Do you think cat grass is OK to give to cats?

[CJ2008]

I know the common advice out there is that it's OK - and even healthy - to give cats grass to chew on.

Anybody have a different opinion?

I'm seriously considering it getting it for my male cat - who eats fabric and plastic and cords.

I'm trying different many things to see if we could keep it under control (vet thinks it's behavioral and not a vitamin deficiency, although we have not run tests). And one of those ideas / recommendations is cat grass.

Do any of you know of any potential reasons to not give grass, or any negative experiences (positive ones too, I guess).

 

[Matata]

Plant a combo of wheat grass, rye, oat and barley. You can use a pot. I bought a cheap cement mixing tub at Home Depot, filled it with soil and planted the grass in that so my cats would have something green to sit in on their catio. Cats will eat grass to help with things such as stomach upset, constipation, to clear out parasites. Sometimes it comes out their back end and sometimes they barf it back up.

Another thing to try is adding small chunks of raw chicken and raw beef to whatever you feed him. Maybe he just needs something chunkier to chew, even if he's on kibble. Or try to get him interested in a toy that occupies his mind such as a kong toy.

Other things that can cause inappropriate chewing/eating are boredom, genetic predisposition, a medical condition, compulsive disorder and pica.

 

[CJ2008]

Thanks Matata - I'll look into those grass types (I'm assuming that's what they are.)

He's not on kibble - he's mostly on a wet food diet - but I've been giving him some dry snacks that I put into a "puzzle" bowl so he has to dig them out. I've given him some pumpkin, too...although I didn't do it long enough to see if there was a difference. I also sometimes make him search for his food and water...

I've also read about a high-fiber low-calorie diet, so he gets to eat more quantity and keep him occupied - I'll see what my vet thinks of that...and I'll also look into the raw chicken and beef (does it need to be washed/rinsed first? does it what kind of chicken or beef?)

Ever since we found him he had a "thing" with eating/chewing shoe laces...it progressed to fabric and plastic...certain types of cardboard, too...

 

[mochiko42]

My cats love the cat grass. I usually just get wheat berries and grow them into wheatgrass but a blend of grasses like what Matata suggested would work too.

 

[Matata]

I've also read about a high-fiber low-calorie diet, so he gets to eat more quantity and keep him occupied

Noooooooo please don't do that. Cats are obligate carnivores. High fiber is not what they need and filling him with inappropriate nutrition so he eats longer to keep him occupied is not the answer. Huge health problems could follow. Why are you feeding him pumpkin? Usually that's fed if a cat is constipated.

If he was weaned too early, that could also be the reason for the chewing. There's a chance that you won't be able to stop the behavior and will have to be diligent about redirecting him when he goes after something he shouldn't.

As far as adding raw chunks to his canned, just buy what's in your budget. Choose chicken thighs or legs, not breasts. Dark meat has higher amounts of taurine which cats need. It might take him some time to adapt to the raw so add just a few 1/2" chunks to his meals until he starts to get used to it. Maybe just throw a chicken leg or thigh on the floor and see if he goes for it. Gnawing on a raw meaty bone might help. Cornish game hens have small edible bones also.

A great source of info re: nutrition for cats http://www.catinfo.org/

 

[simurgh]

Cat grass can be a generic term for a variety if grasses, all of which can be helpful, and we've seen no bad side effects and frequent good effects like better digestionn. As noted, it can reappear, sometimes still green, at either ebd, so dont let that throw you. ... Any grass would be better than what your poor guy is chewing now - also, cats are pretty good at eating foods that are ok for them (vs eg dogs who eat many things). On the raw chicken, you might want to check with a vet ... We've had more than 30 cats and havent heard that yet (not to say it isn't a good idea).

 

[mochiko42]

I've also read about a high-fiber low-calorie diet, so he gets to eat more quantity and keep him occupied

Noooooooo please don't do that. Cats are obligate carnivores. High fiber is not what they need and filling him with inappropriate nutrition so he eats longer to keep him occupied is not the answer. Huge health problems could follow. Why are you feeding him pumpkin? Usually that's fed if a cat is constipated.

If he was weaned too early, that could also be the reason for the chewing. There's a chance that you won't be able to stop the behavior and will have to be diligent about redirecting him when he goes after something he shouldn't.

As far as adding raw chunks to his canned, just buy what's in your budget. Choose chicken thighs or legs, not breasts. Dark meat has higher amounts of taurine which cats need. It might take him some time to adapt to the raw so add just a few 1/2" chunks to his meals until he starts to get used to it. Maybe just throw a chicken leg or thigh on the floor and see if he goes for it. Gnawing on a raw meaty bone might help. Cornish game hens have small edible bones also.

