Do Cats Eat Plants Other Than Grass?

A curious kitty will chew on anything in front of him. A little extracurricular landscaping won't hurt a cat who sticks to ordinary grass, but not all plants are kitty-approved. Before you let your cat have access to any plants, make sure they're nontoxic in case he thinks your decorative flowers are his buffet.

  1. Roughage

    • Cats don̵7;t need veggies. They are obligate carnivores, meaning their nutrition requirements are entirely met by animal products. But sometimes they seek out green leafy snacks anyway. If your kitty regularly chomps down on houseplants, he could be bored with his environment and looking for a toy, or aiming to attract some attention from you. Some cats, living up to their stereotypical curiosity, simply choose to explore unfamiliar items by attempting to eat them. Cats also turn to plants as digestive aids, evidenced by the half-digested plant matter occasionally regurgitated on the living room rug. The fiber in plant material helps cats loosen hairballs and ease upset stomachs. In reasonable quantities, plant consumption aids kitty̵7;s digestive system and even keeps him entertained.

    The Good

    • Catnip's euphoric effects come from inhaling its scent, but some cats eat it. Catnip and grasses -- including outdoor grass free of pesticides, wheat grass and other grass sold specifically for cats -- are safe for cats to consume. If your cat shows an affinity for another type of plant, consult your veterinarian or the ASPCA to make sure it's safe, and watch for drooling or breathing problems to be sure.

    The Bad

    • Quite a few common plants are harmful, or even deadly, to cats. Lilies are particularly toxic and can cause lasting health problems even if the cat gets to a vet quickly after ingesting them. Chrysanthemums, azaleas, tulip bulbs and English ivy are among other commonplace plants considered toxic for cats. Some plants edible to people, such as Spanish thyme or even marijuana, cause severe illness to their feline counterparts. Keep all toxic plants, and those you aren't absolutely sure are safe, out of your cat̵7;s reach to prevent any accidents.

    Chew-Proofing

    • If you̵7;d like to keep nontoxic houseplants, and without teeth marks, you have a few options for keeping your cat away. Placing mothballs in the planter should convince him to steer clear. If he seems curious about plants in general, offer lightly steamed vegetables such as broccoli or green beans to sate his craving for a fibrous crunch. Citrus repellent spray, sold at pet stores, will leave a bad taste in his mouth to prevent recurrent chewing. You can also get him his own cat-approved plant, placed in a readily accessible place, to make him less likely to seek out your other houseplants.