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Grass awn in cats: a small plant with major consequences

Grass awn in cats: a small plant with major consequences

Written by Mara | June 16, 2026

Grass awns pose a risk to dogs every year, but cats can also be affected by them. Cats that spend a lot of time outdoors, roam through tall grass or like to hunt along verges and in meadows are particularly at risk. Due to their shape, grass awns can become lodged in the coat, skin, ears, nose or even between the toes. Once they have entered the body, they can move further through it and cause painful inflammation. In this blog, you can read what a grass awn is, how to recognise a grass awn in a cat and what you can do to help prevent problems.

What is a grass awn?

A grass awn is the seed head of certain types of grass. During the summer months, these awns dry out and come loose easily. Due to their arrow-like structure with small barbs, they can only move in one direction: forwards.

When a grass awn comes into contact with a cat, it can attach to the coat and then work its way deeper into the skin or body openings.

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When do grass awns occur?

Grass awns mainly occur from late spring to the end of summer. The highest risk period is usually between June and September.

You often find them in tall grass, along footpaths, on verges, on wasteland and in meadows.

How does a cat get a grass awn?

Cats usually pick up a grass awn while roaming through tall grass or bushes. The awn can:

get caught in the coat
end up between the toes
enter the ear
be inhaled through the nose
in exceptional cases, enter via the eyes

Due to the barbs, the grass awn works its way further inwards.

Symptoms of a grass awn in cats

The symptoms depend on where the grass awn is located.

Grass awn between the toes

A grass awn between the toes can cause:

limping
excessive licking of a paw
redness
swelling
a painful small wound between the toes

Sometimes a small hole develops from which fluid or pus comes out.

Grass awn in the ear

A grass awn in the ear often causes:

sudden, vigorous head shaking
scratching at the ear
holding the head at an angle
pain when the ear is touched

Grass awn in the nose

If a grass awn gets into the nose, cats may experience:

sneezing
sudden sneezing fits
nasal discharge
bloody nasal discharge
rubbing the nose with the paw

Grass awn in the eye

A grass awn in or around the eye can lead to:

squinting
watery eyes
redness
eye inflammation

Why are grass awns dangerous?

A grass awn usually does not stay in place on its own. Due to the barbs, it can penetrate further and further into the body.

This can lead to problems such as abscesses, inflammation, fistulas and wounds that do not heal. In rare cases, grass awns can move deep through tissues, making it difficult to find the cause of the symptoms.

What should you do if you suspect a grass awn?

If you suspect that your cat has a grass awn, it is sensible to contact the vet. Do not try to remove a deeply embedded grass awn yourself. This can cause the awn to break, leaving part of it behind and still causing problems. The vet can locate the grass awn and remove it safely. Sometimes light sedation is needed, especially when the grass awn is in the ear, nose or deep between the toes.

How can you help prevent grass awns in cats?

Grass awns cannot always be prevented, but you can reduce the risk.

Check your cat regularly: Ideally, check your cat after every walk or outdoor adventure. Pay particular attention between the toes, around the ears, around the eyes, in the armpits and under the tail
Take good care of the coat: In long-haired cats, grass awns can more easily remain unnoticed. Regular brushing helps you discover them in time.
Pay attention to risk areas: Try to keep cats away from areas with lots of dry, tall grass as much as possible during the summer months.

When should you go straight to the vet?

Contact your vet if your cat:

suddenly starts limping
licks a paw a lot
sneezes intensely
has bloody nasal discharge
shakes its head
develops painful swellings or wounds

The sooner a grass awn is removed, the lower the risk of complications.

Do you have any questions about grass awns in cats? Please contact us via veterinarian@vetsend.co.uk.

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About the author

Mara van Brussel-Broere, Veterinarian at Vetsend

Graduated as a companion animal veterinarian from Utrecht University, she uses her practical experience to advise customers and share knowledge at Vetsend. She finds it important to provide pet owners with clear information about health and wellbeing.