Cat Grass- Do cats benefit from it?

I've been trying to find out if cat grass is beneficial for cats. I can't seem to find anything that says they need it. What do you think?

I've had friends send me this or give it to my cats as a present.  It's easy to grow but they weren't really impressed by it.  It does help if they have tummy troubles or an upset stomach, though... But that's about it.  It's just a novelty in my opinion and I don't really buy it myself.

if your cats like to chew on grass, then it's good to have a safe source. so, nice but not necessary.

I always heard or read eating grass causes a cat to vomit. Considering the fact that they are obligate carnivores, I have no reason to believe it is good when that happens. So my question has always been, "Why do people think grass is good for cats?" because they are not ruminants.

EmilyMayWilcha said:

I always heard or read eating grass causes a cat to vomit. Considering the fact that they are obligate carnivores, I have no reason to believe it is good when that happens. So my question has always been, "Why do people think grass is good for cats?" because they are not ruminants.

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Cats will eat grass (when outside) if they have an upset tummy to induce vomiting.  That is what the cat grass is for.  It does help but if your cat isn't prone to upset tummy and hairballs then the cat grass is usually wasted. 

P3 and The King said:

Cats will eat grass (when outside) if they have an upset tummy to induce vomiting.  That is what the cat grass is for.  It does help but if your cat isn't prone to upset tummy and hairballs then the cat grass is usually wasted. 

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Yes, this is what I have found to be true.  OTOH, I have looked for years and have found no nutritional value to cat grass.  Outside of tummy help it's pretty much a novelty.  I do buy grass for them and they are all indoor cats so they have no access to outside grass.  I'd be worried about pesticides etc. with outside, lawn type grasses.

I don't know about the nutrition aspect of it, but my four tend to turn to plastic if they don't have grass. So my logic is, I would rather then eat grass than plastic bags. It doesn't always make them puke... But I know my girl shiva gets very chatty when I bring home grass.