7 Benefits of Cat Grass For Your Feline Buddy

When Durga (my cat daughter) first tiptoed into my life on October 22nd, 2023, she carried a spark of untamed adventure. It was a hint of the wild hidden beneath her soft paws. She quickly settled into the cozy comfort of our urban apartment, finding a safe haven in its warmth. But despite the security and love she found, her world was inevitably small, confined within the walls that surrounded her.

How I Discover Durga’s Passion for the Natural World?

One day, I watched Durga (she was then just two months old) as she sat by the window. Her eyes filled with longing as they followed the dance of leaves in the breeze. There was something in her gaze that genuinely tugged at my heart, a silent yearning that I couldn’t ignore. That day, I realized that I needed to bring a piece of the outside world into her life to make her happy and comfortable. It was the key to unlocking that extra bit of joy and contentment she deserved.

So, I decided to introduce her to the world beyond our apartment walls. With a little leash and harness, we began our outdoor adventures together. It was my way of letting her experience the natural world that was meant for her — the rustling leaves, the chirping birds, and the endless sky, all waiting to be explored.

Durga’s Love for Lush Green Patches

As we ventured outside, I noticed Durga’s enchantment with the grass. Each time we stumbled upon a verdant patch, her eyes would light up with curiosity. She’d approach with a sense of wonder, sniffing the grasses with keen interest, also occasionally biting at them as if savoring a hidden treasure. I found her pure joy in this simple pleasure. This sparked an idea in me to bring a touch of her outdoor adventures into our home. But I didn’t know how to do that.

Curious about Durga’s fascination with grass, I researched to uncover why indoor cats are so drawn to it. Surprisingly, I learned that this behavior isn’t as uncommon as I initially thought. I knew that grass offers indoor cats a natural way to engage their instincts and aids in their digestion. It provides a much-needed connection to their wild roots. This newfound knowledge added a deeper layer of understanding to Durga’s delight in her green outdoor treats.

That’s when the term “Cat Grass” really clicked for me. It was during one of our usual stops at the local pet shop. I decided to buy a few seeds, eager to see what magic they might hold. After bringing them home, I carefully planted them and waited for the first sprouts to appear.

If you’re new to being a cat parent, you might wonder, “What exactly is this Cat Grass?” Well, scroll down to discover more about this magical green treat that your cat will love!

What is Cat Grass?

Cat Grass isn’t a single type of plant or grass. It’s actually a mix of different grasses, typically grown from seeds like wheat, barley, oats, and rye. You can grow it in your indoor environment for your furry baby. Thereby, it is entirely free from toxic pesticides that can be found in your outside garden.

Additionally, cat grass contains antioxidants, chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and other essential nutrients that boost your cat’s health. It also provides fiber, which aids in digestion and keeps their system running smoothly.

Why do Cats Love Cat Grass to Eat?

The mystery of why cats nibble on grass, including cat grass, remains partly unsolved, though some intriguing theories have emerged. It was once thought that cats turned to grass when they were feeling under the weather, perhaps to soothe their stomachs. However, a recent study challenged this notion.

Researchers surveyed a group of cat owners and discovered that 65% of cats chewed on plants weekly. Surprisingly, only 6% of these cats were reported to be ill before munching on the grass, and 37% were said to vomit afterward. This suggests that the majority of cats weren’t eating grass to feel better, as they were generally healthy before indulging.

Another theory is that cat grass might help cats expel hairballs. Yet, the same study found no significant difference in vomiting between longhaired and shorthaired cats, indicating that grass consumption might not be specifically linked to hairball relief.

There’s also a hypothesis that grass-eating could be a natural way for cats to manage intestinal parasites. A Belgian study, which explored the dietary habits of various wild carnivores — including lynx, cougars, pumas, and leopards — revealed that even wild cats partake in eating grasses. This suggests that munching on grass might be an innate behavior shared across all feline species, not just our domestic companions.

Durga’s Introduction to Cat Grass in Our Apartment

At last, I introduced Durga to her very own patch of green on our apartment balcony. I set up a simple little garden with a mix of wheatgrass, barley, and oat seeds planted in fresh soil and placed it on the sunny balcony. The grass grew swiftly, and soon, a lush, vibrant tuft appeared, ready for exploration.

When the tiny green blades finally emerged, I watched as Durga’s eyes lit up with wonder. Without a moment’s hesitation, she went straight for the cat grass as if she had just rediscovered a long-lost treasure. She approached with a blend of cautious curiosity. It didn’t take long for this fresh green treat to become a cherished part of her daily routine, blending seamlessly into her life with a touch of the outdoors right at home.

In that instant, I realized that it was a little piece of the wild that had captured her heart. And now, that piece of the outdoors belonged to both of us, right here in our home.

What are the Benefits of Cat Grass?

You might be curious, why a carnivore like a cat would benefit from having grass in its diet. I had the exact same question when I first heard about it. It didn’t make sense to me at first. But my perspective changed after I decided to give it a try with my little Durga. I introduced cat grass into her routine, and to my surprise, I started noticing subtle yet significant changes in her health.

She usually loves to have fish and chicken in her food, but this grass turned out to be a hidden gem. It worked wonders for her digestion, helped with those pesky hairballs, and even gave her a boost of essential nutrients. It’s amazing how something so simple can make such a big difference in her overall well-being.

1. Rich in Nutrients

Cat grass is packed with nutrients that your feline might not get from their usual diet. It’s rich in antioxidants that help combat free radicals in the bloodstream and contains essential vitamins that support healthy skin, teeth, and claws.

