Cat grass is not a single plant species but rather a mixture of cereal grains grown indoors specifically for feline consumption. The most common seeds used are wheat, barley, and oat, which are harvested at a young, tender stage. When planted densely, these sprouts provide fiber and roughage for housecats. This vegetation offers digestive support, often helping to move hairballs and other indigestible material through the cat’s system.
Optimal Height for Consumption and Typical Growth Rate
The ideal height for offering cat grass to your pet is between four and six inches. At this stage, the blades are at their peak tenderness, offering the most appealing texture and nutritional value. The rapid growth cycle means the grass typically reaches this optimal height approximately 7 to 14 days after planting the seeds.
If the grass is allowed to grow significantly taller than six inches, the blades become increasingly fibrous and tough. This increased cellulose content makes the grass less palatable and more difficult for a cat to chew and digest. When the grass is past its prime, it may begin to wilt or turn yellow at the tips. A consistent rotation of plantings is often necessary to ensure a continuous supply of tender grass.
How Seed Type Influences Maximum Height
The term “cat grass” encompasses several different species of cereal grains, and the type of seed chosen directly affects how quickly the grass becomes overly tall and tough. Wheatgrass, known for its dense, relatively broad blades, is a common variety. If left untrimmed, wheatgrass grown in a tray can reach a height of 8 to 12 inches.
Oat grass is known for its slightly sweeter taste and thinner leaves, and the cat grass variety tends to be moderately tall. Barley grass possesses the most significant height potential among the common varieties, sometimes reaching up to 14 inches if allowed to grow freely. Understanding these maximum potentials helps growers anticipate when the grass will lose its tenderness and require maintenance or replacement.
Managing Cat Grass Height Through Pruning and Care
Controlling the height of cat grass is the most effective way to extend its lifespan and keep the blades tender. The process involves a simple pruning technique. Using clean, sharp scissors, trim the grass blades back to about one inch above the soil line. This removes the older, tougher tips and forces the plant to divert energy back into the root system.
This pruning encourages a flush of new, tender growth from the base. A single pot of cat grass can often provide two or three harvests before the root system becomes exhausted and the growth slows down. Pruning also prevents the grass from “bolting,” which occurs when the plant focuses its energy on producing seed heads instead of soft leaves.
Environmental conditions influence the height and quality of the grass blades. When cat grass does not receive sufficient light, the plants begin to stretch, resulting in thin, pale, and overly tall growth known as etiolation. Placing the container in a location that receives bright, indirect sunlight promotes shorter, thicker, and healthier green blades. Proper watering is also important, as maintaining soil that is moist but not waterlogged prevents mold and root rot, which can prematurely end the life of the crop regardless of its height.