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The Benefits Of Cat Grass For Your Feline Friend - Shed Happens.

Many people can’t tell the difference between wheatgrass and cat grass, so we’ve put up this guide to help you figure it out.

The main difference between wheatgrass and cat grass is that wheatgrass is a wheat cultivar and rough blades of cereal grains can injure the inside of your cat’s stomach while cat grass is an oat cultivar and softer and easier to digest for your cat. Wheatgrass and cat grass are both edible to cats.

This article will talk about the differences between cat grass and wheatgrass and which is better for your cat.

What Is Wheat Grass?

Wheatgrass is the young grass of the wheat plant, Triticum aestivum.

Wheatgrass is a thick-bladed dry grass in its natural raw state. Wild wheatgrass grows quickly and can be harvested in as little as ten days.

Wheatgrass that you see in stores (which is where most people come across wheatgrass) is often collected while the plant is relatively young.

Wheatgrass is also used as a grazing crop for livestock, and wild species such as antelope and deer eat it.

After Schnabel began promoting wheatgrass in the 1930s, it gained a reputation as a superfood and nutritional powerhouse.

Many claims made about wheatgrass’ ability to calm or heal are overstated or based on insufficient evidence.

However, the use of wheatgrass in a variety of human and veterinary medicine sectors remains a fascinating topic, and researchers may still find testable applications.

Wheatgrass still provides critical minerals such as iron, Vitamin A, Vitamin E, Vitamin C, and selenium, regardless of the dispute.

Wheatgrass also has a high protein content for a plant. When the wheatgrass plant is young, it has a high protein content, which diminishes as the plant ages.

Wheatgrass also includes a lot of insoluble (non-digestible) fiber, which might assist a slow digestive system get back on track.

Is Wheat Grass Safe For Cats?

Yes, wheatgrass is safe for cats.

Even feline vets aren’t sure what drives cats to wheatgrass but the general consensus is that it’s nothing to be concerned about.

If you’re unsure, the best thing to do is ask your veterinarian “can cats eat wheatgrass?” This is especially true if you’re wondering if wheatgrass is safe for cats because your cat appears to be consuming a lot of it!

When their cats consume wheatgrass, some cat owners are concerned about food allergies. If you notice anything strange in your cat after the consumption of wheatgrass, book an appointment with your vet.

Is Wheat Grass Beneficial To Cats?

Yes, wheatgrass is beneficial to cats. Some of its benefits are: –

Wheatgrass has an incredible amount of chlorophyll, up to 70%! Chlorophyll is a natural blood purifier that not only cleanses but also helps to maintain blood healthy! It also helps to slow down the aging process, making it an excellent addition to the diet of an elderly cat.

Wheatgrass juice, because of its concentrated nature, automatically turns off the appestat in the brain, leading your cat to consume less. The nutritious content of one ounce of this potent juice is equivalent to two pounds of fruit!

Wheatgrass is beneficial for cats that are routinely bred or are currently pregnant. Wheatgrass contains high levels of magnesium, which produces enzymes that assist bind and healing sex hormones.

Wheatgrass can help reduce or even eradicate hairballs in most cats since it naturally eases and aids digestion.

The majority of the time, dry skin or peeling in your cat is caused by intestinal problems. Wheatgrass naturally kills unwanted bacteria while promoting the growth of healthy bacteria in the gut! This will give your cat a lovely coat and velvety skin.

Wheatgrass relieves arthritis pain in cats by regenerating bone and muscle tissue with high mineral content, just as it does in people. It’s also known to be a nerve tonic for senior cats suffering from movement issues.

Wheatgrass naturally binds and eliminates heavy metals from any living organism’s body, as well as fluoride from the water! It also only needs one ounce per gallon. This is great news not only for your cat but also for you.

Wheatgrass, which is high in vitamins A, E, and C, is an excellent supplement for cats with eye problems or elderly cats in general.

Wheatgrass is supposed to not only treat dental and gum problems but also prevent tooth decay! This is great news for cats who suffer from grain sensitivity, which has been linked to tooth loss in cats.

Check out more details about Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass? Is Wheatgrass Good For Cats?

Does Wheat Grass Have Any Side Effects?

Yes, wheatgrass does have side effects, mainly vomiting and increased pooping.

