat them like another houseplant. If your cat throws up after eating grass, don’t panic. It’s often just part of the process. Of course, grass can also pass through the other end, depending on the situation. However, if vomiting happens frequently, your cat seems tired, lacks energy, or is suddenly trying to eat every plant in sight, definitely check in with your vet. It might be a sign of something more serious.

Boredom-busting or curiosity?

You read that right, fabCat – some cats nibble on grass or houseplants simply out of curiosity or boredom. So: rule number one – check every plant you keep at home to make sure it’s cat-safe. You can use resources like the ASPCA’s list, or cross-check trusted sites (always use more than one!). And if you’re planning to build a true indoor green paradise, we recommend the book Kocia Dżungla by Małgorzata Karczewska (Polish only, but fab inspiration nonetheless!). That way, no matter what plant your kitty decides to sneak up on, you’ll know they’re safe.

Is all “grass” safe for cats?

The word grass actually covers a whole range of plants, and most of them are safe for cats. If you don’t use any chemicals or pesticides in your yard, you can confidently let your cat roam the lawn. But heads up: weeds and wildflowers often hide in the grass, and some of them can be harmful. If something looks suspicious, snap a photo and consult Google (or your vet). Better safe than sorry.

If you don’t have outdoor space or prefer not to risk it, go for indoor greens: grab a pot and sow barley, oats, wheat, rye, or pre-mixed “cat grass” blends. They’re quick to grow and low-maintenance, so your cat can enjoy their greens year-round.

And what about other plants? This brings us back to the safety list, because a surprisingly large number of popular houseplants are toxic to cats. Even small amounts of some can cause serious harm. Avoid plants like lilies, monstera, philodendrons, peace lilies, ficus, and aloe vera. If you already have them, keep them well out of reach, like inside a closed glass terrarium or on high, inaccessible shelves.

Your fabCat recap:

What’s the main takeaway from today’s article? That grass is a natural part of your cat’s behavior, helping them with digestion and hairball control. But not all greens are created equal – and as a fabCat, your job is to make sure your cat only munches on the safe stuff. Stick with barley, oats, wheat – cats love them. Decorative houseplants? Always double-check. If your kitty gets into a toxic one, you might have very little time to act.

How about you, fabCats? Do you keep a pot of cat grass on hand, or have you built your cat a whole green oasis at home? Share your jungle stories in the comments!