Pasture Grasses Queensland - Christopher Gardiner
Christopher GARDINER | Lecturer, Animal Production | MSc (Tropical.
Since at least March 2020, your plants have been your babies. You carefully chose them, picked out the pots that would fit their size and needs, and watched as they thrived in your new lockdown-hellhole-turned-greenhouse.
Enter: your cat, who also spent all of lockdown with you and, like your plants, continues to live in your home. You’ve done your research to make sure your plant children are not toxic to your cat child, and that’s a good thing because your kitty cannot stop nibbling on the peromia plant in your windowsill.
Facepalm forever.
Why Does My Cat Eat My Plants?
The answer may be unsatisfyingly simple. Wild felines regularly ingest plants, and it seems to be a behavior that our domestic cats have inherited form their ancestors. Many cats eat plants because they enjoy the taste. Others consume plants because they are bored, stressed, or attracted by the movement of the plants.
Related article 8 Pet-Safe Plants Your Cat Can Veg Out On Cats love the crunch of a houseplant. These will do them no harm.
Young cats are more prone to plant-eating than older cats, which suggests that their playfulness and attempts to entertain themselves may be a part of the plant-eating puzzle. There is some evidence that cats — carnivores though they are — take an interest in plants when they need a little help with their digestion. Eating plants is not a way to expel fur balls, though many people have suggested that it is.
Can My Houseplants Be Saved From My Cat?
You’re spending so much time and effort trying to sneak kale into your morning smoothie and get your daily intake of vitamins and greens. Sadly, the only one who’s truly on board is the lone individual who shouldn’t be eating green things — the cat. Your houseplants are suffering from this feline fetish with flowers (and leaves and stems). You want to make sure your cat is safe, first and foremost, and also protect your plants.
What Can Be Done About It?
Behavior change always poses a challenge, and it’s almost always easier with a combination of approaches — some prevention and management, some allowing them to do what comes naturally to them in a safe way, and some active behavioral modification.
Related article 10 Plants Toxic to Cats Beautiful but deadly to feline foragers.
Cats can’t chew on plants they can’t reach, so making your treasured potted plants inaccessible is one part of the plan for harmony in the home. Strategically placing hanging baskets can keep those dangling leaves out of reach — for example — and so can floating shelves. In the case of plants that are truly dangerous to cats, I advise putting them in rooms the cats don’t have access to or even gifting them to cat-free friends for the safety of all. Common toxic houseplants include lilies, philodendrons, English ivy, pothos, snake plants, and dieffenbachia.
Cats find plants appealing, but if we can make them unappealing, the chewing behavior ceases. Many cats don’t care for citrus, so you can put water with lemon, lime, or orange juice in low concentration n a spray bottle and spritz it on house plants. You can also put aluminum foil around the base of the plant; a lot of cats find stepping on foil unpleasant.
Give Them Another Option
Sometimes, the best way to avoid behavioral problems is to offer an acceptable alternative. Create a garden for your cats full of things they can consume like goblins. So, instead of telling your cat not to chew plants at all, you are giving the instruction, “Chew these plants, not those plants.” Catnip, silver vine, cat thyme, and rosemary are all cat-friendly plants to consider, though it’s always wise to check with your veterinarian to find out which options are best for your particular cat.
Related article Sweet Greens: Cat Grass Grow Kits Not to be confused with catnip (or other buds).
Boredom is the enemy of a well-behaved cat, so make it easy for your cat to leave the plants alone by making plenty of other options for entertainment available. Enrichment options include catios and cat trees, boxes to use as tunnels, and food puzzles. Playful cats often love the motion of the leaves and vines of houseplants, so offering opportunities to play in other ways — either with you or with toys on their own — often results in saving the plants.
Basically, in order to save your sweet, fragile plant babies, you just need to put in a little effort to appease your cat. Truly, what’s new?
Cat Grass Planter Kit
Many cat owners struggle with keeping their cats from eating their houseplants. The instinct of cats is to nibble on grass, or anything green really, to supplement their diet with vital nutrients, aid in digestion, and reduce hairballs. Many cat owners may be tempted to let their cat go outside and eat grass from the yard, but many people treat their yards with chemicals and pesticides, which can make your cat ill or even kill it. The good news is you can grow your own grass for your cat right in your own home without pesticides or other chemicals. Whether you’re just looking for cat grass seed, or a full kit to get you started, we have reviews of the 10 Best Cat Grass Seeds and Kits in 2021 for you.