A great source of info re: nutrition for cats http://www.catinfo.org/

I tried to get my cats onto the raw food diet but they turned their noses up at it (raw chicken, liver, tuna, salmon, beef..). I wish they would go for it. Dry food is not good for cats (esp for kidney disease) so I try to feed them mostly wet food (they go nuts for tuna) but sometimes put down a little dry food (Natural Balance- grain/corn free) if I'm going to be out late. I do sometimes coax them into eating a little raw chicken if it's been lightly scalded/boiled on the outside.

 

[CJ2008]

I've also read about a high-fiber low-calorie diet, so he gets to eat more quantity and keep him occupied

Noooooooo please don't do that. Cats are obligate carnivores. High fiber is not what they need and filling him with inappropriate nutrition so he eats longer to keep him occupied is not the answer. Huge health problems could follow. Why are you feeding him pumpkin? Usually that's fed if a cat is constipated.

If he was weaned too early, that could also be the reason for the chewing. There's a chance that you won't be able to stop the behavior and will have to be diligent about redirecting him when he goes after something he shouldn't.

As far as adding raw chunks to his canned, just buy what's in your budget. Choose chicken thighs or legs, not breasts. Dark meat has higher amounts of taurine which cats need. It might take him some time to adapt to the raw so add just a few 1/2" chunks to his meals until he starts to get used to it. Maybe just throw a chicken leg or thigh on the floor and see if he goes for it. Gnawing on a raw meaty bone might help. Cornish game hens have small edible bones also.

A great source of info re: nutrition for cats http://www.catinfo.org/

OK Matata - you saved me having to ask the vet - makes sense that high fiber/low calorie is not even worth considering. I don't want to fix one issue and create and even worse one for him.

For the pumpkin, I think the intention was as a preventive measure to keep him "flowing" and from getting constipated, knowing that he's always trying to eat, or eating, things that may cause blockage (I realize pumpkin - or anything else for that matter - won't do anything for a true blockage). For the same reason, sometimes I give him a little bit of olive oil with his food. What do you think of this?

It's weird for me trying to wrap my mind around giving him raw food,it's such a new and different concept for me. But I'm willing to try it. Especially if it's something that could actually be really good for him. I'll also read up some more on the catinfo.org site - thanks for the link.

 

[CJ2008]

... Any grass would be better than what your poor guy is chewing now -

Very good point simurgh...

And yes, I will also check with my vet re: raw food - just to make sure there isn't anything in his medical history or makeup that may make it a bad idea for them...

Although I'm thinking raw may be an unconventional way to go and so many vets won't know much about it? Not sure.

 

[Matata]

Although I'm thinking raw may be an unconventional way to go and so many vets won't know much about it? Not sure.

Most vets lack nutrition education about the animals they treat. A lot of them are not advocates of a raw diet using the excuse of potential for disease. Most of that is because they don't trust humans to use proper hygiene. I'm not suggesting you take your cat to a complete raw diet, just that you add some chunks into the canned for him to have something to chew. You can also buy freeze dried duck and chicken hearts on Amazon that are like kitty crack. Mine beg for these treats.

The real key is to try to determine why the cat chews inappropriate stuff. To do that you have to try adding in chewy things to the diet, more play time and looking for environmental factors (stress, for example) and then try to eliminate the cause. It's a guessing game, trial and error and can take some time. Also try transitioning him to a high protein canned food. The first 3 ingredients on the label of any quality food should be meat.

If you get totally frustrated, try a phone consult with Marilyn Krieger http://www.thecatcoach.com/ She may have some suggestions others haven't thought of.

 

[iLander]

Cat grass is okay, but absolutely no dog grass.



Just kidding. Yes, any kind of grass, except sawgrass (run your fingers along the edges, if it hurts, it's saw grass) is necessary for a cat to properly digest and helps with digestion.

 

[kenny]

If you're going to give grass to cats please use one of those vapor delivery machines.
Smoke contains harmful carcinogens.

 

[CJ2008]

Cat grass is okay, but absolutely no dog grass.



Just kidding. Yes, any kind of grass, except sawgrass (run your fingers along the edges, if it hurts, it's saw grass) is necessary for a cat to properly digest and helps with digestion.

If you're going to give grass to cats please use one of those vapor delivery machines.
Smoke contains harmful carcinogens.

What are you guys the funny twins?

Thank you iLander...I'll probably do what Matata did and plant my own...or buy it "done" (it's just that those pots they sell with "kitty" grass are usually so ugly. Why can't they make attractive stuff for pets?

