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Are you the proud owner of an indoor cat? Do you want to bring them some of the green outdoors indoors? Have you thought of growing your cat grass indoors?
Cats have an innate curiosity and tendency to nibble on anything green they can get their paws on. While this behavior is natural, it’s essential to be cautious, as some plants can harm your cat. Not only that but the pesticides and chemicals used in outdoor gardens can be hazardous for your cat.
Growing cat grass indoors gives your cat a healthy plant to chew on and provides a safe and enjoyable activity. I have grown cat grass for years and it sits on my balcony. My cats love it.
In this article, I’ll explore the benefits of cat grass and the best cat grass your house cat will love.
Purrfectly curious about cat grass? Let’s dig in!
What is Cat Grass?
Cat grass isn’t a specific kind of grass but rather a collection of grasses grown specifically for cats to chow down on. These grasses typically include:
- Wheatgrass
- Oat grass
- Rye grass
- Barley grass
- Alfalfa
Whether you choose a single type or a mix of different grasses, these cat safe grasses are a great way to enable your indoor cat to practice their normal behavior. They can also help reduce the appeal of other house plants.
Benefits of Cat Grass for Your Cat
Contrary to popular belief, cats don’t only eat grass when they’re sick. They may eat it to induce vomiting, settle upset tummies, and help clear out food or hairballs that make them uncomfortable. My cats usually eat their cat grass when they have hairballs and want to bring them up.
Cat grass also helps provide essential nutrients that may be missing from your cat’s diet, improve digestion, and reduce hairballs. It can be a source of vitamins, minerals, and fiber, contributing to your indoor cat’s overall health and well-being. Specific grass types, such as alfalfa, can even help treat kidney disease and reduce inflammation.
It can help reduce stress and boredom. Chewing on grass can provide indoor cats with a calming and enriching activity. It provides them with an interesting and engaging pastime that can prevent them from getting bored.
Interestingly big cats (think lions) use grass (and bones) to keep their teeth clean. Chewing on grass is thought to help prevent the build-up of plaque and tartar.
It also stops your cats from nibbling on your ornamental plants (which can be toxic to them), so you can have peace of mind knowing they’re eating something good for them.
Last but not least, the benefits of cat grass are that it is a safe and non-toxic alternative to other houseplants that may be harmful to your indoor cat. Read this article on cat-safe house plants for more info on this.
Just be sure to keep the grass and plants separated to avoid any confusion!
What Type of Cat Grass is Best for Cats to Eat?
When it comes to the best grass for cats, there’s no one-size-fits-all answer.
These finicky creatures may have their own paw-ticular preferences, but here are some top picks to keep your cat happy and healthy:
Oat Grass
Looking for a sweet and nutritious option for your feline friend? Oat grass may be just what you need.
This popular choice not only tastes great to cats, but it’s also packed with essential minerals, vitamins, and soluble fiber that aid digestion and promote a healthy digestive tract.
Plus, if your cat suffers from digestive issues, oat grass can help soothe its upset stomach.
Wheat Grass
Another top pick for cat grass is wheat grass. This highly nutritious option contains essential minerals and amino acids for your cat’s health.
One of the benefits of wheatgrass is its anti-inflammatory properties, making it an excellent choice for older cats who need help with arthritis. So to keep your feline friend healthy and happy, add wheatgrass to their diet and maybe yours too!
Ryegrass
If you have a playful kitty who loves to roll around in the grass, ryegrass may be the perfect option. This short, durable grass can withstand even the roughest cat behavior and is ideal for active and playful cats.
While ryegrass isn’t necessarily the best choice for cats to eat, if you have an outdoor area and can create a path of grass it provides a fun and safe space for your feline friend to enjoy.
Barley Grass
Looking for a taller grass option that grows quickly and can stand up to your cat’s scratching and digging? Barley grass is a fantastic choice for cats who love to chew and scratch at their grass patches.
Alfalfa
Finally, if your cat has chronic kidney disease or other renal issues, alfalfa may be the best option for them. Research has shown that alfalfa has numerous benefits for cats, and many veterinarians now recommend it as a dietary supplement. I really like this pack of heirloom seeds on Amazon which includes alfalfa, oat grass, cat grass mix and catnip.
How to Grow Cat Grass at Home
Get ready to flex your green thumb and give your kitty the gift of delicious, nutritious grass with these easy tips on growing cat grass at home!
You don’t need to be a gardening expert to make it happen – all you need is a shallow container, some soil, grass seeds, and a sunny spot to put it in.