Increased vomiting or defecation is the most common side effect reported by cat owners. This is due to your cat’s inability to digest wheatgrass; the fiber will either cause or prevent whatever is in your cat’s stomach from passing.

If your cat seems to be vomiting a lot or his litter box habits have abruptly changed, it’s always a good idea to consult your veterinarian.

Why Does My Cat Likes Cat Grass?

There are many reasons behind the liking of cat grass by your cat, some of them are: –

Although no one knows why cats eat cat grass, we have a few theories. Cats in the wild munch cat grass after they’ve finished eating their prey. The grass makes the cat puke in many circumstances. Experts say that this is nature’s way of assisting the cat in expelling the indigestible bits of their prey.

Even if your indoor cat has never captured a mouse or bird, she will be drawn to cat grass automatically. Why? It’s a behavioral instinct. Cat grass is also a type of fiber that, by acting as a laxative, aids cats in either throwing up or digesting hairballs.

Cats may eat cat grass for trace elements and vitamins A and D, according to another notion. Cat grass also includes chlorophyll, which was used to treat pain, infection, ulcers, skin ailments, and anemia before antibiotics were discovered. Cat grass also contains folic acid, which aids in the formation of hemoglobin, a protein that improves a kitty’s circulation by transporting oxygen into the bloodstream.

Also, check out Oat Grass For Cats: Is Oat Grass Good For Cats?

Different Types Of Cat Grass?

There are four types of Cat Grass.

1. Oat Grass

Oat grass has a somewhat sweet flavor and is more flavorful than other cat grass varieties. It’s also high in protein and soluble fiber, both of which improve digestion.

2. Ryegrass

Ryegrass, unlike its counterparts, is significantly more adaptable and durable. This makes it the ideal type of grass for cats who want to relax while nibbling.

3. Wheatgrass

Wheatgrass is a mineral, vitamin, and amino acid powerhouse. It’s not only beneficial for your cat, but it’s also good for you if you include it in your diet.

4. Barley Grass

These delicious, delicate greens are high in vitamins and minerals, as well as a healthy source of fiber.

Also, check out Can Cats Eat Barley

Reasons For Growing Cat Grass

Reasons for growing cat grass are: –

Cat grass is especially useful for cat owners. It provides a safe and fibrous snack for cats while also acting as a laxative to aid their digestive systems and a vomit-inducer to make it easier for them to cough up indigestible materials.

Aside from being a healthy salad mix for your cat, this type of grass can also keep cats away from your garden’s houseplants and crops.

Cat grass is also consumed by humans for its vitamin content, as it contains folic acid, niacin, vitamins A and D, and chlorophyll. Wheatgrass, a type of cat grass, is frequently added to smoothies or taken as a shot for people looking to increase their vitamin intake.

How To Grow Cat Grass At Home?

Follow the steps below to grow cat grass at home: –

1. Sow Your Seeds

Sow cat grass seeds about a quarter-inch deep into your soil (for indoor or outdoor planting). Make sure your rows are one inch apart if you’re planting in rows.

Cat grass can be grown indoors all year, but it should only be planted outside when the threat of frost has gone in the spring.

2. Germinate

Keep your soil moist for indoor growing. Wrap your planting container with plastic wrap and store it somewhere warm and dark. Your cat grass seedlings should start sprouting in two to three days.

3. Sunlight

Allow for direct sunlight. While growing, cat grass will require a lot of sunlight. Make sure your cat grass gets enough of direct sunlight outside, and if you’re growing it indoors, make sure it’s near a sunny windowsill.

4. Firm The Soil

Lightly firm the soil and keep it uniformly hydrated. Overwatering might damage the roots, so be careful.

Also, check out alfalfa grass for cats

How To Care For Cat Grass?

To take care of your cat grass you need to provide it with ample sunlight and the right temperature.

Cat grass care entails growing the grass in the best conditions possible in order to extend its lifespan and get the most out of it.

While cat grass requires sunlight to thrive, it must be kept out of direct sunlight.

Placing your grass in direct sunlight may result in overexposure and death.

Furthermore, it may dry out and eventually wilt. To grow healthy grass, place it in a location with plenty of light but away from direct sunlight.

Keep your cat grass in a temperature range of 16 to 19°C.

Choosing the proper container size is critical; an appropriately sized container allows the cat grass to grow properly.