A Quick Comparison of Our Favorites in 2022
Rating Image Product Details Best Overall SmartCat Kitty's Garden Easy to grow Variety of grasses Weighty container Check Price Best Value SmartyKat Cat Grass Seed Kit Organic oat seeds Good for first-time growers Check Price Premium Choice The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Kit Grows quickly Reusable planter Non-GMO, Organic Grass Check Price Easiest to Grow Pet Greens Self Grow Medley Pet Grass Easy to grow Grows in bag No additional products needed Check Price Petlinks Organic Cat Grass Seeds Seeds only Grows quickly Use your own container Check Price
The 10 Best Cat Grass Seeds & Kits
1. SmartCat Kitty’s Garden – Best Overall Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 6.75”L x 6.25”W x 3”H Weight: 1.5 pounds Growth Rate: sprouts in 4-6 days
Pros Variety of grasses
Variety of grasses Weighty container
Weighty container Easy to grow Cons Mold growth if overwatered
2. SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit – Best Value Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 4.75”L x 6”W x 1.8”H Weight: .06 pounds Growth Rate: sprouts in 4-6 days
Pros Organic oat seeds
Organic oat seeds Good for first-time growers Cons Lightweight container
Lightweight container Only enough product for one cat
3. The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Wood Planter – Premium Choice Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 10”L x 5”W x 4”H Weight: 1 pound Growth Rate: sprouts in 4-6 days
Pros Non-GMO, Organic Grass
Non-GMO, Organic Grass Reusable planter
Reusable planter Grows quickly Cons No drainage holes
4. Pet Greens Self Grow Medley Pet Grass – Easiest to Grow Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 8”L x 2.5”W x 3.25”H Weight: 4.66 ounces Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-7 days
Pros Easy to grow
Easy to grow Grows in bag
Grows in bag No additional products needed Cons The lightweight bag could get carried away by a cat
The lightweight bag could get carried away by a cat Overwatering could lead to mold growth
Check Latest Price Dimensions: N/A Weight: 5 ounces Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-7 days
Pros Seeds only
Seeds only Use your own container
Use your own container Grows quickly Cons Not a kit
SmartCat Kitty’s Garden is our pick for the best overall cat grass. The seeds in this kit are a blend of wheat, oat, barley, and rye so your cat will get a nice variety in its diet. The kit comes with compact soil pellets that are placed in each compartment and filled with a few ounces of warm water. Once the water is absorbed by the soil, remove about a teaspoon of soil from each compartment, add the seeds, and then cover them back up. In a few days, you’ll see sprouts and before you know it, you’ll have a planter full of grass for your cat. This kit comes with a decorative wood box that is weighty enough to keep cats from knocking it over or pulling the cat grass out of the container. It’s important to remove any excess water from the bottom tray in the planter to prevent mold and fungal growth. Moisten the soil daily to keep the garden damp for optimum grass growth.If you’re new to cat grass and you’re not sure if your cat will like it, SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit offers you just the right amount of cat grass for the money. This kit comes with a container, potting soil, and organic oat seeds for you to plant to grow the grass for your cat. Sprouts will grow within the first few days, and you’ll have a tray full of grass within a couple of weeks. If you’re looking for a large planter to grow cat grass, this is not your best option as it’s a small container. The container is also lightweight, and your cat may knock it over or pull the grass right out of the shallow pot. The yield on this container is roughly enough for one cat so if you have multiple cats, you may want to try a different product with a larger container.The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Kit & Decorative Wood Planter is our premium choice product for a cat grass planter. The planter comes in a variety of colors to match any decor: white, brown, natural, and black. This kit contains non-GMO, organic grass seeds comprised of a blend of barley, oat, rye, and wheatgrass. The seed blend provides grass that is rich in fiber while it also deters your cat from eating other household plants that may be toxic to them. Simply place the soil disk in the planter, add water, and watch the soil expand. Sprinkle the seeds on the soil and wait 4-6 days for the seeds to sprout. Watch your cat carefully to make sure they don’t overeat the grass and make themselves sick. Overwatering may result in mold or root rot so follow the planting instructions carefully. The grass will die after a few weeks, and