If you’re a cat owner looking to beautify and improve your indoor space for your pet the growing of cat grass would be one suitable option as it combines both aspects. Cat grass generally contains varieties of wheatgrass, barley and oats which are safe for the household as they serve as food and entertainment for your cat. This blog discusses everything you need to know about cat grass, its benefits, ways of growing it the correct way and ways of using it inside the enclosed space. With little effort, you can surely make an indoor garden which could help in beating all the boredom of your lovely cat.
Why do cats eat grass and is it safe for them?
It is in a cat’s nature to chew on grass
Felines, in general, are carnivorous but for reasons which stem from their behavioral natural traits, cats have a tendency to chew on grass. This is a way for them to self-regulate because grass contains some nutrients for them, such as folic acid, and assists with digestion as well as the expulsion of hairballs in cats. The good part in this is that it doesn’t pose any danger to them as long as it is free of pesticides or any other hazardous chemicals.
How grass is beneficial for cats’ digestive systems
However, performing my own research regarding cats and grass has informed me that chewing on grass could be liked for them because of instinct. Even though they belong to the family of true carnivores, they have been known to munch grass and in some cases it has even been recommended. This includes assisting with digestion and aiding in dealing with hairballs that accumulate in their stomachs. Similarly, an advantage of grass has been found to contain small amounts of folic acid which may help. What I understand is, chewing on grasses does not seem like any harm as long as they are not treated with pesticides and other similar chemicals.
Cat friendly grass to chew on
Research and experience lead me to believe that not every type of grass can be considered safe for your feline friend. In fact, there are lots of species of grass which are completely safe, as a matter of fact, they are beneficial for the cats. For instance, wheatgrass, rye, barley and oats are great grasses to be grown if you have a cat. These types of grass are safe and cats find them easy to consume. I always make sure that any grass I grow for my cat has no chemicals or any such treatment so that it does not harm them. It is in fact an easy and effective way to offer them a natural chew that would not just help them survive but will also be good for their health.
What are the best types of grass to grow for your cat?
Oat grasses: The top belly filler for cats
Oat grass falls among the best options in the varieties of grass that you can grow for your cat since it is safe as well as full of nutrients. This type of grass has vitamins A and B which are necessary for promoting a cat’s skin and coat as well as calcium and iron, which are key minerals. The young shoots of oat grass are soft and tender which cats love, hence make a nice nibble every so often. Also, in terms of maintenance, it’s easy to grow oat grass at home as it grows easily in pots and only needs adequate sunlight and water. Thus, giving oat grass to your cute kittens is not just an alternative but a rectifying remedy for a number of their instincts and also a support to their general well being.
Wheatgrass: An easy to cultivate plant with lots of nutrients
Wheatgrass should also be considered for your cat’s diet, as it is another great selection and is packed with many nutrients which are beneficial for the overall wellness of the cat. Wheatgrass, which is high in vitamins E and K, along with chlorophyll and other important antioxidants, can facilitate digestion and improve detoxification, thus supporting your feline’s healthy organization. Its inherent taste and softness are preferred by most cats and this tempts them to nibble it often. It is also extremely easy to cultivate at home with the help of a small pot, wheat grass seeds and a warm location. Cat owners, whether growing it inside the house or outside in the garden, will love this nutritious grass and their cats will enjoy eating it too, as it promotes their well being and happiness.
Barley grass: A delightful alternative for your pet cat
For cats, it is great to have barley grass as an assortment of nutrients are well suited to the needs of a cat. This grass is also a great source of fibre that ensures proper digestion, but also contains vitamins C and E which make the immune system stronger. Barley grass is also very appealing to cats as they enjoy nibbling its soft blades. Barley grass like oat grass and wheat grass is very simple to grow indoors and requires just a small pot and little attention. Adding barley grass should satisfy a cat’s natural instinct to graze as it is safe and packed with nutrition, thereby improving the cat’s health.
How to grow cat grass indoors?
Selecting the ideal soil and pot for growing cat grass
In sourcing a pot for cat grass, I prefer those which are small to medium in size, proficient in drainage and do contain a few drainage holes at the base. Such pots allow surplus water to flow out making it beneficial, as it eliminates the settling of moisture around the roots which may cause them to rot. Organic potting soil which contains no chemicals or additives is ideal for this purpose. As a cat owner, I envisage a toxic free environment for my cat as my pet will be consuming the grass by chewing on it. If the container you are using does not have any drainage hole, you can put a slightly layer of small stones on the bottom of the container to facilitate water movement. With proper container and soil in practice, it is as easy as stitching to provide the perfect cat-equated indoor setting for cat grass.
Sowing Grass Seed and Petting the Catgrass Garden
When seeding the grass, I sprinkle them evenly across the surface of the soil I prepared and not too densely. Then, either by manually pressing the seeds into the soil with my fingers or covering the seeds with a thin additional layer of soil, I make sure that the seeds will stay in place. At this point, watering is essential. This is why I mist the soil with just enough water to prevent it from becoming too dry and certainly, not too wet. I keep the container where the seeds are placed in areas with relatively less direct sunlight since too much direct heat would dry the seeds. After the seeds start to germinate, I start noticing their development by regularly soaking them in the water. This uncomplicated process allows me to make cat grass for my cat in around one week by soaking the seeds in a water container.
