One of the interesting behavioral quirks of our cats is their desire to eat grass. Grass can be appealing to them because of its taste and texture, but it isn’t always a good idea for them to start grazing the lawn like a goat. You may have come across cat grass as an alternative solution that you can grow at home. The idea is that this simple kit provides enrichment and nutrients for indoor cats. But, is cat grass really as safe and as beneficial as owners hope? What is cat grass? It is actually a combination of grass types. They tend to be natural grasses more closely related to crops, such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley.
Is cat grass the same as normal grass?
No. This is where cat grass becomes such an interesting alternative to grow at home. There is actually a combination of grass types in here that differ from those on your lawn. These tend to be natural grasses more closely related to crops, such as wheat, oats, rye, and barley.
What are the benefits of cat grass for cats?
Cat grass can be very beneficial for cats when used correctly. Not only will your pet have great fun playing with and eating this plant, but they can also gain the following from it:
a) they can enjoy playing with cat grass for enrichment.
b) they can gain some nutrients from the grass.
c) they may be deterred from eating other plants.
Cat grass as environmental enrichment:
Cats can get a lot of enjoyment out of playing in cat grass. It is similar to catnip in its textures and visual appeal – just with less of the scent and other intoxicating vibes. Some cats will be happy enough to just rub against the blades, give it a good sniff, or maybe try and lie in the plant. Others will go further and have a nibble.
Cat grass as a source of micronutrients and vitamins:
Cat grass can be healthy for your pet as it is full of nutrients and vitamins. Cats are typically carnivorous animals. The main focus of their diet and the best cat foods are proteins from meat and fish. But, a little vegetation here and there can do them good. You just have to make sure that it is a safe source. Your garden lawn could house all kinds of pests and chemicals while indoor cat grass is much safer.
Cat grass as a deterrent:
Finally, there is the potential that you can use this inviting cat grass as a way of deterring your cats from going near other plants. There are lots of houseplants that can be toxic to cats, even if they only eat a couple of leaves. If you don’t want to give up the houseplant, you can move it and put the cat grass in its place.
Are there any possible downsides of cat grass for cats?
Understandably, some cat owners will be a little concerned about the possible downsides of growing cat grass for their pets. This isn’t a necessary part of their diet, so there are fears that too much of a “good” thing could be detrimental in the long run. That is why we need to consider the following.
- Is Cat grass safe? Can cat grass make cats sick? Yes, cat grass is safe to eat and it contains enough vitamins and nutrients that you can encourage your cat to enjoy it. Cat grass is unlikely to make the animal sick unless you use some kind of chemical treatment on the plant when growing it. As long as this is a 100% natural process, it is still a safe snack for them.
- Why is my cat obsessed with eating grass? Cats may start to exhibit obsessive tendencies when you grow cat grass. This could come down to a lack of self-control when it comes to playing or eating it, or perhaps from boredom as they have nothing better to do. Keep an eye on your pet to make sure that they aren’t becoming too reliant on the way that the grass makes them feel. Also, consider giving your pet a veterinarian check to be sure that there is no underlying medical condition spurring them on to get more vegetation in their diet. For example, the laxative effects of cat grass can be very helpful for pets struggling with their digestive health or with too many hairballs.
- How much cat grass a cat should eat? While there is a concern that cats may end up eating far too much cat grass if they aren’t able to show self-control, this shouldn’t be a big deal. For a start, they can only eat as much as is available to them. So, if you are only growing a small pot, they aren’t going to be able to gorge themselves. If you have concerns about their intake, consider moving the cat grass out of the room for a little while to control when the cat can access this treat.
How to grow your own cat grass at home
As this is a fairly safe and fun plant to grow indoors for your cat, it helps to know how best to do so. It is important to get the best possible plants and grow them in the right spots and conditions. These choices can make a difference in the quality and growth of the plant, as well as ease of access and enjoyment for your pet. Therefore, we need to consider the following:
a) The different types of cat grass that you can get.
b) How to grow cat grass at home.
c) How to grow cat grass without soil for an easier experience.
d) How to look after cat grass at home so it provides the best nutrients and flourishes.
The different types of cat grass:
As we mentioned above, there are lots of different types of grass that go into a cat grass mixture. You may find that you want to mix things up and try new textures and scents after a while. Sourcing your own cat grass seeds from various grasses is one approach. But, you are probably better off getting a cat grass kit. These kits should have just the right mixture of oats, rye, and barley. You may even find that these kits are available from your vet.
How to grow cat grass at home:
You can grow cat grass at home in a pot, just like any other houseplant. Choose a pot that is the right height and width for your cats to have good access. Sow the seeds about a quarter of an inch deep into the soil, make sure there is enough direct light and water, and wait for the seeds to germinate.
How to grow cat grass without soil:
It is a lot easier to grow grass in the soil to establish a better root system and healthier crop. However, homeowners that don’t want to deal with soil can germinate grass seeds in a damp paper towel and let the grass grow through stones.
How to look after cat grass at home:
The great thing about grasses is that they grow back after grazing, and do so with speed. You will know this from your own lawn after cutting it with a lawnmower. Cats can nibble the blades of grass and they will return without much need for human interference. If the grass grows quite long and your cats only occasionally nibble or rub at the blades, you can trim them every couple of weeks so they don’t get too long and floppy.
Why isn’t my cat eating the cat grass I grew?
It is worth remembering that all cats have different tastes. Just because a large number of cats love the feel and taste of cat grass, that doesn’t mean that your pet will too. Cats can get pretty fussy and have their own tastes. You might find that one cat goes mad for the stuff and will have a nibble whenever they can, while the other has no interest in it at all.
If you have any questions or concerns, speak to your vet.
Your vet is always going to be the best source of information for anything related to the diet and behavior of your cat. They know your animal well and can carry out any necessary examinations if you are worried about excessive eating or other nutritional issues. You can also get their advice on the best cat grass kits and how to grow them.
Conclusion
Should you grow cat grass for your pet at home? In short, there is nothing wrong with growing some cat grass at home. You could find that not only is it fun for your cat, but that it also provides some helpful nutrients, aids in their digestion, and deters them from eating unsafe houseplants. Growing cat grass at home doesn’t have to be difficult and you can find some great kits for a small pot of grass in your living room. Give it a try and see what your cat thinks. They may love you all the more for it.
My name is Katie, and I have had different pets at home for as long as I can remember. While I can definitely say I love all animals in general, my heart belongs to cats and dogs. I know you are supposed to choose one or the other, but I could never really decide. I’ve also owned hamsters and fish when I was a kid, and they filled my childhood with very delightful memories.