Best Cat Grass

Lisa Selvaggio
by Lisa Selvaggio

Have you heard of cat grass? You might have come across it while shopping for supplies and food at your local pet store, and you might have seen it on your favorite online pet shops too. But what is it, and is it a good idea to give it to your cat? Well, it turns out that cat grass is popular with a lot of kitties, and it can provide several benefits. Check out the information below to learn a bit about cat grass, and to take a look at some of the options that are available for purchase.

What Is Cat Grass, and Is It Safe for Kitties to Eat It?

First off, cat grass is not the same as the grass that grows in your yard. And you might think that cat grass is a single type of plant, but different types of plants can be considered cat grass. A few examples include rye, alfalfa, barley, oat, and wheat. You can give your pet a specific type of grass, or you can buy a mix of these. A little trial and error might reveal that your kitty prefers certain types of grass or she might have a single favorite that you can focus on giving her.

Generally, grass that’s appropriate for felines is considered safe for them to chew on and swallow. And if the grass has been grown organically indoors, it is also typically considered a safe route to take. Just keep in mind that not all kitties will want to eat the grass, so it’s normal if it turns out that your pet isn’t interested in it. Every cat is unique, after all.

One thing to be cautious of when it comes to cat grass is the growth of mold, which might be toxic. Check the plant to be sure it looks totally healthy, and get rid of it if it looks moldy or it’s starting to look like it isn’t in the best shape, as you don’t want your kitty eating it if that’s the case.

Of course, to be sure that cat grass is safe for your kitty, the best person to consult would be your veterinarian. If you have any concerns at all, such as if your cat is on medications for a health condition, your vet can steer you in the right direction when it comes to whether or not you should introduce cat grass to her routine.

Note: It’s important to keep your feline friend away from plants that are toxic to cats. If your kitty gets used to having cat grass in the house, and you’re worried about her thinking that other plants in the house are there for her to chew on as well, be sure to move those to hard-to-reach places so she can’t get to them. Also, in the same way that your cat might think it’s fine to go after any indoor plants, if you let your kitty hang out outside at all, such as in an outdoor enclosure, it’s a good idea to make sure she doesn’t develop a habit of eating the lawn out there either, as doing so might expose her to parasites or pesticides.

What Are the Benefits of Cat Grass?

There are several benefits that cat grass may provide to your pet. For example, eating some of this grass might help improve your kitty’s breath naturally, as well as help improve odors when she uses the litter box. In addition to that, cat grass contains vitamins and minerals, along with antioxidants and chlorophyll, so it can be a nice way to add a nutritious treat to your kitty’s diet. Plus, cat grass might even help your kitty if she tends to develop a lot of hairballs.

For pet owners who have frisky felines that like to munch on houseplants, cat grass might be a good distraction. You can let your kitty munch on the grass, and that might be enough to keep her away from other plants that she shouldn’t be eating or chewing on.

Note: When it comes to how much cat grass to give to your pet, the general rule is that it should be given only as a small treat.

What to Look for When Shopping for Cat Grass

First off, look for cat grass that is labeled specifically for kitties, whether you want to buy grass that has already sprouted or you want to start from scratch with soil and seeds.

Many people prefer to stick with organic grass. And, as mentioned above, if you’re purchasing grass that is already grown, look for signs that the plant isn’t doing well, and also look for signs of mold.

Cat grass kits that are sold in pet stores can be a good way to introduce yourself to the process of growing this plant in your home. Basically, these kits will have all of the things that you will need to grow the grass, so you won’t have to worry about going out and buying separate soil, containers, and seeds. Simply follow the directions on the package to set everything up properly, and then wait for your grass to grow while providing it with the right amount of sunlight and water. Usually, it only takes days before the grass has sprouted and your kitty can start enjoying some of it.

