Cat Grass: Growing Healthful Kitty Greens

You may have noticed that cats are naturally drawn to eating greens, even if you give them a chef-worthy dinner. Why?

• Cat grass is high in fiber and helps cats digest their food more efficiently and even helps prevent the build-up of hairballs.
• It supplies chlorophyll, vitamins, and trace minerals—al things cats need to be healthy.
• It can help ease their upset stomach from hairballs or something they have eaten.

Why grow your own cat grass versus "regular" grass?

• Lawn grass is harder to digest than the tender wheat, barley, or oats in special cat grass mixes.
• Lawns are often treated with fertilizers, herbicides, and pesticides that can be harmful if ingested.
• Growing your own cat grass indoors allows you to monitor your cat's greens intake, making sure they aren't eating too much, too fast. Especially when cats don't have regular access to greens, they get excited to have some salad!
• Cat grass is a safe alternative to house plants, which can make them sick. It satisfies the natural need cats have to graze.

How to Grow Cat Grass

1. Choose a growing container that is heavy enough so your cat won't knock it over.
2. Fill the clean growing container with moistened potting soil or seed-starting mix up to 1" from the top.
3. Scatter cat grass seeds about ¼" apart and cover with up to ½ " of potting soil or seed-starting mix.
4. Water seeded area and cover with plastic wrap to keep the moisture in. Keep seeds moist until they sprout.
5. Remove the plastic wrap once seeds sprout and place the sprouted container of grass in a sunny window or under a grow light and water regularly.
6. Once seedlings are 2" tall (about 10 to 14 days), you can offer the container of greens to your feline friend. If your cat is really excited about the greens and seems to be overeating, let them graze the greens for only a few minutes at a time, until they get accustomed to it.
7. Sow a new batch of seeds every 2 weeks for a continuous supply.