Artificial Grass Designs - 12 Diy Outdoor Cat House Ideas For Winters

12 diy outdoor cat house ideas for winters. V ling: taste of detroit. V ling: taste of detroit
artificial grass designs

V Ling: 09.10.

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I have indoor only cats and the first thing they do when escaping the house is head for the grass. With all the things outside that can hurt our cats, could grass be one of them? I did some research into this to see if it’s ok that cats or kittens be eating any type of grass, grown or from outside.

So, can cats eat grass? In general, cats can eat grass from outside as well as the kind formulated and grown from rye, barley, oat or wheat seeds, called cat grass. There isn’t evidence that grass will hurt your cat. In fact, cats will regurgitate any large amount of grass they eat because they can’t digest it.

With all the stress we cat owners have about letting our cats out, letting them graze on the grass or vegetation outside is concerning.

Just make sure the grass or your surrounding plants aren’t treated with any chemicals that could be harmful to them.

We like to bring the outdoors in to avoid anything that may contain pesticides or fertilizers.

Let’s dig into some common questions, types, how to grow and “benefits” of grass for your cats.

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

It’s instinctive and natural that cats want to graze. Your indoor or outdoor cat may be simply satisfying a craving or urge.

They’re also very skilled and instinctively know when they need particular nutrients. They surely don’t eat grass for the nutritional value.

The grass is mainly composed of fiber and they lack the enzyme to break it down and digest it.

Yet, it does help with their digestive process by making them regurgitate (throw up) anything they aren’t digesting.

So, if you have an outdoor cat that eats a whole mouse, it’s a good idea for your cat to eat some grass to help get out those little spiky bones.

We don’t want them to get stuck or puncture their intestines.

Conversely, if your cat doesn’t have access to some type of grass, they’ll probably head for your houseplants, electrical wires, plastics or anything they can chew on.

Always consult your vet if this behavior becomes compulsive.

They can pretty much eat many types of grass, including:

Barley grass

Oat grass

Ryegrass

Wheatgrass

Or they can eat a blend of all those.

In fact, cats may eat grass simply because they like it!

Where can you buy cat grass?

You can buy these small kits at your local farm or online:

What Is Cat Grass

The scientific name for the grass is Dactylis glomerata, and it is also known as cocksfoot or orchard grass. Cats and other animals like this grass because it has high sugar content.

Is grass safe for cats? Cat grass doesn’t hurt cats, so there’s really no reason to stop them from eating it.

The unsafe part is when a cat eats outside grass that’s been treated with fertilizers or weed killers.

Eating Cat Grass Benefits

There aren’t really any nutritional benefits if your cats eat homegrown cat grass or from outside. They normally vomit it back up or a day after. So, they don’t consume enough to get those types of benefits.

Yet, grass does contain:

Sugar

Lots of moisture

Some trace minerals

Vitamin A

Vitamin D

Chlorophyll – which, back in the day, was good for pain and other ailments.

It’s not really essential for their diets as they would get these greens from the bellies of their “plant eater” prey.

That’s where the fondness comes from.

It’s better to have organic cat grass in the house instead of them seeking out your plants or other nondigestible things such as plastic or rubber bands.

If your cat is eating those other things (take them to a vet or to a behavioral specialist), you might want to make sure they haven’t developed Pica.

Pica is an eating disorder defined as the persistent consumption of non-nutritional items.

But stay with me.

The obvious thing for indoor cats that is it helps rid whatever is “stuck” inside them.

Things like:

Fur

Bones

Plastic’s

Non-toxic cat grass could serve these benefits for your cat:

It’s A Treat – Most cats enjoy it (contains a fair amount of sugar, careful for diabetic cats… only give in moderation)

Digestion – speeds up the process from the fiber

Inducing Vomiting – the long blades will irritate them enough to induce vomiting. (getting rid of what was stated above) If your cat vomits more than 3 times a day should see a vet.

Fur Balls – This is for your indoor cats. This helps to get those out and prevent them too.

Act As A Dietary Supplements – contains niacin and B vitamins.

Acts as a Non-Toxic Plant – deters your cats from eating any plants in the house

Possible to prevent diarrhea

How much cat grass should a cat eat? Cats can eat as much as they want, as long as you don’t see a pattern where they are eating chunks at a time and not eating their normal food. That’s when it’s a cause for concern.

I wouldn’t let them eat the outside grass unless you know it doesn’t contain any chemicals and such.

How To Grow Cat Grass

If you want to be in control of the type of grass your cat likes to eat, then grow it.