 

[CJ2008]

Although I'm thinking raw may be an unconventional way to go and so many vets won't know much about it? Not sure.

Most vets lack nutrition education about the animals they treat. A lot of them are not advocates of a raw diet using the excuse of potential for disease. Most of that is because they don't trust humans to use proper hygiene. I'm not suggesting you take your cat to a complete raw diet, just that you add some chunks into the canned for him to have something to chew. You can also buy freeze dried duck and chicken hearts on Amazon that are like kitty crack. Mine beg for these treats.

The real key is to try to determine why the cat chews inappropriate stuff. To do that you have to try adding in chewy things to the diet, more play time and looking for environmental factors (stress, for example) and then try to eliminate the cause. It's a guessing game, trial and error and can take some time. Also try transitioning him to a high protein canned food. The first 3 ingredients on the label of any quality food should be meat.

If you get totally frustrated, try a phone consult with Marilyn Krieger http://www.thecatcoach.com/ She may have some suggestions others haven't thought of.

I could totally guess that most vets are going to either be not on board or very cautious with raw food...

And I understand what you're saying, Matata, I think it's a great idea for me to incorporate some raw food.

I feel like when I watch him chew on fabric or a cord, whatever, he goes into like a trance...so anything I can give him that will give him the chewing sensation but not harm him would be great.

Just looked at the first 3 ingredients in the food I give him...chicken, chicken broth, liver...not horrible but not great...any brands you recommend? (I went through a spurt - more than one, actually - where I did a bunch of research on foods but it quickly becomes overwhelming :/

And yes, a behaviorist has crossed my mind...I'll keep yours in mind if it comes to that.

 

[CJ2008]

Matata - so I picked up skinless chicken legs...is skinless OK or should I get with skin next time?

Also, do you rinse the ckicken first...and do you try to include the bone or part of the bone? (I'd have to cut it somehow).

And please would you mind triple saying to me that raw chicken bone is going to be OK - just need to hear it again.

 

[PintoBean]

I always thought chicken bone was a no-no with animals because it's harder and sharper when it splints. If it's ground up, that might be something else.

How about beef neck bones? My mom used to get a bag for like 50 cents back in the day, boil them, and let the dogs chew on them since they were soft and mostly cartilage. As for cats, beef is apparently insufficient for their protein needs, but maybe a neck bone would be an attractive chew toy for your cat?

 

[Matata]

Matata - so I picked up skinless chicken legs...is skinless OK or should I get with skin next time?

Also, do you rinse the ckicken first...and do you try to include the bone or part of the bone? (I'd have to cut it somehow).

And please would you mind triple saying to me that raw chicken bone is going to be OK - just need to hear it again.

Skinless is fine as is with skin. I don't rinse and no need to remove the bone. If the cat likes the chicken, he'll eat the meat and gnaw on the gristle and end of the bone. I doubt he'll be able to actually eat the bone but if he goes, no worries. Your cat isn't used to chunky food so will have to build up his jaw muscles before he tackles pieces larger than 1-2 inches. If the bone-in doesn't work, buy boneless, cut it up into pieces and put a few pieces in with his regular food. It could take a month or longer before he even tries it. Or, he could decide the chunky stuff is divine and eat it right away.

Raw chicken bone is going to be OK
Raw chicken bone is going to be OK
Raw chicken bone is going to be OK

P.S. Chicken & turkey necks are also great to give for chewing.

 

[CJ2008]

Raw chicken bone is going to be OK
Raw chicken bone is going to be OK
Raw chicken bone is going to be OK

You are so awesome thank you that is exactly what I needed.

And of course for confirming what to do with the chicken and for the turkey and chicken necks tip - I almost bought that today because it seemed so much easier to handle and incorporate into his food...but I didn't because I wasn't sure it would be OK.

I gave him a couple of pieces of lettuce (romaine) today - just to see if he would eat it (he did) - I'm thinking that could provide some chewing for him too...

 

[CJ2008]

I always thought chicken bone was a no-no with animals because it's harder and sharper when it splints. If it's ground up, that might be something else.

How about beef neck bones? My mom used to get a bag for like 50 cents back in the day, boil them, and let the dogs chew on them since they were soft and mostly cartilage. As for cats, beef is apparently insufficient for their protein needs, but maybe a neck bone would be an attractive chew toy for your cat?

Me too, Pinto - the difference is RAW is OK, cooked is not (I guess that's when it splints.)

And yes, thank you, Matata also confirmed that neck bones could be good.