What you call “cat grass” or “pet grass” is usually wheat berries, though other varieties of grass can also be grown for your cat’s enjoyment. Wheat berry is very easy to grow, even in small containers, and cats seem to love it. Indoor grass is easy to tend and requires very little care. Plus, organic cat grass is actually good for your cat. Here’s how to grow cat grass:
- Buy the seeds. Wheat berries can be found at most health food stores. If you can’t find them, visit your local pet store. They may have other varieties of cat grass you can try growing. You can also find wheat grass or oat grass seeds at your local gardening center.
- Prepare the wheat berries. Soak two tablespoons of wheat berries in room temperature water for 6 to 8 hours. Do not leave them overnight or longer, or they may start to mold, and they will not sprout. This step will help them to sprout quickly once they are planted.
- Plant the grass. Plant the wheat berries in a low container with about 4 to 6 inches of soil. The seeds should be covered with about 1/4″ of soil. Because your cat will be eating the grass, look for organic soil that is formulated for the growing of edible plants. When you’re done planting them, lightly water the soil.
- Leave in a dark place. Cover your growing container with plastic. Place it in a dark space, like a closet. Check on it each day to make sure the soil stays moist, and water it, if necessary. It should take about a week for green tips to appear in the soil.
- Watch it grow. Once the seeds sprout, remove the plastic that is covering the container. Place the container in a sunny location, like a windowsill. Don’t forget to water it occasionally. Within a couple of weeks the grass will be tall enough for your cat to enjoy.
- Let your cat enjoy it. Ingesting cat grass helps with your cat’s digestive issues. Plus, it may keep them from eating your other house plants, some of which are toxic to cats. Occasionally trim the grass to keep the plant healthy. Your cat will enjoy grazing on this specially-planted grass. Place the container somewhere where your cat won’t be able to knock it over. If your cat over-indulges in this plant, put it in a location where your cat won’t be able to reach it to let it grow for a while instead of giving your cat unlimited access.
Cats have a natural craving for grass, but they don’t just nibble on plants because they taste good. Cat grass provides roughage, fiber, and vitamins in addition to satisfying your cat’s cravings. Providing healthy cat grass keeps cats from eating outdoor plants, which may be treated with chemicals or other pesticides. It also keeps them away from your houseplants, some varieties of which are toxic when ingested by cats.