Tips for Growing Your Own Cat Grass

If you’d prefer growing your own cat grass from seeds, below are some tips to keep in mind. With the right strategy, you can keep the cat grass growing beautifully so you always have some to give to your pet.

For the soil, standard potting soil should work, and you can fill your container so it’s 75% full. It’s also a good idea to ensure the soil is damp as you add it to the container. In terms of containers for cat grass, a shallow one that has openings to let the water drain properly is a good way to go. And if you want to help reduce the odds that your kitty will knock it over, go with one that’s heavy enough to remain in place even if your cat goes to chew on the grass.

When you’re ready to plant the seeds, sprinkle them on the surface of the soil, and cover them with more soil before watering. You can either soak the seeds before putting them in the soil or put dry seeds into the soil. No matter what, ensure the soil remains damp for at least a few days to help the seeds grow.

Covering the container with some loose plastic wrap is the next step (don’t make it airtight, as you want to prevent mold). You shouldn’t put the container in direct sunlight at this point. At room temperature, the grass should start to come through within a week. At that point, you can remove the plastic wrap, and the grass will prefer plenty of direct sunlight. Continue keeping the soil only damp to avoid mold that can happen when you overwater.

Let the grass grow for about two weeks before letting your kitty chew on it. Over time, if you notice any blades of grass that are changing color or wilting, remove them from the container.

Some Cat Grass Products We Recommend

If you want to purchase some cat grass to see if your kitty will go for it, there are a lot of products out there that you can choose from. Some grass is already grown and ready to use, but you can also find handy kits that make it super easy to grow fresh cat grass right at home. And you can also purchase cat grass seeds on their own if you don’t need a whole kit. With the right approach, you can create a little cat grass garden and have a constant supply without needing to buy more of it all the time.

Below are some of the cat grass options that are available, listed in no particular order. Check them out to learn more about them, but keep in mind that it’s always a good idea to consult with your veterinarian first to figure out if cat grass is appropriate for your unique feline. If you’re at all concerned or unsure about whether or not you should give your pet some cat grass, your vet can guide you in the right direction.

1. Pet Greens Multi-Pack Live Cat Grass and Catnip, Pack of 6

The Pet Greens Multi-Pack Live Cat Grass and Catnip comes in a pack of six and features three different varieties that your cat can try. This can give you a better idea of what she likes and dislikes if you have never introduced grass to her before. You get two of the Variety Blend, which is oat, rye, and barley, along with two containers of original wheatgrass. And you also get two containers of catnip.

These grasses are certified organic, and they boast vitamins, minerals, protein, amino acids, and enzymes. Plus, they provide a gentle natural fiber to help support your kitty’s digestive system.

2. Pet Greens Self Grow Garden Pet Grass, 3-oz bag

The Pet Greens Self Grow Garden Pet Grass, which is made in the USA, is a 3-ounce bag that gives you everything you need to grow fresh cat grass at home, including a wheat seed packet and soil. Basically, all you need to do is poke some holes at the bottom of the bag, and then tear it open. Then, add water right to the bag, and wait for the grass to grow in. It will only take about a week.

This grass is certified organic, gluten free, and non-GMO. Your cat might benefit from this grass, as it contains amino acids, minerals, vitamins, and enzymes, as well as fiber to support digestion and help your feline friend get relief from hairballs.

3. The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Compostable Grass Grow Kit, 3 count

The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Compostable Grass Grow Kit comes in a pack of three, so you can have plenty of grass for your cat. This product provides you with a proprietary seed blend that contains oat, wheat, barley, flax, and rye. This combination helps add fiber and nutrients to your feline friend’s diet.

These grass seeds are organic and from the United States, and the bags are compostable. To grow the grass, all you have to do is add water. Within a week, you should see the grass growing in.

4. SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit, 1-oz

With the SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit, you can easily start growing organic oat grass at home. This is an all-in-one kit that includes the seeds with the right amount of soil, so all you need to do is add some water. Within days, those seeds will sprout, and before you know it, you will have some grass to offer your kitty as a treat.