Specifically, cat grass includes:

• Antioxidants from oat, rye, barley, and wheat grasses
• Vitamins A, C, E, and K
• Glutathione
• Protein
• Carbohydrates
• Natural soluble fiber
• Vitamins B1 and B6
• Folic acid

2. Improve Digestive in Cat

Healthy digestion is very important for a cat’s overall health. The rich fiber content, especially wheatgrass and oat grass, this cat grass aids in promoting healthy digestion and preventing constipation. When your cat munches on this fibrous plant, it helps keep their digestive system running smoothly and reduces the risk of constipation.

3. Eliminating and Preventing Hairballs

If you’ve had a cat, you know that hairballs can be a persistent problem. Durga, my furry friend, was no exception. Her frequent hairball issues were a constant source of concern.

Watching her nibble on the green blades was a sight to behold. It wasn’t long before I noticed a change — cat grass seemed to work its magic. It helped Durga bring up those stubborn hairballs more easily, and the roughage from the grass provided the extra push her digestive system needed to move the hair through. It became a simple but effective part of her routine.

4. Enhancing Oral Health of Cat

Maintaining your cat’s oral health is crucial, and cat grass can be a surprising ally. The chlorophyll in cat grass helps freshen the breath and even reduces the biofilm on the cat’s teeth, giving the mouth a cleaner feel.

However, cat grass isn’t a substitute for regular tooth brushing; it is a helpful addition to your cat’s oral care routine. It’s a simple yet effective way to support dental health alongside the essential routine of brushing teeth to prevent issues like gingivitis and tooth decay.

5. Acts as a Natural Laxative

Constipation can be pretty uncomfortable for cats, but cat grass offers a gentle, natural solution. When Durga faced occasional constipation, introducing cat grass into her diet made a noticeable difference. This green herb acts as a natural laxative, easing her bowel movements and helping to prevent future issues.

Cat grass can be a beneficial addition to their routine if your cat is prone to constipation or has difficulty passing stool. However, if you notice that their constipation persists or worsens, it’s important to consult your veterinarian. Addressing digestive issues promptly will ensure your cat stays comfortable and healthy.

7. Act as Stress Relief in Cats

Cat grass can be a soothing remedy for excessive stress in Cats. For Durga, chewing on cat grass became a calming ritual, offering a healthier alternative to stress-related behaviors like excessive grooming.

Furnishing fresh cat grass in her favorite lounging spots gave her a natural way to unwind and relieve anxiety. Keeping it accessible ensures that she can turn to it whenever she needs a bit of relaxation and comfort. It’s a simple yet effective way to help your cat manage stress and maintain their emotional balance.

Difference Between Cat Grass and Catnip

While searching for cat grass, I stumbled upon another term: “catnip.” It was a bit confusing initially since I wasn’t familiar with either. If you’re new to cat care, you might find yourself in the same boat, trying to figure out what each one is all about.

Is catnip and cat grass the same thing? The answer is a big “NO”.

Catnip, from the mint family, contains nepetalactone, an essential oil that can send your cat into a blissful state of euphoria. It’s fascinating to note that not all cats respond to catnip — it’s actually a genetic trait. Most cats don’t react until they’re 3 to 6 months old, and if your cat lacks the right gene, they simply won’t feel the effects.

Cat grass, however, is a whole different story. Unlike catnip, which brings on that euphoric buzz, cat grass belongs to the cereal or grain family and offers a different kind of enjoyment. It doesn’t require any genetic traits to be appealing; it’s just a tasty, fibrous snack that some cats love to munch on.

Note: Be careful — too much cat grass can lead to vomiting. To avoid this, I keep the plant in a spot that’s accessible but not overindulged and occasionally add a bit to Durga’s food.

How to Grow Cat Grass in Your Home Garden for Your Indoor Cat

Growing cat grass turned out to be a delightful project for both of us. This needs to be replanted every 1–2 weeks, and each time, Durga seems just as fascinated by the new growth as she was initially.

• Take some small, shallow pots and fill them with potting soil. I usually prefer the organic soil.
• Choose heavier pots that are less likely to tip over when your cat tugs at the grass. Sprinkle cat grass seeds over the soil and cover them with about ¼ inch of soil.
• Lightly spritz the soil to keep it moist, but not soaked, until the seeds sprout, which should take 3–5 days.
• After sprouting, reduce the amount of water. Once the grass is about 4 inches tall, it’s ready for your cat to enjoy. The grass should stay fresh for 10–14 days.
• To ensure a continuous supply of fresh grass, sow new seeds every 1–2 weeks, rotating out any old or yellowed grass. Keep the soil slightly moist but avoid overwatering, as excess moisture can lead to mold.
• You can let your cat munch directly from the pot or cut the top inch of the grass and place it in a shallow dish for easier consumption or as a food topper.
• Keep an eye out for aphids or nematodes on the plants or soil. If you spot any, treat them with natural remedies or start fresh with clean pots, as it’s best for your cat to avoid eating grass with insects on it.

Now, I can say that this small patch of greenery isn’t just a plant; it’s a piece of the wild that Durga can call her own, safely nestled within our home. It connects her to her natural instincts, keeps her healthy, and enriches her indoor environment.

Adding cat grass to our home was a simple gesture, but it’s a daily adventure for Durga. And for me, it’s another way to ensure that her indoor life is as fulfilling as it can be, filled with little joys and discoveries every day.

This article was originally published at https://www.linkedin.com, and it is edited here a little.