In homes with cats, the survival of indoor greenery is often at risk as our feline friends delight in gnawing, scratching or pawing at houseplants. It may be a craving for fiber, an appealing scent or perhaps just boredom, but cats have a thing for plants.

Do indoor cats need plants?

Like their human counterparts, cats don’t mind staying indoors. But cats still need the outdoors, particularly luscious green grass. Cats are carnivores, but need to eat some greens to provide roughage and vitamins.

Are plants good for cats?

Although your plants may be safe for cats from a toxicity standpoint, your feline may consume enough of a leaf to cause an upset stomach. Depending on the leaf’s shape and how much they eat, there’s a risk of a possible gastrointestinal obstruction or even a foreign body in their nose.

Why do cats need plants?

Cats eat plants or grass, although being primary carnivores, for a wide range of reasons. One reason why indoor cats nibble, chew, or eat grass and plants is that it is a behavior that they depict in the wild as well. In doing so, it is believed that these felines get the fiber and nutrients that they need.

Do cats need plants in their diet?

The bottom line is that because cats are obligate carnivores, their gastrointestinal tracts and metabolism have adapted to eating meat. They can’t digest plant material well, and they require essential nutrients that only meat can provide to them.

Do indoor cats need grass to eat?

“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. “Especially for indoor cats, it can be a source of environmental enrichment. In some cases, it may provide some micronutrients, such as vitamins A and D.”