You can use a spray bottle to moisten the soil to avoid overwatering and mold growth. And if you’re planting different types of grass, label the containers with chalkboard stickers for easy identification.
The seeds will sprout quickly, and the grass will last for a few weeks before you need to replace it.
But wait, it gets better! There are cat grass kits available that make the growing process a breeze.
Let’s look at the cat grass kits available to help you grow the purrfect grass for your indoor cat!
Planting Kits
If you’re new to growing cat grass, planting kits are an excellent choice. They come with everything you need to get started, including seeds, substrate, and containers. With planting kits, you won’t need to make any additional purchases, making them a convenient and cost-effective option.
Follow the instructions, and you’ll grow fresh, tasty grass for your cat in no time!
Self-Growing Kits
Self-growing kits are a type of planting kit that uses a mini hydroponic system and doesn’t require soil. This makes them an attractive option if you don’t want soil in your home.
Self-growing kits are relatively low-maintenance, as they only require the addition of water. However, they need more care and monitoring than standard kits, so they may not be the best choice if you’re short on time.
Bulk Seeds
For more experienced gardeners, purchasing bulk seeds is a great option. This gives you the freedom to choose the specific type of grass you want to grow and to select containers that match your home decor.
Plus, buying seeds in bulk ensures that you always have a fresh supply on hand whenever you need to plant new cat grass.
Live Plants
If you’re not confident in your gardening skills or simply don’t have the time to grow cat grass from scratch, live plants may be the way to go.
While they can be more expensive than other options, live plants are already grown and ready to be enjoyed by your cat. Just be sure to choose a variety safe for cats and keep it where your cat can access it easily.
Where can you buy Cat Grass?
Cat grass is available to buy online from major marketplaces like Amazon and Chewy. I’ve put some suggestions below for you. Or I got my cat grass from my local pet store. I’ve also noticed pre-grown cat grass in my local garden center too – so try yours.
9 Best Cat Grass Kits
We’ve compiled this list of the best cat grass kits based on their affordability, ease of use, and reviews given by pet owners.
Window Garden Kit Cat Grass for Indoor Cats
Key Features: The Window Garden Cat Grass Kit for Indoor Cats contains organic, non-GMO wheatgrass seeds. The kit comes with easy-to-follow instructions and has everything you need, including containers and soil discs.
Brand: Window Garden
Dimensions: 4.09 x 4.09 x 3.43 inches
Weight: 10.8 ounces
Growth Rate: Grows within four days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
This cat grass prevents hairballs and provides iron, lecithin, and calcium, which are crucial vitamins for a healthy cat. In addition, it is incredibly simple to grow, as you just have to add seeds and water to the soil disc for it to grow.
SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Grow Kit
Key Features: The SmartyKat Sweet Green Cat Grass Grow Kit has three packs of seeds and two catnip bag toys. The cat grass kit contains a recyclable potting container, potting soil, and fast-growing oat seeds.
Brand: SmartyKat
Dimensions: 10.04 x 8.23 x 6.06 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
Growth Rate: 2 to 4 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
The resulting oat grass from this kit will help your cat with digestive issues and hairballs. These cat grass seeds are easy to grow, and you can use your own container to get the most out of the number of seeds given.
Frisco Natural Cat Grass Growing Kit
Key Features: This cat grass kit has oat, wheat, and barley cat grass seeds. It comes in a three-pack with three plastic containers and soil disks.
Brand: Frisco
Dimensions: 4.75 x 2 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
Growth Rate: 4 to 6 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
This cat grass kit offers a mixture of grasses with specific benefits for cats and comes with multiple containers to place in all their favorite spots around the house.
OrOlam Organic Cat Grass Kit
Key Features: This cat grass kit comes with five of everything. This means you can grow them all simultaneously if you have multiple cats or one at a time with just one. The kit contains organic wheatgrass seeds, soil disks, trays, and pots with drainage holes.
Brand: OrOlam
Dimensions: 6.14 x 4.37 x 4.25 inches
Weight: 12.63 Ounces
Growth Rate: Five days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
This cat grass kit is perfect for multi-cat households, as it includes multiple pots and wheatgrass to reduce hairballs and improve digestion.
Imperial Cat Easy Grow Cat Oat Grass Kit
Key Features: This cat grass kit is easy to use and contains just two items. All you have to do is add the oat seeds to the container and water them daily until they sprout.
Brand: Imperial Cat
Dimensions: 5.87 x 4.75 x 2 inches
Weight: 1 ounce
Growth Rate: 3 to 4 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
Oat grass is a sweet-tasting cat grass that aids in digestion, prevents hairballs, and can keep cats away from other indoor plants.
