Cat Enjoys Munching My Grass Plants

Hi folks,

A frequent visitor to my garden seems partial to gnawing on some of my plants. Typically feline, it isn't indiscriminate but very particular about which ones it likes. Those are:

(1) Pennisetum alopecuroides (AKA Fountain Grass, it is also referred to as Chinese Fountain Grass, Dwarf Fountain Grass, Foxtail Fountain Grass, or Swamp Foxtail Grass.)

(2) Stipa tenuissima (Commonly known as Mexican Feather Grass.)

I didn't post this thread in the pests forum because I'm rather partial to cats and I doubt that she's doing much harm, so this is more out of curiosity. Why ignore the others? Are there catnip-like qualities to these plant varieties I wonder ...

Can anyone shed any light?

 

Cats have owned me for 56 years. My cats always munch on the grasses ... but refuse to eat any "cat grasses" I have purchased. They also won't entertain any of the pots of Nepeta. They eat grass to help them throw up, especially good for removing furballs. Ninety percent of plants in our garden are poisonous ... cats are smart/intelligent creatures. Enjoy their visits.

 

Cats just like to chew grass (as others said). Catnip is more for rolling in. Our indoor cats will chew the "cat grass" that I grow in pots for them (usually seems to be wheat or barley) but they also go for any houseplant with grass-like leaves given half a chance. Does more harm to the plants than to the cats because I'm careful about what plants they can get to.

 

My cat also eats grass, she scours the garden and hedgerows for it (I haven't got lawns)
I've actually been thinking of getting some grass for growing in pots as house plants, so that she has a supply for the winter.
She also chews Weigela flowers and Fennel leaves, and I've discovered these are not harmful to cats ... which Bella already knew !
(although fennel essential oil should not be given to a cat)

Other plants she likes to chew are Umbrella Grass (Cyperus) Carex and Spider plant (Chlorophytum) However she ignores Cat Nip (Nepeta) completely !

 

@Michael Hewett, your cat, Bella, sent me down a rabbit hole of enquiry.

It's widely accepted that some cats can resist catnip, and this phenomenon is primarily genetic. Studies indicate that approximately 30-50% of cats do not exhibit a reaction to catnip due to the absence of specific genes responsible for this response. This genetic trait means that if a cat lacks these genes, it will not show the typical behaviors associated with catnip exposure, such as rolling, rubbing, or vocalizing in excitement.

Factors Influencing Catnip Response

1. Genetics: The primary reason some cats do not respond to catnip is hereditary. The response is believed to be linked to a dominant gene, and cats without this gene will not react to catnip at all. A study indicated that about 70-80% of cats exhibit a response to catnip, meaning a significant portion does not.
2. Age: Kittens younger than six months typically do not respond to catnip. They may start to show reactions as they approach sexual maturity, around six months of age.
3. Individual Variation: Even among cats that possess the gene, individual responses can vary. Some may show a strong reaction, while others might have a mild or no response at all.

Alternatives for Non-Responding Cats
For cats that do not react to catnip, there are alternatives that can provide similar stimulation. Plants such as silvervine and Tatarian honeysuckle have been shown to elicit a response in many cats that do not react to catnip. Additionally, other herbs like valerian root, rosemary, and peppermint can also be stimulating for some felines.

 

That was interesting to read @tommyrot

 

I've researched this myself and have observed it in my own cats (all now sadly passed away.) Pepper (a black Tom) would even bite my fingers if I offered him a small catnip leaf! I discovered Marmalade(f) would show a typical catnip-like reaction to kiwi fruit cuttings. Muffin(f) had no reaction to either.

 

My cat regularly chews grass, mainly really rough textured and loves catnip. I have to protect my catnip plants by putting an old wire hanging basket over the crown, pinning it down firmly. I pull a few stems out through the mesh for Poppy to roll on. She goes quite loopy rolling on it and chewing it. She surfaces with her eyes practically crossed with pleasure.

 

A near-neighbours cat used to regularly cross a major A road to get to the catnip in my garden. She did this all her life, and my heart was in my mouth every time I saw her rolling around in ecstacy, for fear she would be hit by a vehicle on her way home.
She died, aged 21, in her basket, by the radiator in their front room. I do miss her, but my nepeta's never looked so good!

 

@Tinkerton, the cat you mentioned lived to 21 years after regularly crossing a busy road to get ecstasy? It has to be said, that cat had more than the allotted 9 lives.

 

Poppy killed off several plants of catnip before I thought of protecting the crown with a wire basket, now she can roll to r hearts delight and my plant is safe. By the way, only common catnip will do thank you. She completely ignores the fancy hybrids, Seven Hills etc. Not to her liking.

 

All of our cats have been " 'nip heads" as we call them.