Why Do Cats Eat Bird Seed?

Strange eating habits are quite common in cats, but it is important to investigate the causes of this behavior. If your cat eats odd items such as bird seed, it could be the symptom of an eating disorder.

  1. Associations

    • If your cat eats bird seed only occasionally, it may simply be waiting for birds and other animals, such as squirrels, who would be interested in the seed. Keep track of how frequently it eats the bird seed and how much it consumes. Sporadic nibbling is unlikely to be harmful, while consistent ingestion may be a symptom that something is wrong.

    Grass

    • If you scatter bird seed on your lawn, or some of the bird seed has sat around uneaten for long enough that it has begun to sprout, your cat might be interested in eating not the bird seed, but the grass sprouting from and around it. Cats often eat grass to help them pass fur balls and other indigestible matter through their digestive systems.

    Pica

    • Pica is an eating disorder defined as the act of eating non-food items. There can be many reasons for this behavior, from a dietary deficiency to parasites or anemia. This can cause intestinal blockage and lead to serious health problems for your cat. If your cat eats bird seed and similar non-food items frequently and consistently, you should consult your veterinarian.