Cat grass brings the benefits of plants inside your home while providing your cat with environmental stimulation and health benefits. If you like plants and have a cat, it’s the one thing you should absolutely grow no matter how much space or skill you have.
What is cat grass?
The most common plant referred to as cat grass is oat grass. Cat grass is not the same thing as grass you will find growing in nature. Sometimes other types of grain plants are grown for cats to eat instead, such as wheat grass.
Primary benefits of growing cat grass at home.
Health benefits
Cat grass adds natural fiber, added moisture, and vitamins and minerals to your cat’s diet. These aid in digestion and can even help prevent hairballs.
Quality and safety
When you grow cat grass at home you control what is used to grow it. This lowers the risk of bringing in pests or exposing your home to chemicals or mold.
Convenience
Have multiple containers growing so that one is fresh and ready for your cat at all times, even if another is too short or needs some TLC.
Cost and environment
The costs to you and to the environment are lower because there is less transportation and packaging waste involved in growing it at home. Once you get started you won’t be tempted to buy high-priced cat grass at pet stores or gardening centers.
Cat satisfaction
Cat grass is commonly made from oat seeds but there are other options as well such as growing wheat grass. Figure out what your cat likes and stick to it, or mix it up on occasion if your cat starts to get bored of the usual grass variety.
Protecting your other plants
If you can keep your cat interested in greenery it is allowed to eat and play with it is more likely to leave the less appealing plants you may also grow alone.
Benefits for humans
Having plants and greenery in our homes improves air quality and is good for mental health, so you’ll benefit alongside your cat.
Step-by-step: a guide to growing cat grass indoors
Growing cat grass at home is inexpensive and easy.
For supplies all you need is some pet-safe potting soil, cat grass seeds, and a container with low sides and good drainage. You can use a small planter or even a shallow tray or dish. Pet-safe fertilizer will be useful later on.
Here’s how to do it:
1. Choose the right seeds.
2. Choose the right container.
3. Fill the container with soil.
4. Sow the seeds.
5. Water the seeds.
6. Place the container in a sunny location.
7. Wait for the grass to grow.Enjoy!
Step-by-step instructions for growing cat grass (checklist)
1. Choose the right seeds
Pet stores and online vendors are both good options. At pet stores seeds will be labeled as cat grass seeds or oat grass seeds. If you are trying another variety such as wheat grass it may be labelled something else.
2. Choose the right container
Just about any container will work to grow cat grass in. Trays or recycled containers will work provided they don’t pose a safety risk to your pet. Choose a container with low sides and add drainage holes if your container doesn’t have them.
3. Fill the container with soil
Use a soil mix that drains well. Potting soil or a soil formulated for grass are good options. Make sure the soil isn’t toxic to humans or cats. Don’t use soil from your yard or recycled from another use, as these can contain chemicals such as pesticides which could be toxic for your cat.
4. Sow the seeds
Sprinkle the cat grass seeds evenly over the soil, making sure to cover the surface of the soil completely. Add a small amount of soil with or on top of the seeds as you plant to help them stay in place if you like.
5. Water the seeds
Water the seeds carefully, making sure not to wash them away. This is where the extra soil may be helpful. Keep the soil moist but don’t let it get soggy. If you prefer, use a spray bottle to mist the seeds. Impatient? You may be able to purchase seedlings instead of seeds to simplify and speed up the growing process even further.
6. Place the container in a sunny location
Cat grass needs plenty of sunlight to grow, so choose a spot with lots of natural light such as a window that gets sun for an extended period of the day. You can use artificial lighting or a grow light if necessary.
7. Wait for the grass to grow
It may take between a week and 10 days for the grass to sprout and begin growing. Keep the soil moist and the container in a sunny location until the grass is about 3-4 inches tall. Now it is ready to harvest.
Cat grass harvesting and maintenance
Once your cat grass has grown to a height of 3-4 inches, it’s ready for your cat to enjoy. If the grass is in an appropriate container you can let your cat eat the grass from the planter placed on the floor. Otherwise, trim the grass and provide the cut pieces to your cat. Some cats are hesitant when they are initially exposed to cat grass but most will develop a taste for it if the offer is repeated over time. If your cat doesn’t take to the grass you may want to try another variety.
How can you best care for cat grass once it has grown?
Trim the grass regularly
Every few days trim the grass down to an even height of 1-2 inches to encourage new growth and keep the grass healthy. It’s also a good idea to trim it if the height is uneven after your cat has been eating from the planter.
Water the grass as needed
Keep the soil moist but not soggy, watering the grass as needed to maintain an appropriate moisture level. You can use a spray bottle to mist the grass to prevent over-watering.
Fertilize the grass
A pet safe organic liquid fertilizer can provide the grass with nutrients and boost growth. Check for safety precautions and follow the instructions provided with the fertilizer.
Rotate the container
Rotate the container(s) you are growing cat grass in periodically to ensure that the grass gets sunlight from all directions.
Questions you may have about growing cat grass
Aren’t cats carnivores?
While it is true that cats are obligate carnivores, in nature they would get plant material as part of their meal when they caught a mouse for example. Cat grass can be a healthy supplement to your cat’s diet but it isn’t a replacement for their other food. If you have questions about your cat’s diet, contact your veterinarian.
Cat allergies?
If you think your cat may be reacting to the grass or your cat is allergic to any grains or other products, you can discuss different varieties of cat grass with your vet. One of them may be more likely to work well for your cat.
Cats and cat grass, the best indoor plant for pets.
Cat grass is safe for cats to eat and provides a variety of health benefits for your cat while bringing the benefits of plants indoors. Cat grass is a particularly good option in small spaces and when cats don’t have access to a protected outdoor space. For cats who do have access to the outdoors, it’s still a good idea to provide them with cat grass. Lawns may be contaminated with toxic chemicals from fertilizers or pesticides or be home unsafe plants. When you grow your own cat grass you can be confident that it is safe and healthy for your cat. It will be available all year to enrich the environment and satisfy your cat’s grazing instinct!