Grow Your Own Cat Grass & Save Some Money

Cat grass might sound like a novelty, something you buy on a whim at the grocery store when you see it. But it’s more than just a fun treat.

Cat grass is great for your cat’s digestion and gives them the perfect environmental stimulation. Whether you’re trying to curb their chewing of houseplants (RIP Spider Plant in the bathroom) or want to add a natural treat to their routine, cat grass is an easy and beneficial option.

It’s also super easy to grow yourself and much cheaper that way.

Meet Verstappen and Yuki. (Yes, we enjoy F1 in this house; why do you ask?) They are half of the delivery from the Cat Distribution System that showed up in my backyard last year. My two girls are big fans of cat grass, and they wholeheartedly agree that if you have cats, you should be growing cat grass for them.

What Is Cat Grass Exactly?

Cat grass is a general term for any number of grains grown as grass (the immature plant) that are safe (and appealing) for cats to eat. The four most common varieties of cat grass are:

Wheat
Oat
Rye
Barley

These grains are all non-toxic for cats, and many pet stores and grocery stores have little pots of fresh cat grass for sale. But considering the naturally short shelf life of these grasses, those little pots can add up fast.

Catnip vs. Cat Grass

A quick clarification is perhaps necessary. Unlike catnip, which stimulates cats, causing delightful hijinks and funny internet videos, cat grass does not have the same effect. Cat grass is merely a crunchy green treat that supports good digestion and gives cats a plant they can chew on without getting shooed away.

Benefits of Providing Cat Grass

You’re probably thinking, “My cats are spoiled rotten already. Do they really need another treat?”

Yes. Yes, they do.

This is more than just a treat. There are some benefits to offering cat grass for you and your feline friends.

Supports Digestion

Cats are carnivores, and in the wild, they often eat the stomach contents of their prey, which can include plant matter. Cat grass mimics this aspect of their natural diet and aids in digestion (providing roughage) as well as providing a source of moisture. Cats are notoriously bad at drinking water, so every bit helps them stay hydrated.

Prevents Houseplant Destruction

If I had provided cat grass from the time these little tyrants came into my life, I would probably still have most of my houseplant collection.

If your cat has been gnawing on your potted plants, cat grass might give them a preferable alternative. It’s also important to keep in mind that many common houseplants are toxic to cats, so providing a safe alternative can protect both your greenery and your pet.

Provides Nutrients

Cat grass contains fiber, chlorophyll (for a healthy gut), folic acid, and trace amounts of vitamins and minerals. Folic acid, in particular, plays a role in oxygen transport in the blood.

Satisfies the Instinctual Behavior to Nom

Living with cats means finding tooth indents on…well, just about everything. When you think of pets that like to chew, you usually think of dogs. But cats also have a natural predilection for chewing, especially on grass.

It can reduce stress, stimulate their senses, and provide a healthy distraction. Some cats enjoy the taste and texture. Providing new stimuli for indoor cats is important as it keeps them active and engaged. Bored indoor cats are usually destructive and overweight.

How Often Should Cats Eat Cat Grass?

There’s not really any hard rule for feeding cat grass, but like with most things, moderation is key. A small amount of fresh cat grass a few times a week is usually enough. Let your cat self-regulate; many will nibble on it periodically rather than devour it all at once. If your cat starts vomiting frequently or shows signs of distress, consult your vet to rule out any underlying issues.

Best Seeds for Cat Grass

The most common and recommended seeds for growing cat grass include:

Wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum): The most popular choice. Sweet taste, rich in nutrients.
Oat grass (Avena sativa): Slightly milder, often easier on sensitive stomachs.
Barley grass (Hordeum vulgare): Contains antioxidants and enzymes.
Ryegrass (Lolium perenne): Grows quickly and has a crisp texture cats enjoy.

You can buy these seeds individually or in blends marketed specifically as cat grass blends. Make sure the seeds are organic and untreated to avoid any chemical residues. Check your favorite seed catalogs, and you may be surprised to find they offer cat grass blends, as well as veggie and flower seeds. Here are a couple to get you started.

Botanical Interests

Baker Creek Rare Seeds

How to Grow Cat Grass at Home

One of the best things about cat grass is how easy it is to grow. You don’t need a green thumb; it doesn’t take long, and you can grow it indoors year-round. The hardest part about growing cat grass is finding a place to hide it from your cats while it grows.

Supplies You’ll Need:

Organic cat grass seeds (wheat, oat, rye, or barley)
Potting soil (without added fertilizers or chemicals, I find straight coconut coir works well)
A shallow container or small pot with drainage holes
Water
A sunny windowsill or a spot with indirect light

Step-by-Step Instructions:

Prepare the Container: Fill your container with potting soil to about an inch from the top.
Sow the Seeds: Sprinkle a generous layer of seeds over the soil. You want them to cover the soil completely, overlapping slightly.
Press the Seeds: You don’t need to put soil on top of the seeds. Lightly press them into the soil.
Water Lightly: Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil and seeds thoroughly. For quicker germination, cover your pot with plastic wrap until they begin to sprout.
Provide Light: Place the container in a warm spot with indirect sunlight. Avoid direct, harsh sunlight, which can dry out the soil too quickly.
Germination: Seeds usually sprout in 3 to 7 days. Keep the soil moist but not waterlogged during this time.
Let It Grow: Once sprouted, let the grass grow to about 4 inches tall before letting your cat have access to it.
Maintenance: Water regularly and trim the grass if it starts to wilt or grow too tall. If mold develops or the grass looks unhealthy, discard it and start a new batch.

Tips for Success

Rotate Pots: I keep three containers in rotation: one for nomming, one that’s been decimated and is growing back out, and the newest batch or the second grow-out pot. This seems to work out so that Verstappen and Yuki always have fresh grass.
Don’t Fertilize: Cats will be ingesting the grass, so skip the fertilizers. It’s completely unnecessary to grow cat grass anyway.
Supervise at First: Watch your cat the first few times they try the grass to make sure they don’t overeat or react poorly.
Indoor Only: Cat grass is best grown indoors. Outdoor pots may be exposed to pests or contaminants.

Replace Cat Grass Often

Cat grass has a short life span. It typically stays fresh for 2 to 3 weeks before becoming yellowed or limp. Once it starts looking tired, it’s time to replace it with a new pot. Again, if you’ve got two or three pots in rotation, you’ll know when it’s time to pitch one and start a new batch.

Growing cat grass for your fur babies is easy and fun. Your cats will appreciate it, and you’ll enjoy the goofy faces they make while eating it. Whether your cat takes a few curious nibbles or ends up with a daily salad habit, cat grass is a simple way to support their health and happiness, which every cat owner knows is why humans were put on this earth to begin with.

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