Other factors to consider include your cat’s preferences; choose a container that your cat is at ease approaching and eating from. Avoid getting a yellow planter, for example, if your cat dislikes bright colors.

Mold can grow as a result of overwatering. To avoid it, mist the soil once a day with a small spray bottle to keep it moist but not wet.

Which One Is Better For Cat: Wheatgrass Or Catgrass?

Both wheatgrass and cat grass are equally beneficial for cats as wheatgrass is a type of catgrass itself.

As it turns out, the only difference between wheatgrass and cat grass is that wheatgrass is a type of cat grass.

Cat grass can also be derived from grain seeds such as oat, barley, rye, flax, bluegrass, fescue, and others.

All of these grasses are commonly used to manufacture cat grass.

Frequently Asked Questions

How long does cat grass last? It’s difficult to predict how long your cat grass will last. The length of time the grass can survive is affected by factors such as your cat’s consumption level and the growing method. According to experts, most cat grasses have short lives, lasting 10 to 21 days. In some cases, your cat grass may live for a full month. However, if it discolors and begins to wilt, it’s time to throw it out and start over. How much wheatgrass should my cat eat? While these nourishing greens are extremely beneficial, they should not be your cat’s sole source of nutrition. Cats, after all, are carnivores! Wheatgrass has a different effect on each cat; some dislike it while others devour it. If this is your first time feeding wheatgrass to your cat, start with a trial period to see how she reacts. Limit the amount of wheatgrass you give your cat and watch for signs of interest; if she ignores the wheatgrass, it could mean she doesn’t like it. Is wheatgrass the same as catnip? No, wheatgrass is not the same as catnip. Catnip is a mint family Labiatae perennial herb. It contains the active ingredient nepetalactone, an essential oil that may influence cat behavior. Wheatgrass, on the other hand, is only for chewing on by cats. It does not have the ability to change behavior.

Final Words

When it comes down to it, both cat grass and wheatgrass are safe to consume. Especially if you buy the right kit or seeds and, as always, keep a close eye on your cat’s habits and health. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible.

If you have any questions, ask us in the comments section.

Also, check out details about cat grass vs catnip

References

I am a houseplant and gardening enthusiast with an equally enthusiastic cat, so I grow wheatgrass for her to save my plants!

Fresh wheatgrass keeps Lucy out of my potted plants! Suzanne Bennett

Wheatgrass Is Healthy for Cats and Cheap to Grow

My cat, Lucy, loves fresh greenery, and she has made short work of a good many plants. When Lucy goes after a plant, she tears up the leaves, knocks it over, pulls all the soil out of the pot, and strews it far and wide. For this reason, I've had to set up all my plants in areas where they can be behind a closed door when I'm not there to supervise. Even so, occasionally Lucy gets shut in with the plants and mayhem ensues.

I wanted to give her an alternative, so I looked into grass-growing kits for cats and found that they are outrageously expensive. For $10 or more, you get a small plastic tray and a handful of seed. The cat enjoys it for a few days and then it's gone. Then one day, when I was doing research for an article on growing sprouts, I hit upon the idea of growing wheatgrass for Lucy. You probably already have almost everything you need for this project. Here's what I figured out.

The only thing you have to buy specially is the big bag of wheat grass seed. Suzanne Bennett

Reuse Veggie Packaging to Make Your Wheatgrass Trays

Supplies

Growing wheatgrass is an excellent way to reuse the little tubs that are used as mushroom packaging. You'll need two.

Styrofoam veggie trays* make good drainage trays after watering. Use the kind that veggies come in, not meat. Styrofoam trays that have held meat may harbor dangerous bacteria. *Update, November 2021: Actually, I have found that the Styrofoam tray is unnecessary. I just allow the water to run through the holes in the bottom of the inner tub before placing it in the outer tub. Doing this encourages the roots to grow in a way that holds the grass in place so kitty can't pull the whole thing out of the tub!

A single, half-size paper towel, cut in half makes your growing medium. No messy soil.

A piece of plastic wrap(or a clear plastic bag) keeps moisture in for the first couple of days.

You'll also need scissors and some sort of sharp implement to make holes in one of the mushroom tubs.