You can buy kits online but what fun is that? Let’s be wilderness humans and grow some cat grass with soil (or without) and seeds.

You have some choices on the common types of cat grass:

Oat Grass – slightly sweet and said to taste better than wheatgrass

Wheat Grass – has the vitamins, minerals and amino acids. This grass is good for us humans too (ever have a wheatgrass shot from Jamba juice, ugh.)

Rye Grass – has smaller blades and can be used as a cool cat bed.

Barley Grass – this also has those easily absorbable enzymes, vitamins, minerals, and amino acids into the bloodstream

How to grow cat grass.

The set-up gear:

The set up of planting those seeds:

Add the soil to the pot or container

Make sure the soil is 2 inches from the top

Add (sprinkle) those seeds on top

Then add a quarter inch of soil over the seeds

Below is time lapsed video of oat grass seed being grown:

Time to water for germination:

Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil. (don’t pour water as it will sink or reveal the seeds)

Take the plastic wrap and cover the pot or container.

Poke holes in the plastic cover for air

Put in a cool dark place for germination – like a cupboard

Make sure the soil stays moist, not soaked – don’t overwater

Wait a couple days or until you see little sprouts

Take it out and put in a well-lit place like a windowsill (with sunlight and indirect sunlight or use grow lights)

Keep it moist only

Wait 10-12 days until the grass grows

Keep the grass trimmed to about 4 inches

How to grow cat grass without soil

Growing cat grass without soil is fairly easy, doesn’t require too much light, looks nicer and doesn’t make as much of a mess.

The setup gear to grow cat grass without soil:

Low-wide glass jar or bowl – If you’re into aesthetics, try this Weck Jar

Grow Stones

Unbleached Paper towel or coffee filter

Organic Wheat Grass Seeds

Water, preferably filtered

The setup of planting your seeds:

Fill the jar about ¾ full of growing stones (maybe a bit less)

Then cut a piece of the paper towel or coffee filter to fit inside your jar

Spread a layer of your grass seeds (pre-soaked or not) on top of the paper towel

Fill the jar with water up to the paper towel (keep the water level here during the sprouting process)

The germination and upkeep:

The seeds will sprout after a few days

Then will take 7 – 12 days until your cat can enjoy it

By this time you can water less but keep it moist and don’t let it dry out

Below is a great way to grow wheatgrass without soil or rocks:

How to keep cat grass alive.

Cat grass will only live for a few weeks, then you’ll need to replant. During that time keep it moist using a spray bottle and in a well-lit area. If you overwater it, mold can occur.

Related Questions:

Why do cats eat grass to make themselves sick? Cat’s don’t eat grass to make themselves sick but this happens because they don’t have the necessary enzymes to digest a large amount of grass. It’s good that your cats eat grass because it helps clear their stomachs of anything that can irritate their digestive tract.

Do indoor cats need grass? Cat’s don’t need to eat grass and it isn’t necessary per se but it’s advisable to let your cat eat grass and have some available every once in a while to help with their digestion.

Is cat grass and wheatgrass the same? Cat grass and wheatgrass aren’t the same. Wheatgrass contains, Triticum Aestivum (common wheat). Cat grass contains Dactylis Glomerata (cocksfoot or orchard grass.)

Cat eating grass every day ok? Eat cat grass in small amounts is ok but if they’re eating huge chunks at a time, they may have a more serious disease or ailment. This could be caused by behavioral drives, nutritional cravings or idiopathic causes (basically your vet doesn’t know). Just watch for patterns and consult a vet if they’re ignoring their normal food and just eating grass.

How long does it take to grow cat grass? It takes cat grass 10 to 14 days to grow. During germination, keep the seeds in the soil damp but not soaked. It takes 3 to 7 days for the grass seeds to sprout. Your cat grass should stay 4 inches in height and will live for about 1 to 3 weeks.

Source:

http://www.vetstreet.com/care/my-pet-wont-stop-eating-grass-whats-going-on

https://www.healthstartsinthekitchen.com/2016/04/22/diy-grow-cat-grass-no-dirt-needed/

Wheatgrass Cat Food How to grow wheatgrass for cats

Growing wheatgrass for your cats is a great way to provide them with an organic, healthy snack.

It's also perfect for those looking to reduce the amount of food they feed their cats or want to put less strain on their digestive systems.

If you're ready to learn how easy it is to grow this type of grass, read on.

How to grow wheatgrass for cats?

The first step to growing wheatgrass for cats is to soak the seeds overnight.