The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Growing Kit
Key Features: The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Growing Kit contains oat, wheat, rye, and barley grass seeds. It is a high-fiber mixture that ensures a healthy gut.
Brand: The Cat Ladies
Dimensions: 6 x 4.5 x 4.5 inches
Weight: 5.6 ounces
Growth Rate: 2 to 4 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
This cat grass kit is a great choice because of its mix of leafy greens and generous quantity. With this kit, you’ll have plenty of cat-safe grass for months. And if you have multiple cats, you can even plant the seeds in a larger container to accommodate them all.
Van Ness Oat Garden Kit
Key Features: This kit contains organic oat seeds that sprout quickly. It comes with moist peat moss, to which you add oat seeds and water. It’s incredibly easy to grow and results in organic pet grass in a matter of days.
Brand: Van Ness
Dimensions: 4.75 x 2.25 x 5.75 inches
Weight: 2.82 ounces
Growth Rate: 3 to 7 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
This sweet-tasting cat grass will keep your cats coming back for more. If you have multiple cats, place them in separate containers around the house for easy access.
Back to the Roots Organic Wheatgrass Seeds
Key Features: These USDA-certified organic seeds are the premium choice of wheatgrass seeds for cat owners. All you have to do is soak the seeds in water at the start and then set them into the container you want to grow them in. It’s the best value option for pet owners who want to grow wheat grass in a large planter.
Brand: Back to the Roots
Dimensions: 10 x 5 x 4 inches
Weight: 2.03 pounds
Growth Rate: 5-7 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
Back to the Roots cat grass seeds are perfect for multi-cat households and grow quickly. They produce wheatgrass rich in essential vitamins and minerals.
SmartCat 3844 Kitty’s Garden Edible Grass Planter
Key Features: This cat grass kit contains wheat, oats, barley, and rye. The container provided is divided into four growing regions, each taking a single soil disk. The planting container fits into a sturdy wooden planter, which prevents it from toppling over.
Brand: SmartCat
Dimensions: 6.75 x 6.25 x 3 inches
Weight: 1.28 pounds
Growth Rate: 4 to 6 days
Benefits – to indoor cats/owners
The mixture in this cat grass kit ensures that your cat will benefit from all the cat grasses it contains, not just one.
Frequently Asked Questions About The Best Cat Grass For Indoor Cats
Do cats like cat grass?
Yes, cats enjoy cat grass, as it is natural for them to chew on grass, and having their supply of cat grass is healthier and tastier than regular grass found in the garden. I’ve had a pot of cat grass on my balcony for 4 years now and my cats love chewing on it.
Does cat grass make cats high?
No, cat grass contains no compounds that would make cats high. It offers many benefits, and cats tend to eat small amounts.
Cat grass vs. wheatgrass – what is the difference?
There is very little difference between the two, as wheatgrass is an acceptable type of cat grass for cats. Wheatgrass takes longer to grow and is typically longer than other grasses, but it offers the same benefits.
Is oat grass good for cats?
Yes, oat grass is beneficial for cats, as it aids in digestion, provides nutrients, and has a sweet taste that attracts cats.
Can humans eat cat grass?
Yes, humans can consume cat grass. In fact, wheatgrass is a popular choice in households where both cats and humans consume it.
How much cat grass should a cat eat?
Cats can eat as much cat grass as they need to. However, it is recommended to plant small tufts to prevent overconsumption, which can result in vomiting.
Is cat grass good for cats?
Yes, cat grass provides several benefits to cats. It aids digestion, prevents hairballs, and provides essential nutrients and minerals.
Can dogs eat cat grass?
Yes, dogs can eat wheatgrass, which is often marketed as “pet grass” and has similar benefits as cat grass does for cats.
Can kittens eat cat grass?
Yes, kittens can consume cat grass, and it is beneficial for them to be exposed to it, particularly if they are indoor kittens.
In Summary
Cats eat grass for various reasons, and providing them with their supply of cat grass is an excellent way to keep them happy and healthy. And if you’re an indoor cat parent, the best way to provide your feline friend with a healthy snack is by growing cat grass specifically for them.
Luckily, you can find cat grass kits in pet stores that are easy to use – just add water and watch the magic unfold! Let me know how you get on with growing your cat grass and what your cat thinks of it!
I’m an indoor cat convert and created My Indoor Cat to help other indoor cat owners make the best choices for their cats and kittens.
