Skip to Content

As an Amazon Associate I earn from qualifying purchases.

Can Cats Eat Timothy Hay

Can Cats Eat Timothy Hay

When you hear the term “Timothy hay,” the first thing that comes to mind is the cattle and horse feed regimen. Timothy hay contains a high level of fiber and energy, and it is easily digestible. Although Timothy hay makes a good feed regimen for many types of livestock, such as horses, goats, and cattle, can cats eat Timothy hay? 

Yes! Cats can eat Timothy hay, but it is harmful to your cat’s health because it does not offer any nutritional value. 

Now that you know that Timothy hay is not healthy as a cat meal because it offers no nutritional value, you may also have other unanswered questions. Let’s settle your curiosity by answering some of the most frequently asked questions about the effect of Timothy hay on your cat. 

What Is Timothy Hay?

As the name implies, Timothy hay is a type of grass mostly fed to herbivores like cattle and horses

Timothy hay, sometimes called cat’s tail in Europe, is a type of grass used to feed herbivores. A farmer named Timothy Hanson first cultivated and sold the feed, thus the name Timothy hay. Unlike other grasses called weeds, Timothy hay is an excellent feed regimen for herbivores because it helps their digestive tract function correctly without any upset. 

The nutrient it contains is also one factor that makes Timothy suitable for herbivores. The hay has a high level of fiber and low levels of protein and calcium; hence, it lowers the risk of stomach upsets, bloating, and diarrhea. The low level of protein content in Timothy hay makes it a great food to satisfy herbivores’ appetites without depending on excess calories. 

Lastly, only herbivores, such as cattle, camels, goats, and sheep, can consume Timothy hay without suffering from any health problems. However, several other small animals like rabbits, degus, and chinchillas can feed on hay because of its high fiber level. Meanwhile, it is not advisable to feed your cat, a carnivore, Timothy hay. 

Do Cats Like Timothy Hay?

Yes! Cats like Timothy hay. 

Generally, Timothy hay is the leading food for herbivores, but some carnivores eat it at their own risk. You will always find your cat chewing on grasses like Timothy hay. There is, however, no known reason behind cats eating hay. Could it be the nutrients present in Timothy hay? No! Studies and research have shown that Timothy hay does not contain any nutrient that will be beneficial for a cat. 

Is It Ideal For Your Cats To Eat Timothy Hay? 

No. It does not provide cats with the nutrients they need; hence, it is not an ideal food for cats. 

Sometimes, you will find your cat eating hay, but does this make Timothy hay a type of grass to feed your cat? No! There is no doubt that Timothy hay contains nutrients, but these nutrients are only for herbivores and not carnivores like cats.

It does not add any nutritional value to your cat’s health and does not make it safe. Instead, the hay can be problematic to your cat’s health, especially concerning digestion. Thus, any cat that consumes hay will experience stomach upset caused by indigestion. 

Timothy hay has not been found to contain anything that will harm your pet. You can allow your cat to feed on some, but you will be putting your feline at risk if you allow them to consume too much hay. It is, however, advisable to keep Timothy hay out of the reach of your cat to protect it from any health issues.

Is Timothy Hay Safe For Cats?

Timothy hay is safe for your cat as much as it consumes them in small quantities. 

Timothy hay, as said earlier, does not contain any toxic components to harm your cat, but it does not add any nutritious value to your cat’s health. Thus, if your cat eats Timothy hay, it will not experience any health problems as long as it consumes the grass in small quantities. Still, your cat won’t gain any health-benefiting nutrients either. 

Meanwhile, if your cat eats Timothy hay in large quantities, it may experience digestive problems, such as stomach upset. The primary reason is that grasses, such as Timothy hay, are only suitable and nutritious to herbivores but not obligate carnivores like cats. Although the hay is rich in fiber needed by cats, the fiber is present in a quantity that a cat can not digest. 

Therefore, Timothy hay does not contain any vital nutrients for your felines. Your cat is better off eating meat since cats are carnivores. The nutrients cats need to stay healthy significantly differ from the nutrients hay offers. Lastly, cats also consume similar foods as plant-based animals, but they differ in the preference of the food they eat. 

Is It Normal For My Cat To Vomit After Eating Timothy Hay?

Yes! It is normal for obligate carnivores like cats to vomit after eating hay or any form of vegetation. 

Generally, obligate carnivores often find it challenging to digest plants. They lack the suitable enzyme required to break down green vegetation; hence, they often throw up after consuming it. The indigestion cats experience after overeating hay is responsible for the stomach pain they experience before vomiting. 

How Much Hay Can Cats Eat?

Small quantities of about five to seven grams of hay per day will be safe for your cat.

Timothy hay, as discussed earlier, is a type of grass that will harm your cat when eaten in large quantities. Thus, small amounts of about five to seven grams of hay per day are safe for your cat. Feeding or allowing your cat to eat more than the safest quantity of hay will lead to digestive problems. 

Conclusion

Cats can eat Timothy hay, but that does not mean you should feed them hay regularly. Although small quantities of hay are not harmful to cats, it is not worth the risk. It is not nutritious for your cat’s health. Thus, it is advisable to keep Timothy hay out of your cat’s reach.