Is cat grass safe for cats?
Also called: oat grass, wheatgrass, wheat grass, barley grass, rye grass
Safe
Grown from cereal grasses such as oats and wheat, and a popular choice for cats.
Yes, in small amounts. Cat grass is grown from cereal grasses such as oats or wheat, and many cats enjoy chewing it. Eating a lot can make cats vomit.
Keep in mind
- Treats of any kind, grass included, should be no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories.
- Too much can cause vomiting, because cats can't digest large amounts of grass.
- Throw it out if it goes mouldy: mould can be toxic.
- Lawn grass treated with pesticides can be harmful.
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cat grass usually refers to grass that produces cereal grains, such as oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and rye.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
International Cat Care
Cat grass (common oats) is another popular option and is easily grown from seed.
Read "Making your garden cat friendly"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cat grass usually refers to grass that produces cereal grains, such as oat, wheat, barley, alfalfa, and rye.
Cats don’t have the necessary digestive enzymes to process large quantities of grass and overeating can result in excess vomiting.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
International Cat Care
Cat grass (common oats) is another popular option and is easily grown from seed.
Read "Making your garden cat friendly"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
A good rule is that treats of any kind, including grass, should comprise no more than 10% of a cat’s total caloric intake.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Cats don’t have the necessary digestive enzymes to process large quantities of grass and overeating can result in excess vomiting.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Ingestion of mold will challenge the digestive tract and can be toxic.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026
Where this comes from
VCA Animal Hospitals
Eating outdoor grass can be harmful if it has been treated with pesticides.
Read "Where the Green Grass Grows: Grass Treats for Cats"
Checked 9 October 2026