Cat grass, typically a mix of cereal grains like wheat, oat, rye, or barley, provides a safe and appealing greens source for felines. Many cat owners offer it indoors to aid digestion and help hairball management. While a beneficial supplement to a cat’s diet, the grass can sometimes develop a yellow hue, indicating an underlying issue with its health or growing conditions.
Why Cat Grass Turns Yellow
One of the most frequent causes of yellowing cat grass is improper watering. Overwatering leads to saturated soil, which deprives the roots of oxygen and can cause root rot, manifesting as yellowed blades. Conversely, underwatering causes the plant to become dehydrated and stressed, leading to a uniform yellowing or browning of the foliage as the plant struggles to draw sufficient moisture.
Insufficient light exposure also contributes to yellowing. Cat grass requires ample sunlight for photosynthesis. When light is inadequate, the plant cannot produce enough chlorophyll, the green pigment, causing the blades to lose their vibrant color and turn pale or yellow.
A lack of essential nutrients in the growing medium can also result in discolored foliage. It requires essential nutrients, including nitrogen, phosphorus, and potassium. Nitrogen deficiency, for instance, often presents as a general yellowing of older, lower leaves as the plant reallocates nutrients to newer growth.
Environmental stressors, such as extreme temperatures, can also impact the grass’s vitality. Cat grass thrives in moderate conditions, typically between 60 to 75 degrees Fahrenheit. Exposure to consistently cold drafts or excessively hot, dry air can stress the plant, leading to yellowing or stunted growth as it attempts to conserve energy.
Finally, yellowing can simply be a sign of the plant’s natural life cycle. As cat grass matures, individual blades, especially older ones, will naturally begin to yellow and eventually die back. This is a normal process, particularly noticeable in patches that have been growing for several weeks, as the plant reaches the end of its typical lifespan.
Restoring and Maintaining Cat Grass Health
Watering
Proper watering is crucial for cat grass health. If the soil is soggy, reduce watering frequency and ensure proper drainage to prevent root rot. If parched, water thoroughly, allowing excess to drain. Maintain a consistent schedule, watering when the top inch of soil feels dry. Avoid both overwatering and letting the soil dry out completely, as extremes stress the plant.
Light
To address insufficient light, move the cat grass to a brighter location, such as near a south-facing window, where it receives several hours of indirect, bright light daily. Consistent, adequate light ensures efficient photosynthesis and maintains vibrant green color. If natural light is limited, supplement with an LED grow light for 10-12 hours daily.
Nutrients
Address nutrient deficiencies with a light application of diluted liquid plant food, perhaps at one-quarter strength, every few weeks. Alternatively, if the soil is depleted, gently refresh the top layer with fresh, nutrient-rich potting mix. This provides a steady supply of essential elements for robust, green blades.
Trimming
Regular trimming encourages healthier new growth and extends the plant’s productive life. Use clean scissors to snip off yellowed tips or entire blades near the soil line. Trimming about one-third of the blade length every few days, especially after your cat grazes, directs energy towards producing fresh, green foliage and prevents the grass from becoming leggy.
Drainage
Ensure proper drainage by always using a pot with drainage holes. While a saucer can catch runoff, do not let the pot sit in standing water for extended periods, as this can lead to root issues.
Replacing Your Cat Grass
When widespread yellowing persists despite corrective measures, it often indicates the grass has reached the end of its useful life. If the majority of the blades are discolored and new growth is minimal or absent, the plant may have irreparable damage or has simply completed its natural growth cycle. Cat grass typically has a relatively short lifespan, often lasting only 2-4 weeks from sprouting before it begins to decline.
While yellowed grass is generally not harmful for cats to consume, it loses much of its appeal and nutritional value. The texture becomes less palatable, and the beneficial chlorophyll content diminishes. For optimal freshness and to ensure your cat receives the maximum benefit, it is often best to simply start a new batch.