you will need to replant. Replacement soil pods and seeds are available for sale from the company.For those lacking a green thumb but wanting to try growing some grass for their cat, the Pet Greens Self Grow Medley Pet Grass is the easiest kit to grow cat grass from on our list. Users just need to open the bag, add water, and delicious organic cereal grass sprouts within 5 to 7 days. Pet Greens Self Grow also comes in Garden, which only contains wheatgrass. Both products are certified organic, non-GMO, and gluten-free so if your cat has any gluten sensitivities, you don’t need to worry about tummy troubles. Transfer the product to a planter if you have a mischievous cat and you’re worried about it running away with the bag.If your cat is a lover of oat grass, the Petlinks Nibble-Licious Organic Cat Grass Seeds will be a tasty treat for your favorite feline. These seeds are certified organic and are grown without the use of pesticides or chemicals. You will need your own potting soil and container to grow this grass as the seeds are not part of a kit. The seeds sprout within a few days, and you’ll soon have a container full of cat grass for your cat to munch on. The great thing about these seeds is that you get to pick the size of the container to grow the amount of grass you want for your cat. If you are planting a small container, you will get several yields out of this package, but if you are planning a larger planting, you may only get one crop if the container is a large one. If you only have one cat, you can plant a little at a time in a small container to save money by doing multiple plantings over time. If you’re new to growing cat grass, you’ll have to be careful to avoid overwatering or underwatering your grass.
Related Read: 6 Benefits of Cat Grass For Your Cat
6. The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Grow Kit Check Price on Chewy Check Price on Amazon Dimensions: 4.7”L x 5.5”W x 6.1”H Weight: 5 ounces Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-7 days
Pros Multiple containers
Multiple containers Easy to grow
Easy to grow Plantings can be spaced out so there’s always fresh grass Cons Lightweight bags
Lightweight bags Tall bags prevent easy cat access
7. Pet Greens Pre-Grown Organic Grass Plant for Indoor Cats Check Latest Price Dimensions: 4.7”L x 5.5”W x 6.1”H Weight: .54 quarts Growth Rate: Delivered live
Pros Live plants
Live plants Delivered to you
Delivered to you Takes the guesswork out of growing your own Cons Plastic containers
Plastic containers Need to order fresh over time
8. Microgreen Pros Cat Grass Kit with Rustic Wood Planter Check Latest Price Dimensions: 15.75”L x 8”W x 3.5”H Weight: 2.1 pounds Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-7 days
Pros Full kit
Full kit Large container
Large container Spray bottle included Cons Must use a plastic liner to prevent bacteria
9. Handy Pantry Cat Grass Seeds Check Latest Price Dimensions: 8”L x 6”W x 1.5”H Weight: 12.2 ounces Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-7 days
Pros Comes in wheatgrass and a blend
Comes in wheatgrass and a blend Can plant them in your own container Cons Some have trouble germinating the seeds
10. Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Grass Planter with Seeds Check Latest Price Dimensions: 14.6”L x 14.6”W x 2.6”H Weight: 13.6 ounces Growth Rate: sprouts in 5-10 days
Pros Stable design means no tipping
Stable design means no tipping Grid cover keeps cats from digging Cons Seeds sold separately
Seeds sold separately Plant too many seeds and the grass pushed the grid cover off
The Cat Ladies Organic Pet Grass Grow Kit, 3 count , is the perfect cat grass grow kit for the very hungry feline. Cats that love grass are constantly munching away at plantings, often leaving pet owners with empty pots and very annoyed kitties complaining that their favorite treat is gone. This kit comes with three bags so you can start growing your bags a week or more apart, so you never run of out grass. Simply place the soil disc in the bottom of the bag, add water, sprinkle on the seeds, and grass will sprout within a few days. The GMO-free seeds are a blend of organic rye, oats, barley, wheat, and flaxseed so your cat has a choice of tasty grass blades to choose from when he’s hungry. The bags are tall, and your cat may have trouble eating the grass if you do not let it grow tall enough past the top edge of the bag. If you want shorter growth for your cat, transfer the soil and grass to a small pot for easy access before the blades get too tall. If your cat tends to carry things around that it finds interesting, you should transfer these bags to heavier containers, so you don’t wind up with dirt all over your home.For those that don’t want to take the time to grow their own grass, Pet Greens Pre-Grown Organic