Do Cats Like Cat Grass? (Essential Information)


More Meows is an Amazon Associate. As an Amazon Associate we earn from qualifying purchases. We may also earn commissions if you purchase products from other retailers after clicking on a link from our site.

Cat grass is extremely popular now.  But, if you take your cat outside, it is possible he or she has casually munched on the grass outside.  This could also be true indoors with houseplants.  If you are looking into cat grass, you will likely ask yourself if cats like cat grass?

Yes, cats like cat grass.  A cat will enjoy eating the cat grass that you provide for him or her.  The cat grass will satisfy the desire the cat has to eat it, while giving your cat digestive benefits such as relief from hairballs, less constipation, essential vitamins, and better gut movements.

You might also worry if your cat is showing herbivorous streaks.  It is likely your cat is simply improving its health and digestive system which could have deteriorated due to its normal food habits.  Even cats need a little green to their diet and cat grass is the answer here.

Video: Cat Grass and Cats

What is Cat Grass?

Cat grass is made from a combination of rye, barley, oat, or wheat seeds. It is grown safely at home in a container, accessible to cats, and is an alternative to houseplants. Cat grass provides a healthy and safe alternative for cats to nibble on plants playfully and casually, while you’re assured with the knowledge of exactly what they are consuming.

Allowing your cats to nibble on potted plants, flowers and other houseplants at home is not a good idea – you may not know what species the plant belongs to, and you may have no clue if it contains any toxic elements.

Do Cats Eat Grass?

Yes, cats eat grass. Cats also eat cat grass to digest any complex food molecules or indigestible parts. Cats in the wild often mimic the animals they prey on – herbivores.  As a result, eating grass comes to them as an instinct likely passed on to them by their ancestors. 

Do Cats Like the Taste of Grass?

Cats sometimes enjoy the taste of cat grass. They may either enjoy the act of nibbling grass or they may like the taste and appeal of cat grass.  Cats will often eat grass while on walks because they like the taste. 

Is it OK for Cats to Eat Grass?

Cat grass may even keep your furry friend from constantly nuzzling and preying on other items in the house like newspaper, bedsheet, wood, etc. It will occupy them with something safe and healthy.

Cat Grass Types:

  • Oat Cat Grass: This is high in fiber, vitamins, and minerals. Trace elements like magnesium, iron, etc. is also present.
  • Barley Cat Grass: It has good density and provides a bulky blend if added to the seed mixture.
  • Rye Cat Grass: This one is similar to the grass of your lawn and a favorite among feline friends. It has shorter blades.
  • Wheat Cat Grass: One of the more popular options, wheat grass is loaded with healthy nutrients.
  • Flax Cat Grass: This one grows into thicker stems which may show prominent growth rapidly. Do not let it grow much higher as it may outdo the other grasses in the blend.

What Plants Can I Feed My Cat?

Valerian roots, catmint, and other species similar to catnip are a treat for cats. Cat thyme goes well with most of these options too. Silver vine stems are often powdered to make treats. Indoor plants like spider plants function as home décor as well as cat food.  Always check with your veterinarian on edible plants for cats. 

Cat Grass Health Benefits

Cat grass also offers health benefits that cat owners may be unaware of. For one thing, cat grass is green. It is a dose of vitamins and minerals that cats may need in small amounts for the maintenance of health. Cat grass is rich in folic acid, an important component in the manufacture of hemoglobin in the body.

Hemoglobin is a substance that helps the body absorb oxygen quickly for improved blood circulation.

Cat grass is also enriched with chlorophyll, a substance known for a long time for relieving diverse ailments like pain, stomach ulcers, anemia, foul breath, etc.

Does Cat Grass Have Vitamins?

Cat grass is well-known to contain vitamins A and D in abundance. The fiber content of leafy things like cat grass helps your cat’s bowel movement, which in turn boosts its productivity, mood, and overall health and well-being.

However, the question arises whether cats consume enough cat grass to count it as a valid source of vitamins. Cats may chew it as little as once or twice a day, and sometimes in meager amounts. Don’t start feeding your cat a serving of lettuce, or green peas. They didn’t become serious herbivores, not even close: more often than not, the only green they want is cat grass.

Cat grass may have some nutritional benefits for cats, but it is a supplement and not a real meal for your cat. Cats do not necessarily need any green addition in their diet – let them approach the cat grass you buy on their own and maybe it will make their lives happier.

Additionally, growing cat grass yourself as a little project might even provide some satisfaction to you as the cat owner.

How Long Does Cat Grass Last?

Cat grass sprouts should begin to grow in three to seven days. Cat grass usually takes one to two weeks to grow to a considerable height for consumption from your pet. It grows to a height of about four inches. Cat grass lasts two to three months before needing a replacement.

Why is my Cat Grass Turning Brown?

If the plant wilts and starts to discolor, it may be time to plant a fresh container of cat grass. Also, pull out the dying shoots. These plants require very little maintenance – place them under natural sunlight and water in small amounts daily using a spray bottle. Molds may begin to form if you water too much or too frequently.

You might want to grow more than one container of cat grass – this is a safety net so that if the cat wants to chew on cat grass and the first plant has little to offer, it can always rely on other containers of cat grass.

Where Can I Buy Cat Grass Seeds?

For people with zero knowledge of growing cat grass, beginner’s tool kits or pet grass kits are readily available in local pet stores and garden supply stores. They come with all the materials you need as well as instruction guidelines on how to grow it.

