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My mature Bengal goes through periods in which he craves greens and I could use some input! It's always in the mornings, early after he wakes up. Normally he is content to stay inside but during these periods, he is persistent (and sneaky) about running out whenever the door is open. He is especially drawn to plants with long thin leaves, like daylillies, but will also nibble on ivies, philodendrons, etc. Of course, he promptly throws ups whatever he gets his teeth on and I know he shouldn't be eating any of these plants. I've tried supplements with different grasses which he hates; I've tried things we eat - romaine, sprouts, etc., but that doesn't do the trick for him either; I've tried the cat foods with greens in them and that doesn't seem to help either. The wheat grass you sprout in trays lasts about a day - he completely uproots it all and makes a gigantic mess. Any other ideas?

Hi There,

Some cats really do like to eat plants, which is why I will not have any in my home. However, greens are not something that a cat needs nutritionally, which is why your cat still wants to eat plants when you suppliment his diet with greens. The vomiting after eating plants is normal, but if a cat eats a toxic plant they can really be in trouble. This is true even if they vomit the toxic plant if some has been absorbed by the stomach.

The only real way to keep a cat from eating plants is by keeping them away from them. I realize that this is much easier said than done with a determined cat. But as a vet tech I have seen what can happen if a cat eats a poisonous plant, and I do admit that this makes me paranoid.

Remember, cats are carnivores, and even if they like to eat other things, it does not mean that these things are needed in their diets. If you are feeding a nutritionally complete food, your cat will be fine. Those veggies and such things in some cat foods are for the owners, not really for the cat's benefit!

Regards,
PHKitkat