Cat Grass Plant for Indoor Cats is delivered fresh right to your door. These three packs of wheatgrass take the work out of planting and anxiously waiting to see if your seeds sprout. The grass can be stored in the refrigerator or can be stored in indirect sunlight for easy access for your cat. Sit the grass in one inch of water twice a week for about an hour each time to keep it green and growing. The company ships the plants within two days to ensure freshness upon arrival. If there is an issue with the grass upon delivery, they have a 100% satisfaction guarantee and will work with you to replace any grass not up to snuff. The containers are plastic so if you may need to put the container in a sturdier pot or replant it to prevent your cat from knocking it over.The Microgreen Pros Cat Grass for Indoor Cats Kit comes with everything you need to grow a large amount of wheatgrass quickly for your cat. The kit comes with the wooden planter, pre-measured soil, a reusable BPA-free plastic tray liner, certified organic seeds, a spray bottle, and instructions on how to grow the grass. The plastic liner keeps mold and bacteria growth from invading the wood planter to keep your grass healthy and free of mold. The company also offers refill kits so you can use this planter again. You can also use other seeds with the planter if you choose to replant. If you don’t know if your cat likes grass, you may want to start with a smaller kit to see if this kit is worth the investment. Make sure to leave a little bit of soil to the side when you plant the seeds to cover them with to ensure proper growth. Handy Pantry Cat Grass Seeds are for cat owners that want to grow their own cat grass without a kit. The 12-ounce pouch contains non-GMO organic wheatgrass seeds. You will need your own pot and organic soil, but the seeds do come with instructions for germination. The great thing about these seeds is that you can plant them in as large or small a container as you need. Owners with multiple cats should have plenty of seed to plant a large planter full of cat grass. Handy Pantry also offers a Cat Grass Seeds Blend comprised of oats, barley, rye, and wheat if your cat likes more than just wheatgrass to chew on. The company does have some cat grass kits if you’re a first-time planter and need some assistance in learning the cat grass ropes.We included the Catit Senses 2.0 Cat Grass Planter on this list because it solves a problem many owners have with cat grass- their cats pull the grass out of its container and get dirt all over the house. This planter is designed to be low and features a deep planting bowl with a special grid cover to keep your cat from digging in the grass. The planter can’t be tipped over and it comes with vermiculate instead of soil to plant your seeds. The Catit Senses Cat Grass Planter does not normally come with seeds, but they can be purchased separately. The link we have provided includes the planter along with a three-pack of seeds. Do not overload the planter with seeds as they sprout quickly and too much seed will result in the grid cover being pushed off by the growing grass. Make sure to not overwater the grass so you don’t end up with root rot.
Buyer’s Guide: Selecting The Best Cat Grass Seeds & Kits
What Is Cat Grass?
Cat grass is a variety of different grass seeds that you can grow indoors in a pot or other growing container to help satiate your cat’s need for greenery. The most popular grass for cats is wheatgrass, but you can also find oat, barley, rye, and flax seeds on their own or as blends. Some cats may prefer only one type of grass, but others may prefer a blend of the various types. It will likely take some trial and error when you first start growing cat grass to figure out what your cat likes to eat. We recommend starting with one of the smaller kits, so you don’t waste money on a large kit with grass your cat won’t eat. Once you have figured out what your furry feline likes best, you can then purchase seed or a larger kit to grow their new favorite treat.
What Are the Benefits of Cat Grass?
Cat grass is a supplemental treat added to cats’ diets to aid in digestion. Grass is a good source of fiber and adds roughage to their diet. It contains many beneficial vitamins and minerals, as well as chlorophyll which helps to replenish blood cells. It has the added benefit of reducing hairballs in cats and can even help to freshen your cat’s breath. Cats think of grass as a delicious treat and growing some in your home will help deter them from eating your houseplants, some of which can be toxic to cats.
How to Pick the Best Cat Grass Seeds & Kits
Cats love to chow down on some delicious cat grass, but there are a few things to consider before purchasing seed or a grass growing kit. There are several ways of growing cat grass.
