Sick-up and grass

[Dave B]

Our mom cat Nola had a sick-up today. At first we didn’t think too much of it because there were a couple large blades of grass in it. But as we cleaned it up, we noticed the liquid part seem to be kind of red as if there was a little blood in it. We called our vet and he said to keep an eye on her but it was probably due to the grass irritating her stomach. It seems every time she eats grass, a little while later, up it comes (you’d think she would learn )but never any blood. Maybe my wife and I are still a little gun-shy after losing Spike and Zydeco, Nola’s 2 daughters, but I was just wondering if anyone else had ever heard of this. Thanks again

Dave

[Tina B and crew]

Dave,

cats will often eat grass and then upchuck...this website explains it pretty well I think. Nothing to really worry about...but a good point is made in this about the grass being irritating.

Several owners have asked me why their cats eat grass and then vomit. Is it because they are nauseated and know they need to vomit? Honestly this is an old wives tale. Studies have shown that perfectly healthy cats will munch on grass just because they feel like it. In reality, cats just like the feel and taste of it in their mouth periodically. Unfortunately, the vomiting is a well-documented side effect that can’t really be avoided once the cat eats the average garden grass. If your cat likes to graze as much as the average sheep or cow, I do have a couple of recommendations. One is that there are a number of cat grasses available that can be grown in the house and offered to the cat for grazing. These grasses tend to be less irritating to a cat’s stomach and therefore cause less vomiting. Another option is to offer the cat some vegetables from your home. Green peas or green beans have been good alternatives for several households. A periodic treat of these veggies keeps the cat happy and helps prevent the vomiting. Since fertilizers and other chemicals are often applied to lawns at this time of year, the cat grass or vegetable alternatives are highly recommended since the chemicals can definitely cause illness for kitty.

http://www.cathospitalofaustin.com/Arch ... /march.htm

[Traci]

Dave, if you're seeing specs of blood or blood tinged vomitus, it is most likely due to wretching, not necessarily the grass alone. Depending on the type of grass and kitty's sensitivity depends on the grass being passed or vomited. Sometimes, it can irriate the stomach, but wretching produces stomach wall irritation and will cause specs of blood to appear.

At this point, probably nothing to worry about, but if it's frequent, don't allow her access to the outside lawn. Invest in some kitty grass at your local pet store where you can grow it at home in a small planter just for kitty. Just use caution and don't buy anything with added chemicals. A combination of barley, oats and wheat, nothing added, is fine.

[davet]

eat grass and one theory is that they are trying to identify what other animals ahve been there....one of many theories...but if your a poop looker like vets have to be you will see that grass will come through allmost unchanged, ie maybe a little blanched out but still physically intact...the grass can go throught the gut and even cut the lining of the gut by its sharp edges...the main philosphy is don't eat grass and don't smoke grass, neither are good for you.