Cat grass is a collective term for the sprouts of cereal grains like oats, wheat, barley, or rye, which are safe for feline consumption. It serves as a digestive aid, as the fiber content helps stimulate the gastrointestinal tract and assists in the smooth passage of hairballs and other ingested matter. Cat grass also offers nutritional benefits, providing vitamins like A, D, and B complex, folic acid, and chlorophyll. Offering this greenery can satisfy a cat’s instinctual craving for plants and act as a safer alternative to chewing on potentially toxic houseplants.
Gathering Your Supplies
The first step in growing cat grass is gathering non-toxic, high-quality materials. When selecting seeds, look for organic, non-GMO varieties of wheat, oat, rye, or barley. Oat grass is often considered a favorite for its sweet flavor, while wheatgrass is a robust option packed with vitamins and minerals.
You will need a planting container that is relatively shallow, ideally two to three inches deep, to accommodate the grass’s root system. While some growers use containers without drainage, a vessel with drainage holes is recommended to prevent waterlogging and mold growth.
The growing medium should be high-quality organic potting soil or a soilless mix like coconut coir. Avoid potting soils that contain synthetic fertilizers or chemicals, as these can be harmful if ingested by your cat.
The Planting Process
Begin the planting process by preparing the growing medium. Fill the container with soil, leaving one to two inches of space below the rim for watering and growth. Soaking the seeds in water for several hours or overnight is optional, but it can encourage quicker germination.
Scatter the seeds densely over the surface of the soil. Unlike growing vegetables, cat grass seeds should be spread closely together to produce a thick, lawn-like mat of blades. Cover the seeds with a very thin layer of soil, approximately one-eighth to one-quarter of an inch deep, or simply press them lightly into the surface.
The initial watering should thoroughly moisten the soil without making it soggy; a spray bottle is useful for preventing seed displacement. To encourage germination, cover the container loosely with plastic wrap to create a humid microclimate while allowing for air circulation. Place the container in a warm, dark, or indirectly lit location. Sprouts typically emerge within two to four days, at which point the plastic covering should be removed.
Ongoing Maintenance and Serving
Once the seeds have sprouted, move the grass to a location that receives bright light. An ideal spot is a window that provides several hours of morning sun followed by bright, indirect light. Avoid placing the grass in direct, intense sunlight for prolonged periods, as this can scorch the blades.
The cat grass requires regular watering to keep the soil moist but never waterlogged, which causes mold development. Check the soil daily; if the top inch feels dry, apply water until it drains from the bottom, then pour away the excess. The grass is ready for consumption when it reaches a height of about three to four inches, usually about a week after planting.
To maintain the grass’s vigor, trim the blades back to about three inches if they grow too long or begin to wilt. Cat grass is a temporary crop, and its life cycle is short, with the blades beginning to yellow and lose nutritional value after two to three weeks. To ensure a continuous supply of fresh grass, stagger your planting by starting a new batch of seeds every one to two weeks.