Why Does My Indoor Cat Keep Eating My Plants?

Although cats are typically thought of as carnivores, some indoor cats like to include some greens in their diet. This means your decorative potted plants, flowers and small trees are at risk of being chewed on. Noshing on plants is relatively normal in felines. According to the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals, up to one in every three house cats enjoys eating leafy greens. There are a few different reasons why cats eat plants, some of which may be caused by an underlying illness.

  1. Changed Eating Habits

    • Cats used to get plant nutrients from inside the stomachs of prey

      Before cats became as frequently domesticated as they are today, felines used to hunt for their meals. The need to survive in the outdoors included eating prey such as mice, rats and birds. These small animals are primarily herbivores, surviving on surrounding plant life. When the cats catch small rodents and birds, any vegetables or plants in the small animal's system will be ingested by the cat. Since indoor cats do not typically hunt for food, their meals are meat-based and contain little or no vegetables. This craving for vegetables may lead to plant nibbling.

    Digestion

    • Oftentimes, cats who sample greenery will end up vomiting on the floor. This is because cats do not possess certain microbes that are required to digest plant cellulose. Outdoor cats get their greens pre-digested in the stomachs of their prey, so their bodies do not have to break down the cellulose. Wheat grass and catnip grass, which are both considered "cat safe," also can cause vomiting. Any time plants or vegetables are ingested by an animal, it may produce vomiting and diarrhea.

    Stomach Discomfort

    • Because many cats associate eating greenery with vomiting, they will often search for plants in the house when they experience stomach aches. Eating plants also acts as a laxative and helps cats expel hairballs. Vomiting helps to alleviate stomach pain or discomfort caused by certain foods or illness. If your cat seems to be in pain and is regularly attacking plant life in your home, bring it to a veterinarian to rule out stomach or digestion problems.

    Pica and Compulsive Disorders

    • Pica causes cats to chew on non-food objects like string

      Pica is a disorder that causes cats to crave non-food objects like string, cardboard or rubber bands. Pica is obviously dangerous, as some items the cat ingests may get caught in the throat and cause blockage in the intestines. Another reason your cat may regularly chew on plants is a compulsive disorder. Some eastern breeds of cats, such as the Siamese, are prone to compulsive disorders that include obsessive sucking or chewing on non-food objects. The ASPCA recommends contacting a board-certified veterinary behaviorist or a certified applied animal behaviorist if your cat suffers from either condition.

    Poisonous Plants

    • Lilies are toxic to cats

      Some house plants like aloe vera, azaleas, baby's breath and lilies are poisonous to cats, causing stomach pain and even death. Before putting plants in your home, make sure to consult the Cat Fancier's Association list of plants that are toxic to cats. Any plants in your home that are toxic should either be removed or placed in areas the cat cannot reach, such as hanging from a ceiling hook. If your cat has eaten a plant and is experiencing abnormal breathing, bloody diarrhea or constant vomiting, bring your cat to the veterinarian immediately. Be sure to bring the plant for identification.