Have you noticed that your cat takes an excessive interest in your houseplants or secretly chews the leaves of your favorite palm? This is not a sign of bad behavior, but a natural instinct.
Cat grass is one of the simplest yet most important additions you can offer your furry friend for their health and well-being — especially if they are an indoor cat. Agrozone.ee is here to help you choose the most suitable option for your pet.
In this post, we will take a closer look at:
- Why do cats actually need grass?
- Which cat grass is the best?
- How to grow it yourself at home?
Why is cat grass necessary for your pet?
Cat grass is not just a decorative element on the windowsill. It fulfills several critical roles in a cat’s health:
- Expelling Hairballs: Cats constantly groom themselves and swallow a large amount of fur in the process. Eating grass helps safely expel these hairballs (trichobezoars) from the digestive tract, either through vomiting or by accelerating digestion. This prevents dangerous intestinal blockages.
- Promoting Digestion: Grass contains fiber, which acts as a natural laxative, helping to prevent constipation.
- Vitamins and Minerals: The juice of fresh grass contains folic acid (a B-vitamin) that is essential for hemoglobin production and which cats do not always get enough of from their regular meat diet.
- Protection of Houseplants: If a cat has its own personal “salad bar,” it is more likely to leave your poisonous or precious houseplants alone.
Which cat grass should you choose?
Agrozone.ee’s product range and general retail offer various seed mixes. Here are the most common types and their differences:
1. Cereals (Oats, Wheat, Barley)
This is the most common “cat grass.”
- Pros: Grows very quickly (in just 3-5 days), has a soft texture, and a sweet taste that cats enjoy.
- Suitable for: Ideal for cats with more sensitive gums or those who love wide-bladed grass.
2. Cyperus zumula (Galingale/Umbrella Plant)
Often sold in stores already as a potted plant.
- Pros: More durable than cereal grass, looks more decorative.
- Cons: Can grow quite sharp as the plant ages. Care must be taken to ensure the cat does not injure its mouth with a leaf that is too rough.
3. Special Seed Mixes
These often contain a mix of different fast-growing fodder grasses (e.g., a mix of ryegrass and timothy).
- Pros: Offer variety and have been bred to be specifically safe for pets.
Agrozone recommends: Start with a simple oat- or barley-based grass, as it is the most foolproof and generally the most palatable for cats.
How to grow cat grass yourself?
Growing it yourself is more economical and ensures that the grass is always fresh. It is a simple process:
- Choose a container: A shallow pot, bowl, or a specialized cat grass tray is suitable.
- Soil or substrate: Use clean soil or vermiculite (which retains moisture). From the Agrozone.ee selection, you can find suitable soils that are free of fertilizers and chemicals.
- Sowing: Scatter the seeds thickly over the surface of the soil and cover with a thin (approx. 1 cm) layer of soil.
- Watering and light: Keep the soil moist, but not soaking wet. Place the pot in a warm and bright location.
- Serving: When the grass is about 10 cm high (usually after a week), it is ready to be offered.
Tip: To ensure your cat always has grass available, sow a new batch every 2 weeks. This way, you will always have one pot growing and another in use.
When and how often to feed?
- Indoor Cats: Should have access to grass year-round. Since they cannot nibble grass outside, it is your job to bring it inside for them.
- Outdoor Cats: It is also advisable to offer outdoor cats indoor-grown grass during the winter, as the grass outside is under the snow or withered.
Is vomiting normal?
Yes. If a cat vomits clear foam and grass (or a hairball) immediately after eating the grass, it is a sign that the grass did its job – cleaning the stomach. However, if the vomiting is constant and the cat seems lethargic, be sure to consult a veterinarian.
What to Avoid?
- Do not bring grass from outside: Grass brought from roadsides or parks may be contaminated with exhaust fumes, pesticides, or parasites.
- Avoid fertilizers: Never use plant nutrients or fertilizers when growing cat grass. Clean water and soil are sufficient.
In Summary
Fresh greenery is essential for your cat’s health, digestion, and mood. It is a small investment that prevents major health concerns and saves your houseplants.
Does your cat already have its own personal pot of grass?
👉 Check out the selection of cat grass seeds and accessories at Agrozone.ee here and give your pet a healthy gift today!
