Have you seen your cat munching on grass? Many owners have! Eating grass facilitates cats in many ways, but can cats eat chia grass? With time, research has proven that chia seeds carry tremendous health benefits. When watered, these seeds turn into tasty grass.
Yes, cats can eat chia grass; it is not toxic to them at all. As a result, more and more people are shifting their attention to feeding chia grass to their cat, primarily known for its nutritional value.
However, you must know how to feed chia grass along with its potential side effects.
Is chia grass safe for cats?
Yes, chia grass is not harmful to your cat. In fact, both chia seeds and chia grass are known to carry nutrients and minerals that help improve overall health. With that said, chia grass plays an important role in boosting your cat’s immune and digestive system along with the eyes, bones, and fur.
However, on the other hand, depending on the breed of the cat, your feline may or may not experience allergic reactions. Before offering anything out of the usual, it should be made sure that your cat does not suffer from any underlying conditions or reacts to certain food items.
Plus, you should keep a close eye on your pet so that in case a serious reaction is to take place, you can immediately take it to a vet. In most cases, cats tend to vomit if they consume something they are not able to digest. According to a study, around 25% of cats occasionally vomit after eating grass.
That does not mean chia grass is poisonous or toxic. After one or two vomiting spells, your cat should be fine. Plus, cats are more vulnerable to allergic reactions in the spring and summer months. If that is the case with your pet as well, do not feed it chia grass during this time period.
What is the recommended chia seed intake for cats?
When it comes to feeding chia grass to your cat, you should consider the weight. You should offer ¼ teaspoon of chia seed for every 10 pounds of cat weight as a general rule. Make sure that you do not offer in excess.
Meanwhile, your cat’s recommended chia grass intake is more or less the same. You should prepare the same amount as chia seeds, i.e., ¼ teaspoon for every 10 pounds of cat weight, and turn them into chia grass to feed to your cat.
In addition to that, there are several different ways of offering chia grass to your cat. Some people tend to mix the seed and milk, while others grind them and mix with the regular cat food.
Why do cats eat chia grass?
If you observe that your cat regularly eats chia grass, there is no need to be concerned. Experts believe that cats like chia grass due to its texture and taste. It might also be that your cat is trying to boost its vitamin levels. Chia grass contains folic acid that helps oxygen move around the body as well.
Plus, cats may also eat chia grass when they have a sore throat. In fact, some people believe that cats also eat chia grass to induce vomiting if something has caused a stomach upset.
In addition to that, since most cats feed on birds and mice etc., the feathers, fur, and bones may not easily pass down to their digestive system. Therefore, the grass serves as a laxative. Since cats do not have enzymes that help break down grass, it is only logical that they will eat chia grass to induce vomiting.
With that said, if your cat is eating chia grass, the chances are that it is trying to get rid of the indigestible materials. However, if it has become a regular habit, you should consult a vet.
What happens if a cat eats too much chia grass?
At most, chia grass can lead to vomiting. But if your cat was to eat an excess of it, it can lead to diarrhea. Even though chia grass has several benefits to offer, it can easily backfire upon eating too much. If your cat catches diarrhea, you should stop it from having chia grass and provide water to prevent dehydration.
At the same time, eating too much chia grass keeps your cat from other essential nutrients as well. The reason is that since chia grass is not digestible for cats, they will not receive the same amount of nutrients and vitamins, which are otherwise present in food items.
In addition to that, while serving chia seeds to your cat, you should be extremely careful. Water-soaked chia seeds expand rapidly and turn into a gel-like substance even though it is rare but may turn into a blockage in your cat’s digestive system.
Are cats allergic to chia grass?
Cats are rarely allergic to chia grass. If your cat suffers from allergic reactions, you should be on the lookout in the spring and summer seasons. This is when pollination takes place, and your cat might catch a grass allergy or hay fever as a result.
With that said, it is highly unlikely that your cat experiences allergic reactions to homegrown chia grass. But if your cat already experiences allergic reactions in the spring and summer seasons, you should avoid feeding it grass.
The allergic reaction takes place due to the pollen making its way inside the cat’s nose. As a result, the body identifies itself as a foreign object and reacts.
Related FAQs to cats and grass!
Should cats eat plants?
Yes, cats can eat plants; it’s normal if your cat is doing so.
Cats are carnivores, meaning that they feed on meat. If your cat has developed a taste of chia grass or seeds, you should not panic. However, you should be cautious of it snacking on other types of grass and plants. You need to make sure that they are non-toxic and do not raise health concerns.
For instance, lilies tend to be popular houseplants but can cause mild to severe reactions in cats. If your cat ingests a poisonous plant, you should immediately take it to a vet instead of waiting for it to vomit.
Can cats eat any type of grass?
No, cats cannot eat every type of grass. Some types are so poisonous that they can cause death in a few hours. For instance, arrowgrass is amongst the most poisonous types out there, which can cause rapid breathing, salivation, or even loss of life.
Then, there is tall fescue or switchgrass, which happens to be poisonous to cattle and horses but not cats. However, your cat should still avoid it to prevent mild to severe side effects.
What grasses are safe for cats?
Grasses such as cat thyme, catnip, lemongrass, mint, oat, wheat, and barley grasses tend to be the safest for your cat. You can grow these types in your home and offer them in moderation.
Concluding our thoughts on whether cats can eat chia grass
Chia seeds and grass are proven sources of essential vitamins and nutrients. However, excess of everything is bad, and the same goes for chia grass. Make sure that you learn and look into every food you offer to your cat to prevent serious complications down the road.
