Final Up to date on: September 13, 2023 by Crystal Uys
Cats are obligate carnivores, however they’ll nonetheless profit from consuming small quantities of plant-based meals. Whereas catnip could take middle stage for plant-based cat merchandise, cat grass is one other plant product that may be wholesome for cats to eat.
Cat grass isn’t a selected species of grass. Fairly, it’s composed of a mix of a number of various kinds of vegetation which might be protected for cats to eat, together with alfalfa, barley, oat, rye, and wheat. Feeding cat grass to cats might be good for his or her well being, and it’s additionally simple to develop by yourself. Listed here are some methods your cat could profit from consuming cat grass.
The 6 Causes to Develop Cat Grass:
1. Helps With Digestion
Grain grasses are a superb supply of fiber that your cat could not be capable to get from animal protein.1 Consuming slightly additional soluble fiber will help increase digestion and help intestine well being. It could additionally assist alleviate minor gastrointestinal points, like occasional diarrhea.
Cats with power constipation could profit from consuming extra fiber. So, in case your cat is liable to sure digestive points, it doesn’t harm to seek the advice of your veterinarian and see if cat grass is a viable pure treatment.
2. Helps With Hairballs
Whereas there are numerous lovable issues about cats, coughing up hairballs isn’t one in all them. It’s regular for cats to regurgitate a hairball each couple of weeks, however it may turn out to be a extra vital challenge if the frequency will increase.2
Whereas cat grass might not be the silver bullet to hairballs, it may definitely assist cats throw up hairballs extra simply. Typically, it may act like a laxative to assist cats digest them.3
3. Protected Different to Outside Grass
Cat grass might be notably useful for outside cats which have developed a behavior of consuming grass whereas they roam exterior. You simply by no means understand how unsafe grass grown exterior might be. They are often handled with pesticides which might be poisonous to your cat, and your cat might nonetheless eat them unknowingly.
Whereas cats usually simply graze the highest of the grass, some could paw all the way down to the foundation and get filth of their mouths. This might probably cause them to devour intestinal parasites and find yourself with a big an infection. Rising your individual cat grass offers extra management and security to what your cat eats and enormously reduces the danger of illness and infections.
4. Deter Cats from Chewing Houseplants
Some cats can develop a behavior of chewing on houseplants for a wide range of causes. They could eat them out of boredom or just benefit from the texture and style. Whereas there are houseplants which might be protected and non-toxic to cats, there are additionally a whole lot of common houseplants that produce toxins which might be unsafe for them to eat.
Having cat grass within the residence can present cats with a protected various to houseplants. They will additionally assist defend your houseplants from harm attributable to biting and clawing.
5. Extra Supply of Nutritional vitamins and Minerals
Whereas cat grass can’t exchange a good portion of your cat’s standard weight loss plan, your cat can profit from consuming a bit extra nutritional vitamins and minerals from cat grass. Relying on the kind of grass, your cat could get some additional nutritional vitamins A and D. Grass can comprise folic acid, which helps enhance and help wholesome blood circulation. The chlorophyll present in grass could assist with minor ache alleviation and pores and skin infections. It’s additionally recognized to assist freshen the breath.
6. Protects Cats from Meals Poisoning
Wild cats can typically eat grass or vegetation after they’ve eaten their prey. The grass can induce vomiting and assist them throw up indigestible components of no matter they’ve eaten. Whereas it’s unlikely your indoor cat has eaten some form of prey with indigestible components, it’s potential that your cat could really feel slightly queasy after consuming one thing once in a while. Consuming some cat grass will help your cat expel one thing that’s making them really feel sick or nauseous and make them really feel higher extra shortly.
Learn how to Develop Your Personal Cat Grass
Now that the advantages of cat grass, chances are you’ll be keen on rising your individual. The very best and most secure method to develop cat grass is by buying a cat grass equipment. These kits usually comprise blends of cat grass which might be extra palatable to cats. In some instances, you will discover pots of already-grown cat grass at your native pet retailer to be able to skip the planting and rising course of.
Cat grass kits often comprise a mix of seeds, and these seeds are comparatively simple to develop. Some kits could advocate soaking the seeds earlier than planting, whereas others will instruct you on to plant the dry seeds in filth after which water them. Be certain to make use of a well-draining container to stop root rot and place the container in a room with loads of daylight.
The seeds ought to sprout inside 3–7 days, and the grass might be eaten about 10 days after sprouting. Be certain to take away any yellow or wilting blades of grass commonly.
Conclusion
Total, your cat can expertise a number of well being advantages from consuming cat grass, and you might even see enhancements in digestion and intestine well being. Cat grass can be a protected various for cats that take pleasure in chewing on plant leaves. So, in case your cat has a behavior of consuming houseplants or appears like they want extra fiber of their weight loss plan, it doesn’t harm to introduce them to cat grass.
Featured Picture Credit score: Kashaeva Irina, Shutterstock
Concerning the creator
Cat mother to Ivy – a feisty little rescue kitten that’s her one and solely youngster. For now! All through her life, she has been launched to the particular love that may be discovered within the bond with a cat. Having owned a number of felines, she is greater than sure that their love is unmatched, unconditional and in contrast to another. With a ardour to teach the general public about every little thing, there may be to find out about felines, their habits, and their distinctive personalities, Crystal is devoted to creating positive that every one cats and their house owners know the significance of acutely aware dwelling – and loving!