This grass boasts vitamins and minerals, along with chlorophyll, to help freshen your cat’s breath, support healthy digestion, and reduce hairballs. Plus, the seeds are certified organic.

5. Petlinks Nibble-Licious Organic Cat Grass Seeds

The Petlinks Nibble-Licious Organic Cat Grass Seeds are a good option when you want to be able to purchase seeds that you can then plant on your own. Add these oat seeds to some potting soil, give them the right amount of water, and then wait for them to sprout in just a few days.

These easy-to-grow seeds are certified organic, which means they are grown and processed without pesticides or chemicals. And they are also grown and packed in the United States. They can provide a little extra nutrition to your kitty in the form of a treat that she can snack on.

6. Van Ness Oat Garden Kit

Yet another option in the world of cat grass kits is the Van Ness Oat Garden Kit. This is made in the USA, and it lets you easily grow organic, fresh oat grass that is free of chemicals. The oat grass seeds sprout in days, and this grass may help your pet maintain a healthy digestive system. Plus, it might also be helpful if you hope to reduce the occurrence of hairballs.

All you have to do is pour the seeds over the peat moss, stir gently and make sure the seeds are lightly covered, and pour water into the container. Loosely cover it with the lid and put it in a dark, warm place. Keep the peat moss moist consistently. Within a week, you should see sprouts. At that point, you can uncover and move the container to an area that gets sun. Give the sprouts a chance to grow 2-4” tall before giving it to your cat.

7. The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Grow Kit with Planter

This Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Grow Kit comes with a cute planter mug that has a cat face painted on it and a handle for easy carrying. This kit includes a blend of certified organic oat, barley, rye, flax, and wheat seeds that are non-GMO and free of chemicals, along with a soil puck. And you can choose from two colors for the planter: white or black.

Feeding this grass to your kitties can provide her with vitamins and minerals that can help reduce hairballs and support digestion. To get started, all you need to do is follow the instructions to grow the grass within days. Then, offer it to your kitty to see if she likes it.

8. OurPets Kitty Herbs Gusseted Pet Grass, 5-oz bag

Another way to grow cat grass at home is by using the OurPets Kitty Herbs Gusseted Pet Grass. This product gives you a mixture of seeds that includes oat, wheat, and barley. And all you need to do is sprinkle the seeds into a pot of soil to get started. Follow the instructions to care for your seeds until they sprout. Then, once the grass is tall enough, you can offer it to your cat as a treat.

This handy kit contains premium North American seeds. And the grass you grow can provide your kitty with fiber, as well as vitamins like B vitamins, to help with hairball problems and to support digestion.

9. Imperial Cat Easy Grow Cat Oat Grass Kit

The Imperial Cat Easy Grow Oat Grass Kit gives you an easy way to grow organic oat grass for your pet. It comes with a tub that’s filled with peat moss, along with a bag of organic oat grass seeds that were grown, harvested, and packaged in the United States.

To start, remove the lid so you can use it as a drip tray under the container before pouring the seeds into the soil. Add water, and use a spoon to distribute the water and seeds throughout the soil. Then, poke holes in the bottom of the container for drainage before putting the container in a warm place in your home. By keeping the soil moist, the seeds will sprout within days. Once the grass has grown in, you can give this treat to your cat to provide her with fiber, nutrients, and chlorophyll.

With so many great kits available to quickly and easily grow fresh cat grass at home, there’s no need to wait if you’ve been thinking about offering this treat to your cat. But, as mentioned above, if you aren’t sure about whether or not grass would be right for your pet, talk to your vet first.

Lisa Selvaggio
Lisa Selvaggio

Lisa Selvaggio is a freelance writer and editor, and our resident cats-pert, with certifications in pet nutrition and pet first aid. She enjoys producing content that helps people understand animals better so they can give their pets a safe and happy home.

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