Advice for caring for a cat grass patch indoors
In order to ensure the soil of an indoor cat grass patch is healthy, I do my best to keep it moist without waterlogging it, otherwise I will need to deal with root rot or mold. If that is worked on, then my cat grass patch is in good condition and if I do notice it becoming dry or droopy I feel it my duty to increase watering levels until a more moderate balance is achieved. I also regularly thin out the grass by cutting it at specific intervals as I noticed it not only makes the patch more orderly looking but promotes new growth of the grass as well. Cleaning the grass of any yellowing or wilting blades is also something I do instinctively, especially when I notice any. The last technique I employed was replacing the patch constantly as it has been left alone for a few weeks and this stopped it from becoming unhealthy. With all these ways, an indoor cat grass patch can stay fresh and healthy for pets.
Can cat grass help with hairballs and other health issues?
The role of cat grass in hairball prevention
I have come to learn that cat grass does indeed have a role in hair balls as well as in the general health of my cat. When my cat munches on the grass, it helps with the overall digestion process and can help in the transportation of hair within the digestive system thus reducing the chances of hair balls being formed. In turn, digestive health in cats is also taken care of due to the fiber content in cat grass which helps mitigate not just hair balls but even constipation and other minor digestive conditions. It does not replace a healthy, balanced diet or regular grooming, but I think it’s a good complement for my cat’s health regimen. This is a straightforward and natural route to assist their health and my cat appears to love it!
Additional health benefits of cat grass for felines
Cat grass provides a number of health benefits for my kitty apart from just hair ball control. For instance, whenever my cat grasps the grass and takes a bite or two, I see it can also work as a very mild laxative in some cases where my cat suffers from occasional constipation. This fiber rich plant improves the overall digestion of my cat ensuring that he or she stays comfortable as well as regular.
Are there any alternatives to traditional cat grass?
Cat panther: A wild herb cherished by many cats
One of the most famous alternatives cat owners look for in place of perennial cat grass is sansamena.As much as I understand, sansamena does not have the same characteristics of cat grass in aiding the digestive process, but it can be useful especially for my cats. It makes them more cheerful and active and as a bonus, no stress. On days when most activities are indoors, I sometimes use it just to keep my cat amused. Yes, they are, but I do not allow myself to overdo it, otherwise I will spoil the surprise.
Ornamental grasses that are safe for your indoor feline friends
For those looking for a safe indoor cat ornament, here are a few options that work great. For instance, spider plants are able to withstand the nibbling from my cat while also being a non-toxic source of green. It is rather assuring considering these plants harmonize with the architecture style of my own. Bamboo palm has also piqued my interest, since it is completely pet friendly and gives off a tropical feel. With that said, I emphasize knowing the safety of the plant before incorporating it in my home as a decorative element all ornamental grasses and greenery are not safe for cats. Maintenance of an indoor environment with such safe options is important for my cat’s curiosity without compromising the look and feel of my home.
Reference sources
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs) Â
Q: Eating grass – is it safe for my cat?
A: While not every type of grass is suitbable, most grass is safe for your feline and can actually help in aiding the digestive system’s functioning. However, make it a point to check whether or not the grass in question is sprayed with pesticides or other chemicals which could potentially be harmful to your pet. If you don’t want to take any chances, the best option is to provide your pet with specially designed cat grass instead.
Q: Are there specific types of food that are safe to give my cat?
A: There is a range of types of grass that can be included in your cat’s diet- including But not limited to: 1. Wheatgrass 2. Oat grass 3. Barley grass 4. Rye grass 5. Catnip as well (While catnip is not at a grass, its frequent inclusion in the list of varieties of cat grasses makes it suitable for cats) These particular types of grass are devoid of any possible side effects and will even strengthen and improve your offsprings immune system.
Q: What’s the procedure for growing cat grass at home?
A: It is simple to grow cat grass at home: 1. Buy cat grass seeds from the local pet shop or seed shop 2. Cut the container at only
at the bottom side and Fill the container with potting soil 3. Effective form of solution one way is to Fill the area where the cat grass grows with enough soil 4. Sprinkle the cat grass seeds on the area that the soil covers 5. Water the entire solution regularly and don’t let the soil to drain 6. Sun helps the growth very efficiently because cat grass is one of the plants that enjoys warmth so position the entire container in section where there is sunlight. You will have a fresh patch of grasses for your cat in about a week, that would amuse your cat altogether.
Q: Are there any house plants or flowers that are poisonous for cats?
A: Most of the house holds flowers and plants can cause no harm unless ingested, but many flowers and plants indeed contain toxins lethal for a feline. Most of them are: 1. Lillies (highly poisonous) 2. All types of tulips 3. Some species of azaleas 4. Chrysanthemums 5. Poinsettias.
Q: How often should I let my cat eat grass?
A: The majority of cats can regulate the amount of grass they consume themselves. As a treat you can provide cat grass 3 to 4 times a week. However, if your cat becomes a frequent eater of grass or has a sensitive stomach after eating grass, it is recommended to contact your veterinarian. Also there are cats who are said to be excessive and can vomit or get good amount of digestive issues.
Q: Can I give cat grass instead of their cat food?
A: No, cat grass cannot be given in place of cat food as cats need protein enriched cat food. Grass is indeed a rich source of protein as well as soluble fiber but it lacks a lot of essential nutrients that a cat should be given. Thus, cat grass should not be treated as a staple food rather a supplementary or a treat. Make sure that you cat is provided a balanced diet which includes special and nutritious cat food.
