Cats do a lot of strange things, and one of them is eating grass. Why do domestic predators need this atypical component of the diet, what kind of grass is useful for cats and what to do if a cat gets into the habit of eating indoor flowers? Let’s answer in order.
Cat detox
Why do cats eat grass? Most Maine Coon owners believe that animals thus make up for vitamin deficiencies.
Indeed, fresh greens contain folic acid, which regulates metabolism and increases the level of red blood cells in the blood. But here’s the bad luck, the gastrointestinal tract of cats is not adapted to the assimilation of this substance from grass, because our pets are predators, not herbivores.
Then why do cats eat grass blades? What is the reason for this strange behavior – a bad habit? No, and no again. Scientists claim that this is a natural physiological need.
In nature, cats eat small birds and rodents, and they eat their prey whole, with feathers, skins and bones. However, the cat’s stomach is unable to digest these components, and the cat regurgitates the undigested remains along with gastric juice.
Grass is required to facilitate this process. The blades of grass irritate the gastric mucosa and stimulate regurgitation. Similarly, grass helps to get rid of the fur that cats accidentally swallow when licking.
In addition, chewing grass stimulates the activity of the muscles of the digestive tract and thereby helps to get rid of intestinal parasites. Therefore, even pets who do not have to forage for themselves by hunting retain the habit of eating grass blades.
The eaten herb can act not only as a laxative, but also eliminate intestinal disorders. Researchers have noticed that cats choose different types of grass depending on the needs of their body. As a laxative, they eat plants with wide stems, and to combat diarrhea, they chew greens with narrow stems.
Do Maine Coons always eat grass only for utilitarian reasons? Turns out, no. There are pets that do not swallow greens, but only bite juicy stems. Apparently, they do this solely because they like the taste of the vegetable juice released.
What should I do if the Maine Coon eats indoor flowers?
If your fluffy pet has got into the habit of raiding houseplants, wean her off this bad habit. Put fresh citrus peel in the pot more often – cats do not tolerate their pungent smell. Another way is to spray the leaves with water generously flavored with hot pepper powder.
In addition, be sure to offer the animal an alternative. If delicious chlorophytum and garden seedlings fall under the ban, the cat should have greens that she can chew with complete impunity.
What kind of grass should I plant for the Maine Coon?
Any pet store sells grass for cats – ready in plastic trays or in the form of seeds for germination. The composition of the mixtures usually includes cereals, sometimes with catnip.
Also, seeds for germination can be bought in stores for gardeners and gardeners. An unmistakable option is oats, barley and wheat, mixed or separately.
In addition to seeds, for growing grass you will need:
- soil mixture (vermiculite or packed light soil for flower plants) or gauze;
- planting container (shallow flower pot, container or even soup plate);
- polyethylene film to create a greenhouse effect.
Further actions vary depending on how you are going to germinate the seeds – in the soil, in vermiculite or on gauze.
When germinating in ordinary soil:
- Wash the seeds and soak them for an hour.
- Pour most of the soil into the container.
- Spread the seeds evenly on an earthen base.
- Pour the remainder of the soil mixture on top with a thin layer.
- Water the ground.
When germinating in vermiculite:
- Pour the mixture with cool water and leave for about an hour.
- Drain the water and pour the mixture into the germination container.
- Sprinkle with water.
When germinating on gauze:
- Rinse and soak the seeds in cool water.
- Drain the water, put gauze on the bottom of the container.
- Pour the seeds evenly on top and cover with another piece of gauze.
- Sprinkle with water.
Regardless of the method of germination, pull a plastic film over the container to create a greenhouse effect – then the seeds will germinate faster.
Now it remains only to put the mini-vegetable garden in a warm place (for example, on a battery). On the second or third day, the seeds will germinate, but do not rush to remove the film – let the young shoots stretch out properly.
Approximately on the sixth or eighth day of the green treat for the cat will be ready. Remove the polyethylene and give the pet a taste of young juicy grass.
When a cat eats herbs, it will definitely throw up. Do not be alarmed, this process is absolutely physiological. The only thing that does not interfere is to make sure that the pet cleanses the stomach away from the carpet or sofa.