Here are the options available: Planting Kits – These kits usually come with seeds, soil, and a container to plant your grass in. They may come with a one-time-use container or with reusable planters.
– These kits usually come with seeds, soil, and a container to plant your grass in. They may come with a one-time-use container or with reusable planters. Self-grow Kits – Open the packet, add water, and wait for your seeds to sprout. These types of kits are best for beginners or those with black thumbs.
– Open the packet, add water, and wait for your seeds to sprout. These types of kits are best for beginners or those with black thumbs. Bulk Seeds – Cat owners with grass growing experience may lean toward purchasing their cat’s favorite grass seed in bulk to save money. You will need your own soil and planters to use bulk seed.
– Cat owners with grass growing experience may lean toward purchasing their cat’s favorite grass seed in bulk to save money. You will need your own soil and planters to use bulk seed. Live Plants – This is the easiest option as you purchase live cat grass from either a brick-and-mortar store or online. The grass is delivered to your door and all you need to do is put it out for your cat to eat.
Cat Grass Growing Pointers
There are many kits and seeds on the market for cat owners that want to grow their own grass.
Here are a few tips to help you on your grass growing journey: Read the directions thoroughly before trying to grow your seeds, whether you are planting the seeds yourself or have a kit.
Read the directions thoroughly before trying to grow your seeds, whether you are planting the seeds yourself or have a kit. Understanding how the seeds germinate will be vital for success. Some seeds need to be wrapped in damp paper towels and put in a dark, humid space to get them to sprout properly. Determine what kind of seeds you have and plan accordingly.
Understanding how the seeds germinate will be vital for success. Some seeds need to be wrapped in damp paper towels and put in a dark, humid space to get them to sprout properly. Determine what kind of seeds you have and plan accordingly. Plant your seeds in a container that is deep enough for the roots of the grass to take hold. Cat grass planted in a shallow container will not last as long as one planted in a deeper container with room for the roots to spread out.
Plant your seeds in a container that is deep enough for the roots of the grass to take hold. Cat grass planted in a shallow container will not last as long as one planted in a deeper container with room for the roots to spread out. Be careful not to overwater or underwater your cat grass. Overwatering will lead to root rot and mold. Underwatering will lead to stunted growth and yellow grass. Check your kit or seed package instructions to make sure you give the seeds the proper amount of water they need to keep your grass healthy.
Be careful not to overwater or underwater your cat grass. Overwatering will lead to root rot and mold. Underwatering will lead to stunted growth and yellow grass. Check your kit or seed package instructions to make sure you give the seeds the proper amount of water they need to keep your grass healthy. If you purchase live plants, make sure you put the containers in at least an inch of water 1-2 times a day for about an hour. The roots of the grass will reach for the water and soak up what they need. This will prevent your grass from turning yellow and your plants will last longer.
If you purchase live plants, make sure you put the containers in at least an inch of water 1-2 times a day for about an hour. The roots of the grass will reach for the water and soak up what they need. This will prevent your grass from turning yellow and your plants will last longer. Cat grass is a treat. If your cat isn’t used to grass, be careful that it doesn’t eat too much and get sick.
Cat grass is a treat. If your cat isn’t used to grass, be careful that it doesn’t eat too much and get sick. Keep the grass in a sunny area to promote growth and remember to water it according to the package directions.
Conclusion
The SmartCat Kitty’s Garden is the best overall pick of our reviews as it offers a blend of cat grasses in a sturdy container that your cat will have a difficult time knocking over. If you’re unsure if your cat even likes grass, we recommend purchasing the SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Seed Kit as the low price gives you the best value while you determine if your cat enjoys their new treat. Our premium choice is The Cat Ladies Cat Grass Kit & Decorative Wood Planter because it gives you a blend of grasses in a variety of decorative planters so you can choose one to match your décor. We wish you good luck in growing your cat grass for your favorite feline.
Featured Image Credit: AllaSaa, Shutterstock
Christopher GARDINER | Lecturer, Animal Production | MSc (Tropical
www.researchgate.net
gardiner.
Temperate Grassland Animals In Australia – Idalias Salon
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Christopher GARDINER | Lecturer, Animal Production | MSc (Tropical
www.researchgate.net
gardiner.
