wierd appetite for a cat

[smew86]

why does my cat always try and eat the lettuce and cabbage leafs?!?! also he has eaten some cactus plant thing?? will these poison him? the cactus plant doesnt have any sharp bits on.

[Piparskeggr]

One of my past cats, April Dancer, loved eating carrot scrapings, and preferred horehound to catnip.

Victoria and Calamity (the Grey sisters) as well as Kessie, Hildie and Chessie (3 of my 4 current beasties) all liked/like sweet corn.

As with any people food, check the guidelines on toxicity or other ill-effect, and keep it as a small, once in awhile treat.

[PrettyKitty1]

When animals do this it is because they are lacking nutrients. Be that water or fiber. He is looking for something. Other than this apparently weird fixation on plants, have you noticed anything else? Is he indoors or outdoors? I’m asking you this because sometimes problems/situations emerge primarily due to the animal’s lifestyle.  You’d be surprised, but some cats eat their litter! Nutrient deficiency, yes……that is why a trip to the vet is always important.

Good day :-)

[nancyjac]

Those plants are primarily water.  He may be eating them for the water they provide.  Does he drink enough water and get enough moisture from the food you give him?

[opus88]

I found this site, cactus aren't mentioned.....

http://www.buzzle.com/articles/plants-poisonous-to-cats.html

[opus88]

kitty is needing some fiber,I hope you are feeding can food and not dry..... try mixing a small amount 1/4 teaspoon of canned pumpkin in his food(not the pie filling, must be pure pumpkin). the lettuce and cabbage are good for him. but I'm not sure about the cactus? I doubt it will harm but I can't say for sure, most plants are safe. find a website on poisonous plants for felines, google that and see what they say.
does someone else on here know?