After soaking, drain them and spread them out on a paper towel or cloth dish napkin to dry overnight.

After your seed is dried, it can be planted in pots filled with good quality potting soil (i like organic).

Plant one seed per container about an inch deep into the soil and keep moist.

You can also use a spray bottle to mist them daily, so they don't dry out.

After the wheatgrass starts sprouting, you need to thin it by removing some of the plants to be about an inch between them.

Once your cat grass has several inches tall, you can start harvesting small amounts for your cat.

As the wheatgrass continues to grow, you can use scissors or a knife to cut it at about one-inch height for your cat's consumption.

Cutting the fresh grass daily will ensure that your cats are getting maximum nutrition from their cat grass.

If you have larger containers of soil with several plants growing, then you can let your cat graze on the grass for up to a few hours.

Make sure you don't give them too much wheatgrass in one sitting since it is very rich in nutrients and vitamins.

This will cause digestive issues like bloating or diarrhea.

Watering your wheatgrass should be done at least once a day.

If you live in an area where it is very hot and dry, then watering twice a day may be necessary to keep the soil moist at all times.

Fertilize your wheatgrass once a week with an organic fertilizer.

This will ensure that your cat grass has the proper nutrients and vitamins to keep it healthy and growing properly for your cats.

Also, make sure that you are not taking all of it when harvesting fresh cat grass daily.

Leave several inches of wheatgrass so your plants can continue to grow and provide fresh cat grass for your feline's consumption.

How do you prepare the soil for growing wheatgrass for cats?

Soil is what you should prepare before planting wheatgrass.

Wheatgrass grows best in loose, well-drained soil rich with organic matter and has a pH of around seven (neutral).

You can mix your garden compost or use store-bought potting soil as long as it contains peat moss and perlite to keep the soil loose and full of air pockets.

When do you grow wheatgrass?

Wheatgrass is best grown indoors in the wintertime.

If you live in a climate where it's warm year-round, you can grow your wheatgrass outdoors for most of the year and bring it inside during colder months.

Wheatgrass also grows very well with artificial light when there isn't enough natural light available.

How do you propagate wheatgrass?

You can start by purchasing a container of wheatgrass seeds.

You should be able to find the seeds at any pet store or even your local grocery store.

The containers will need soil, water, and sunlight for them to grow properly.

Place the container on a tray or saucer that will catch any water that may drain from the bottom of your container.

Then, pour water into it until you see some draining out of the holes in the bottom of your container.

Pour off half after all drainage has stopped and replaced with new water.

Repeat this step until there is no water coming out of your container.

Place the wheatgrass in a window that will get sunlight for at least five hours each day.

If you do not have access to natural light, place it under one of your artificial grow lights.

How much light does wheatgrass need?

Wheatgrass has a very high photosynthesis rate, so that it can be grown in low light areas.

It does best with six hours of sunlight every day.

How do you water wheatgrass?

You can water wheatgrass a few ways, but leaving it in a glass of water overnight is the easiest way.

This allows for excess pulp and trash from your seeds to float away while also hydrating the grass itself so that you have more juice leftover as opposed to just dry seeds on top of some stale-tasting water.

Another way to do it would be to soak your seeds, pulp and all, in a small amount of liquid for some time before planting them or even eating them raw (if they're organic).

However, this method might take longer because you don't want the grass itself drowning while trying to get rid of the pulp.

How do you fertilize wheatgrass?

Fertilizing wheatgrass is not necessary because it grows quickly even without added nutrients.

If you fertilize, dilute your fertilizer to half strength and apply once per week until plants are established (usually after the first four weeks).

You can fertilize your wheatgrass at any time during its growing cycle.

However, it is recommended to start with a half-strength solution once weekly until the grass becomes established (usually after four weeks).

After that point, you may up the dosage as needed.

If you see signs of nitrogen deficiency, including yellowing or curling leaves, you can fertilize more frequently.

How long does it take to grow wheatgrass for cats?

Wheatgrass usually takes about ten days to grow.

However, it depends on the temperature of your home and how often you water it.

Make sure that you give about two teaspoons full for every cat in your household.

Conclusion

It is difficult to say which way of growing wheatgrass for cats will be the best.

You can try different methods and choose the one that seems most convenient for you.

If you are not sure about starting this project, it would be wise to ask your vet what they think before making any choices.

There is an endless number of benefits for your cat in growing wheatgrass.

It is nutritious, has no chemicals that are dangerous to cats, and can also be used as a training tool when you want the cat to do something specific on the grass before entering the house.

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