Cat grass is a growing trend among cat owners today, so let’s talk about it.
You might’ve seen one of your cat-friendly neighbors or friends growing a pot of this stuff by a windowsill or in a garden. Or maybe you saw a pre-made pot of it at your local pet store.
Either way, there’s a lot cat owners need to understand before they give their companion this unique type of grass — especially since there is a limit to how much they can handle. So, let’s learn more!
What is Cat Grass?
Cat grass is nothing special. In fact, it’s usually grown from a combination of cereal seeds, also known as cereal grains.
Cereal seeds are the edible seeds of specific grasses commonly cultivated for food. They’re the world’s largest crop and are the foundation of many staple foods around the world, including corn and rice.
Cat grass, in particular, is typically grown from a combination of rye, barley, oat and wheat seeds — and it’s a member of the same grass family as the grass in your backyard.
When grown close together, the seeds sprout into tall, thin grass blades that your cat can either lay or chew on. But unlike outdoor grass, cat grass isn’t treated with pesticides and is safer for cats to eat.
Cat Grass Benefits
You might be asking yourself, “Why do cats like cat grass,” or, “What does cat grass do for my cat?”
According to Carlo Siracusa, an animal behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania, wild cats like to eat grass after eating their prey.
“In many cases, the grass causes the cat to vomit,” Siracusa explains, per PetMD. “We believe this is nature’s way of helping the cat expel the parts of their prey that are indigestible.”
For an indoor cat that doesn’t eat live prey, the fiber in sprouted cat grass seeds can help them throw up hairballs — or help digest hairballs by acting as a laxative.
In addition to fiber, cat grass also contains Vitamin A, Vitamin D, chlorophyll and folic acid — all of which can help give your feline friend a better chance at living a happy, healthy and long feline life.
Cat Grass vs. Catnip
Many people make the mistake of confusing cat grass as an alternative word for catnip.
They’re both safe for cats to roll in and chew on — unlike toxic plants like lilies, azaleas and tulips — but they’re also two entirely different plants that have unique effects on the feline body and mind.
For example, cat grass is a combination of rye, barley, oat and wheat, while catnip — known scientifically as Nepeta cataria — is a member of the mint family.
When a cat smells catnip, it exposes its vomeronasal gland to an oil known as nepetalactone. Unlike cat grass, catnip can cause mental and behavioral changes in cats.
Some cats might feel a sense of euphoria and bliss when smelling catnip, which can cause them to be more playful than usual, while other cats experience a more calming and relaxing effect.
Cat grass won’t have these effects, but it will aid in digestion and natural instinct.
How to Grow Cat Grass
Ah, the million-dollar question of the day — how can you start growing cat grass for your feline friend?
Well, the good news is most cat owners won’t have to.
Many brick-and-mortar and online stores — such as pet stores (PetSmart, Petco), garden centers, nurseries, Amazon, Chewy, grocery stores and home improvement stores — sell pre-grown cat grass.
But if you’re a DIY-er like myself, then growing cat grass yourself can be a fun adventure for both you and your cat!
Most of the locations above will offer cat grass kits equipped with seeds, soil, a container and anything else you’ll need. You can also buy wheat, oat, barley and rye seed packets on their own, if you’d like.
Either way, let’s take a look at the four-step process for growing your own cat grass.
Step 1: Plant Your Cat Grass Seeds
In order to plant cat grass seeds, you’ll need a small pot, organic potting soil, the seeds, plastic wrap and water. Smaller pots are good for chewing, while larger pots are better for rolling around in.
To start, fill your pot with soil and leave around 1-2 inches of space between the top of the soil and top of the pot. Then, spread the seeds evenly across the surface of the soil.
Gently press the seeds into the soil without fully burying them — as all they need is good contact with soil. A light layer of soil (about 1/8 inch) can be sprinkled over the seeds, but this isn’t strictly necessary.
Now, you’re ready for the next step!
Step 2: Water and Cover the Grass
Like humans — and cats — cat grass seeds require water in order to grow and survive.
Once planted, thoroughly moisten the soil using a spray bottle or gentle watering can. It’s important to avoid displacing the seeds, so make sure the soil is damp throughout but not waterlogged.
Next, cover your pot with plastic wrap (also known as Saran wrap or cling wrap) to create a greenhouse effect — allowing you to maintain humidity and warmth inside the pot.
I also recommend poking a few small holes into the plastic wrap with a toothpick to allow some air circulation. The ensuing environment helps speed up the germination process.
Put the pot in a warm spot with no sunlight (on top of the refrigerator) until the seeds start sprouting.
Step 3: Give Your Grass Some Sun
After 2-3 days in a warm, dark place, your cat grass seeds will need a little sunlight to continue growing.
At this point, you can remove the plastic wrap and move the pot to an area of the home (or garden) that receives indirect sunlight for 4-6 hours per day.
A sunny window is ideal, but avoid placing it in direct sunlight — which can scorch the leaves.
If you don’t have a suitable place next to a window, LED grow lights are a great alternative and allow you to better control how much light your grass gets.
Step 4: Watch the Grass Grow
Once your seeds start sprouting, you’re about two weeks away from having your first pot of cat grass.
Check the soil moisture daily and water the plant when the top layer of soil feels dry to the touch. Be careful not to overwater, as soggy soil can lead to mold growth.
The ideal size for cat grass is anywhere from two to four inches long — and it’ll last roughly 2-3 weeks.
When your cat grass reaches the desired length, bring your cat in on the fun. Smaller pots can sit on a coffee table or windowsill that your cat frequents. Larger pots can be placed on the ground.
How Much is Too Much Cat Grass
All cats tolerate cat grass differently, so it’s important to keep an eye on your cat’s behavior as they start enjoying it — unless you want a sick cat in the home.
Since cat grass is a good source of fiber, too much of it can result in excess vomiting or intestinal blockage if the fiber builds up in the digestive tract.
While some cats can control themselves, others will need their cat grass taken away if they’re eating too much. If that sounds like your cat, try giving it to them in the morning after they eat their breakfast.
If your cat doesn’t show any signs of overeating, it’s safe to leave out 24/7 so they can enjoy it as they please.
Can Other Pets Eat Cat Grass
It’s called cat grass, but don’t let that fool your other pets — they’re invited, too!
Cat grass can be an excellent source of nutrition, especially fiber, for all your pets, including birds, rabbits, dogs, guinea pigs, hamsters and reptiles.
But like cats, make sure you keep an eye on their eating habits and be on the lookout for excess vomiting or changes in the frequency, consistency or color of your pet’s poop.
If all is good, then congratulations — you’re now one of the cool pet parents!
