Why Does My Cat Chew Plants?

Nibbled leaves, a knocked-over pot, a cat looking very pleased with themselves: many cats love chewing plants. It’s natural behaviour, but some common plants are dangerous, so it’s worth making your home cat-safe.

Emergency: lilies are deadly to cats

All parts of true lilies, including the pollen and even the water in the vase, can cause fatal kidney failure in cats. If your cat may have touched or chewed a lily, go to a vet immediately, even if they seem fine. Other plants that can harm cats include poinsettia, aloe, dieffenbachia, sago palm and devil’s ivy.

Why cats chew plants

• Instinct: wild cats sometimes eat grass, possibly to help clear hairballs.
• Boredom: plants are interesting to play with.
• Texture: crunchy, swaying leaves are fun to bite.
• Curiosity: new plants always get inspected.

What really helps

1. Check every plant in your home and remove anything toxic to cats.
2. Grow cat grass (wheatgrass or oat grass) as a safe alternative.
3. Place other plants out of reach or in rooms your cat can’t enter.
4. Beat boredom with toys, play and window perches.
5. Never use plant sprays or fertilisers that could be harmful if licked.

When to speak to a vet

Call your vet straight away if your cat has chewed an unknown or toxic plant, or is drooling, vomiting, has diarrhoea, seems weak or is not eating. Take a photo or sample of the plant with you.

The heart of it

A curious cat and a green home can live happily together. With a few safe swaps and a pot of cat grass, your cat gets to nibble and you get peace of mind.