What exactly is cat grass?
Cat grass is not a distinct species, but a grass mixture developed from wheat, barley, oats, or rye seeds. It should not be mistaken for the grass on your lawn, which could contain hazardous chemicals.
Your cat will love cat grass! Cat grass is explicitly grown for domestic pets indoors. Another advantage of cat grass is its potential to be used as a deterrent. This fantastic cat treat of a plant can keep your cat away from other potentially dangerous or sensitive plants. A cat grass garden is ideal if your cat likes to gnaw on or knock over your houseplants.
Kits for cat grass are more popular than ever. You can find one online at your local pet store or your veterinarian’s office. You can also make a DIY greens feast for your cat by purchasing seeds.
Cover the seeds in the soil and place the container in a sunny area in your home, as you would with any plant, making sure to water it periodically. Misting may help avoid overwatering. Your seeds will begin to sprout in a few days and should be ready to eat in two weeks.
There’s no need to put the grass on a plate. Your cat is welcome to graze directly from the garden pot.
Why does my cat eat grass?
Cats eat grass for unknown reasons, according to research. Cats in the wild munch grass after they have consumed their prey. The grass frequently causes the cat to vomit. This is nature’s way of assisting the cat in expelling indigestible bits of its prey.
Even if your indoor cat has never captured a mouse or bird, she will automatically be drawn to cat grass. It’s a biological inclination. Grass is another fiber that helps cats either throw up or digest hairballs by acting as a laxative.
Another notion is that cats consume grass to obtain trace elements and vitamins A and D. Grass also includes chlorophyll, which was used for pain, infection, ulcers, skin ailments, and anemia before the discovery of antibiotics. Grass also contains folic acid, which aids in forming hemoglobin, a protein that transports oxygen into the bloodstream to facilitate circulation. There’s also the benefit of chlorophyll, which cleans the breath.
Is grass safe for my cat to eat?
One common misconception about cats is that they only eat grass when sick, but research reveals that this is not the case. Cat grass is beneficial to your kitty’s health in addition to offering entertainment.
Folic acid, a nutrient that helps the bloodstream, is found in the grass (and is commonly found in human breakfast cereal that includes the same grain mixture). Cat grass can also be used as a laxative to assist expel out hairballs or food scraps. However, because cats may overeat when they are sick, always consult with your veterinarian to ensure there isn’t an underlying medical reason for the excessive consumption of cat grass.
It is also critical to maintaining your cat garden distinct from other houseplants. The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals has compiled a detailed list of common household plants that are toxic or irritating to cats and dogs.
Keep philodendrons, aloe, parsley, and other potential hazards on a high shelf or in a hanging pot it can’t reach, and keep cat grass in a low-to-the-ground location where your cat knows it’s theirs.
How to grow cat grass
Your cat will be delighted if you grow your own cat grass! It would be an excellent addition to your garden.
1. Learn about the various forms of cat grass that can be grown.
There are various varieties of cat grass on the market, each with its unique attributes; to pick the one that is right for your cat, sample each one and take note of their preference; you’d be astonished at how refined your cat’s palate is.
Oat Grass is thought to have the most robust flavor of any cat grass, but it also contains protein and soluble fiber. Ryegrass is an extraordinarily resilient and diverse species of cat grass and one of the more long-lasting types.
Barley Grass is the sweetest of the cat grass varieties and is also high in nutrients and a good source of fiber. Wheatgrass is considered one of the greatest all-arounder cat grasses because it is high in vitamins, minerals, and amino acids, which is why it occasionally ends up in our smoothies!
2. Find the correct items and begin planting.
Even if you’re not a natural gardener, you should be able to grow enough grass to keep your cat happy. Here are a few steps to get you started with growing your own cat grass:
- Select a shallow container with drainage ports. Heavier pots are preferable because they are less prone to topple over when your cat paws on the grass or walks on the ‘inside lawn.’ Regular potting soil should be purchased.
- Although some individuals recommend soaking grass seeds before planting, many gardeners put seeds right from the packet. Regardless of your preference before planting, it is critical to maintaining newly planted seeds moist for many days.
- Fill the container 3/4 of the way with potting soil. Spread the seeds evenly over the surface. Then, using a spray bottle, cover the seeds with 14 inches of potting soil. Cover the container loosely with plastic wrap and place it in a cool, dark place until the seeds germinate. Green sprouts should appear in 3-7 days.
- Once the seeds sprout, remove the plastic wrap and place the container in direct sunshine. Water in moderation to keep the soil damp but not soaked. Too much water can cause mold to grow and destroy your garden. When the soil feels dry, re-water it. The grass should be ready to eat in 10-14 days, or when it reaches a height of around 4 inches (10 cm), and the crop should last up to three weeks, providing your cat with plenty of nibbles and entertainment!
3. Do these maintenance tips for your cat grass.
If you want to simplify your efforts, you can get a comprehensive grass-growing kit with everything you need, including detailed instructions. These instructions are easy to follow and won’t require much technical experience. Here are some general guidelines for caring for and cultivating cat grass:
- Seeds should be kept wet but not soggy before sprouting. Reduce the amount of water you utilize once sprouts appear.
- The grass will be ready for your cat to eat in 10 to 14 days after sprouting, or once it has reached a height of four inches, and will last one to three weeks.
- Keep it in natural light and water it with a spray bottle once a day.
- Do not overwater since this promotes mold growth.
- Let your cat eat straight from the container.
- Pull out withering shoots when the grass wilts or turns yellow. You can plant more seeds in the same container or start a new batch.
- If your cat loves the grass, plant several pots approximately a week apart and rotate them to ensure a steady supply of fresh grass.
4. Limit your cat’s grass consumption.
The grass may be greener on the other side of the fence, but how much should a cat eat once it arrives? As always, moderation is essential!
Cats lack the digestive enzymes required to assimilate large amounts of grass, and excessive consumption might result in vomiting. On the other hand, if the cat does not vomit up the green turf, the insoluble fiber in the grass can potentially build up and produce an intestinal blockage. So, how much grass is recommended? Here’s an excellent starting point: Treats of any kind, including grass, should not exceed 10% of a cat’s total calorie diet.
A word of caution! Not everything green is suitable for your cat. Some plants are toxic. Unfortunately, cats are not horticulturists and may be unable to differentiate between safe and poisonous plants. If your cat is used to eating grass, it may believe it can eat anything green, including the dangerous rhododendron on the window ledge or the hazardous tiger lily on the sun porch.
Mold growth is another potential risk offered by cat grass. Mold consumption is problematic for the digestive tract and can be harmful. If your grass looks unhealthy, remove the planter and start over.
Final Thoughts
If you are still wondering if eating grass is a good food alternative that should be part of your cat’s long-term nutritional plan, it’s best to check with your veterinarian. Despite their love for cat grass, cats are consummate carnivores, so it’s still best to provide them with lots of meat and protein.
It’s best practice to consult your veterinarian if you have questions about feeding your cat grass. With your cat’s overall medical condition in mind, your veterinarian can advise on the benefits and drawbacks of including grass in your kitty’s diet.
And don’t feel bad if you decide not to develop an indoor grass garden. Cat grass is not required for every cat’s life, but it is a fantastic optional treat for your kitties if they’ve been good.
Further Reading