I use the tip of a heated awl to poke four holes in the corners of the inner tub. 1 / 2

1. Make Drainage Holes in One of the Mushroom Tubs

You'll need one mushroom tub to plant your seed. Begin by poking holes in the bottom of the tub to allow excess water to drain out. I use a heated awl for this purpose because I have found that using a cold implement just tears up the container. They are a little bit fragile.

Be careful using a heated implement. Make sure it has a handle that will protect you against accidental burns. Set it on a hard, non-flammable surface (like the top of your stove or in your kitchen sink) to cool off completely before putting it away.

Once you've made your drainage holes, cut your half-sized paper towel in half and line the bottom of the tub with one half.

Sow a handful of wheat grass seed on the paper towel. 1 / 3

2. Prepare Your Growing Medium and Sow Your Seed

Sprinkle a handful of seed over the piece of paper towel to result in a single layer of seed completely covering the towel. Put the other half towel over the seed and press it down.

Gently run water from the tap over the seed. I usually let it half fill the tub and then just set it in the sink to allow the excess to run out. Don't tip the tub to hurry the drainage because this will displace the seed. You want to keep it in a single layer.

Water generously and gently. Allow water to drain out gradually. 1 / 2

3. Water the Seed, Cover With Plastic Wrap, and Set Aside to Germinate

Once most of the excess water has drained out of the tub, set it on your Styrofoam tray to prevent dripping.

Cover the tub lightly with plastic wrap, or place tub and all into a clear plastic bag, to hold moisture in.

Put the tub in a warm area with bright, indirect sunlight to germinate. Run water over the seed and allow it to drain every day. You should see sprouts within a day or two.

Days 1 and 2 Day #1: You can barely see the sprouted seeds through the paper towel. 1 / 2

4. Water Daily and Give Your Sprouts Some Head Room

Every day, take the tub to the sink and run fresh water through the seeds/sprouts. This provides them with the water they need and washes away any fungus that may try to grow.

On the first day, you'll be able to see that the seeds have just started to sprout. On the second day, you'll see green. This means you can remove the top towel so the grass can start to grow upward.

Leave the plastic in place for another day or two.

Days 3 and 4 Day #3: Remove the plastic and continue watering daily. 1 / 2

5. When It Looks Like Grass, Remove the Plastic

Once green grass starts to grow, remove the plastic so that it can get tall. You'll want to let it grow for another two or three days before you give it to your cat. If you want, you can move the tub to an area that gets some direct sunlight. This will encourage it to grow a little faster and produce more chlorophyll.

Continue to wash water through the container every day to water the grass and prevent fungal growth.

Day 5 and 6 Day #5: This grass is just about ready, but I want it a little taller. 1 / 2

6. Now It's Ready to Meet Kitty

Your grass should be tall enough to give to your cat on the fifth day, but I like to give it another day to get a little taller. Before I present it to my cat, I set the planting tub into the second tub (the one without drainage holes). This prevents leaks and protects the roots, which grow out through the holes.

Lucy comes running when a fresh batch of wheat grass is ready. Suzanne Bennett

Start a Fresh Batch Right Away

I like to keep two batches of wheat grass growing at once. It's a good idea to start the second one three days after starting the first one so that you'll always have fresh grass ready. I alternate the pots of grass every day to give them a break from Lucy and make them last longer.

I let her keep one pot to chew on during my waking hours. Before I go to bed, I take that pot away and water it. The next morning I put out the alternate pot so that the one that's been chewed on can have a rest.

Doing it this way makes each pot last about a week. When one really begins looking ragged, I just let Lucy keep it until it's destroyed. I dump the grass in my compost bin, wash out the pot and start over again.

This Grass Is Ready to Be Retired This grass is a couple of weeks old altogether. 1 / 2

This content is accurate and true to the best of the author’s knowledge and is not meant to substitute for formal and individualized advice from a qualified professional.

© 2020 justmesuzanne

justmesuzanne (author) from Texas on November 23, 2020:

My pleasure! :) Glad I could help!

JC Scull on June 23, 2020:

I am a cat person, so I appreciate this tip. Thank you for sharing.

Devika Primić from Dubrovnik, Croatia on March 26, 2020:

Great tips on how to grow wheat grass. I did grow wheat grass a few years ago for the Christmas tradition and succeeded however your tips are useful

Anya Ali from Rabwah, Pakistan on March 26, 2020:

Thank you for a very useful hub.

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