Grass Seeds For Lawn : Rjspix: Blog
Rjspix: Blog. Wheatgrass has become a popular addition to cat food dishes in recent years, and it’s easy to see why. Wheatgrass is a naturally occurring grass with a mixture of nutrients that cats love. It’s high in protein, low in fat, and packed with chlorophyll. When offered as a treat, wheatgrass is a healthy alternative to the sweets and processed foods that many cats abuse. So, is wheatgrass good for cats? The answer to this question is both yes and no. Wheatgrass can be good for cats, but it also has the potential to cause harm. Experts suggest that wheatgrass is a great addition to a cat’s diet because it is rich in essential nutrients such as protein, vitamins, and minerals that all contribute to the well-being of cats. However, if overdone or ingested regularly can result in stomach upset and gastrointestinal irritation. In this article, we will be sharing everything about wheatgrass, especially for your cat. Is wheatgrass safe for cats? Wheatgrass is predominately made up of chlorophyll, vitamins, minerals, and enzymes. Cats who eat small amounts of wheatgrass will be safe. However, if the cat eats large amounts of constantly eats wheatgrass it can experience nausea, vomiting, diarrhea, and weight loss. This plant has a high concentration of chlorophyll which can cause toxicity in cats because it does not contain enough fiber for digestion. Can cats eat wheatgrass? Cats can eat wheatgrass if they have a particular type of dietary intolerance. However, the cats should not eat wheatgrass as a regular part of their diet. Cats need Vitamin A and the only vegetables that provide them are carrots. Wheatgrass does not contain Vitamin A so it should not be eaten as a regular part of their diet. Can kitten eat wheatgrass? Kittens should not eat wheatgrass because it can lead to intestinal distress. Wheatgrass contains a higher concentration of nitrates than the average food and it is also high in oxalates, which are found in most vegetables. Nitrates are known to be carcinogenic for mammals, including humans, and they cause the body to produce methemoglobin which makes hemoglobin less effective at transporting oxygen. What is the benefit of wheatgrass and is wheatgrass good for cats? Wheatgrass is an herb that has been shown to be a source of antioxidants and may help to prevent or treat certain diseases such as cancer or diabetes. Cats can also benefit from being fed wheatgrass, as it contains nutrients that are not commonly found in their regular diet. Wheatgrass acts as a digestive aid and helps promote a healthy digestive system which can help eliminate toxins from the body and support a healthy immune system. Wheatgrass is rich in protein, fiber, vitamin K, calcium, and magnesium making it a nutritious treat for your furry friend. The high chlorophyll content makes it a soothing herb that can have the added benefit of freshening breath. The leaves are harvested when they are young and soft enough to chew on by either humans or felines. 1. Natural blood-booster – Chlorophyll Chlorophyll is a chemical trapped within the cells of plants that helps trap light energy from sunlight. It also contributes to photosynthesis by converting carbon dioxide and water into oxygen and sugar. Wheatgrass, one of many types of grasses, contains a particularly high amount of chlorophyll due to the fact that it has a shorter cell wall than other types of grasses. 2. Help on reducing hairball problem Wheatgrass can help cats by reducing hairball problems. When a cat eats, the hair and thread that is swallowed if they groom themselves will form into large clumps around their stomach, which can lead to massive stomach or intestinal blockages. This can be avoided with wheatgrass as well as other types of grass such as barley and oat grass. 3. Dry skin problem Cat with a dry skin problem can be helped by the consumption of wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is rich in chlorophyll, which helps to keep the skin moisturized. This would be a healthy alternative to using lotion and other chemical-based products. 4. Help your cat teeth stay healthy The use of wheatgrass to help your cat’s teeth stay healthy is a common and effective technique. Wheatgrass contains chlorophyll which aids in the prevention of oral diseases. In addition, wheatgrass has been shown to reduce the development of plaque, an agent that causes tooth decay. The use of wheatgrass can prevent bacteria from adhering to teeth and gumlines, thereby reducing potential inflammation. 5. Great for pain relief Feline arthritis symptoms can be alleviated by eating wheatgrass. Wheatgrass is high in calcium and chlorophyll, which are absorbed by the cat’s bloodstream and aids in reducing inflammation symptoms. 6. Good for weight loss Cat eating wheatgrass is an environmentally friendly method for them to lose weight. They can eat less food, which results in less waste production. The fiber they receive from the grass also helps their digestive system function properly and remove toxins from their body. 7. Can help cats that have an eye problem Cats can benefit from eating wheatgrass as it helps to maintain their eye health and is a good option for older cats. It also contains high levels of Vitamin A and chlorophyll which help prevent cataracts and age-related eye problems. Side effects of wheatgrass for cats There are side effects of wheatgrass if it is given to cats regularly. Wheatgrass is rich in vitamins and can be very healthy for humans, but it must be given in small doses because the lack of processing in the plant produces natural toxins that could cause problems in cats. Some side effects include stomach aches, diarrhea, vomiting, lethargy, and fever. 1. Stomach aches Cats develop stomach aches when they ingest wheatgrass without the use of a sufficient amount of enzymes. This is due to the large volume of cellulose in the plant, which is difficult for cats to digest. The raw vegetables are hard for their stomachs to break down but can be pulverized into mush with enough digestive enzymes. 2. Diarrhea The often-used herb wheatgrass has been known to cause diarrhea in cats. Though it is a common assumption that cats may have adverse reactions to wheatgrass, there is no definitive evidence to support this. The possible cause of diarrhea could be the lack of control or supervision while consuming the herb. Cats don’t process toxins very efficiently and their livers are more sensitive than human livers, which can make them susceptible to certain plant toxins. 3. Vomiting Cats can get vomiting from the consumption of wheatgrass because it does not have enough fiber, which can lead to an imbalance in bacteria in their stomach. This can subsequently lead to a condition called small intestinal bacterial overgrowth (SIBO), which is when the body does not have enough healthy bacteria in its gut and too many unhealthy bacteria. Cats with SIBO often experience pain, constipation, bloating, excess gas, and vomiting. 4. Lethargy Cats can experience lethargy if they accidentally consume wheatgrass without control. Cats eating the wheatgrass without proper willpower will be met with this side effect, which can lead to hypoglycemia or low blood sugar levels. This is due to the fact that the high alkalinity of the grass causes an alkaline spike in their blood, which then leads to a sharp drop in glucose levels. 5. Fever Cats can get a fever because of eating wheat grass too much. Cats fed a diet that is high in wheatgrass had an increase in body temperature, indicating a febrile response to the food. Wheatgrass has been shown to have antioxidant properties and has been speculated to be beneficial for human health, but it may not be good for cats due to the amount of chlorophyll present in the plant. Wheatgrass for cats with kidney disease? This type of grass can act as a renal diet for cats with kidney disease, but the efficacy of this treatment method is still understudied. There are possible benefits to using wheatgrass in place of traditional diets for cats with kidney disease, such as better overall diet quality through the high protein and fiber contents. There are also potential drawbacks that may explain why wheatgrass is not frequently used in veterinary medicine, such as its high cost and the small amounts of clinical trials investigating its effects. Conclusion Wheatgrass is a natural way to keep your cat’s blood pressure in check. It also reduces the chances of feline hairball problems. Cat owners have long known that the benefits of wheatgrass go well beyond just being a refreshing snack for their pets. It can provide relief for chronic pain, is perfect for weight loss, and helps to keep your cat’s teeth healthy. Wheatgrass also has many anti-inflammatory properties which can help with eye problems and arthritis. Source: https://dogbonemarket.com/pet-grass-wheatgrass-benefits-for-dogs-cats/
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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/
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