How to Plant Cat Grass

  1. Select a container that is at least 6-8 inches wide in diameter. Make sure it is not too high or too low – you don’t want the cat to strain their necks or crouch low trying to graze it every time.
  2. The container should also be heavy to prevent it from toppling over. It should ideally match the height of your cat to make it accessible for the kitty to bite off the plant.
  3. Start filling the container with clean potting soil. Keep a spray bottle of water near you. Every layer of soil you place, spray a little water to hydrate it well. Spread and distribute the seeds uniformly. Don’t pile it in one place.
  4. Place a thin layer (about half to one inch thick) of soil on top of the distributed seeds to cover it well. Spray sufficient amounts of water on it. At this stage, keep the potted plant (yet to sprout) out of reach of your inquisitive little kitty – who knows, it may be tempted to dig out the seeds before it sprouts!
  5. Place the container near sunlight. Water it daily, without clogging it or overdoing it. The seeds need to be kept damp not submerged.

Does Cat Grass Make Cats Vomit?

Sometimes cat grass will help a cat vomit.  Cats sometimes eat grass, including cat grass, when they feel the need to throw up. A cat that throws up after eating cat grass likely had some other digestive issue.  Monitor your cat closely. 

Letting your cats roll on the grass outdoors and biting on it is a terrible idea. Outdoor plants are often laced with pesticides and insecticides, which are harmful or even fatal for your cat.  It is possible your cat knows something is up with them digestively and is trying to eat these grasses or plants instinctively to vomit.

Let your cat enjoy some safe nibbling by growing cat grass at home and giving them access to it so they can casually and playfully nibble on it.

Is it normal for cats to eat animals?

Yes, its normal for cats to eat animals. If you let your cat outside, he or she may consume some birds, lizards, etc. occasionally. Consuming prey may leave behind some indigestible parts inside the cat’s stomach which could cause indigestion, illness, diarrhea, and other problems for your feline friends.

Cats are carnivores and are born with expert competence as a predator (our article on this subject discusses the excellent hunting skills of a cat).

Are Cats Clean Animals?

Cats are also exceptionally clean animals that will instinctively clean themselves very much.  Due to this, they may get hairballs. Cat grass either induces your cat to vomit it out or makes it easier for the fluff to pass through their bowels.

Cat grass or regular grass plays a vital role to help with digestion and better gut movements for your cat. This is very similar to cats in the wild sometimes chewing on grass immediately after consuming another animal.

Does Cat Grass Make Cats Throw Up?

Cats may eat cat grass because they feel they need to throw up. If cats eat something that does not do well in their digestive tracts, they may find it difficult to rid themselves of this undigested matter and may eat cat grass to help them either throw up or better digest the material.

However, if your cat is vomiting for any reason that causes you concern, you should contact your veterinarian.

Do Indoor Cats Need Cat Grass?

Indoor cats do not need cat grass; however, cat grass can help an indoor cat feel better.  Sometimes indoor cats will have digestive issues and cat grass can aid in helping the indoor cat vomit or better digest something. 

Can Cats Eat Cat Grass Everyday?

Cats can eat cat grass everyday.  Cat grass is a healthy supplement to a cat’s diet.  Cat grass should not be considered a meal for your cat.  Keep an eye on your cat’s feeding habits if they are eating cat grass daily. 

Does Cat Grass Calm Cats?

Cat grass does help calm cats.  If a cat has a digestive issue eating cat grass can help focus their mind on something else.  Additionally, cat grass can help the cat resolve whatever issue is going on digestively so that they feel better. 

Does Cat Grass Make Cats Happy?

Cat grass can make your cat happy.  Many cats are happier when they are chewing on something they enjoy.  Cat grass introduces healthy greens that will help a cat feel better and make them happier by helping their digestive tract run better. 

Is Cat Grass Good for Cats?

Cat grass is good for cats.  Cat grass is a healthy supplement for your cat’s nutrition.  Cat grass introduces some greens into your cat which will help their digestive system run more efficiently.  A cat should feel healthier after they have eaten cat grass and it has helped any digestive issues. 

Cat Grass vs. Catnip

Cat grass is a healthy supplement to a cat’s diet that will aid their digestive tract in running more efficiently.  While catnip may help your cat’s digestive tract, it alters your cat’s frame of mind with a euphoric effect.  Both cat grass and catnip will likely make your cat feel happier. 

What Does Cat Grass Do?

Cat grass helps a cat’s digestive tract run better.  Sometimes this is by inducing a cat to throw up a hairball.  Other times it may just help a cat digest certain food better.  Cat grass may make your cat happier as they focus on munching on the cat grass and gets their digestive issues cleared up.  

Summary

When introducing your cat to cat grass for the first time or a new type of cat grass, it’s best to go slow.  Try two to four pieces of cat grass. If they like it, they’re going to naturally be inclined to it. Don’t push cat grass hard on your cat if your cat doesn’t want to eat it initially – that’s okay.

Some cats need cat grass in particular times of the year, while shedding, while having indigestion, while feeding, etc. Also, don’t substitute regular food with cat grass.  Obviously, if you have any major questions about cat grass, you can always contact your veterinarian.

Cat grass can be very safe because you get to control which seeds you grow or types you buy. If your cat is allergic to anything, avoid it. Choose your blend of cat grass carefully. You can take some comfort in that you are growing cat grass for your cat and no pesticides are being used.

New pet owners, you may buy pet grass at your own will – but try to implement it slowly- experiment safely to figure out if your cat truly wants the cat grass – if it does, you’ll know.

If you liked this article, please check out a few more:

Here are some of my favorite cat products

In addition to checking out some other More Meows articles, I hope you’ll check out some of my favorite cat products as well.  These are affiliate links, so if you end up using them, I’ll get a commission at no extra cost to you.  These are the products I really do find most helpful.

Litter Box:  I started out with normal, traditional litter boxes for my cat.  Then, I tried this automatic litter box on Amazon (affiliate link), which helped reduce the litter upkeep.  Finally, I am now a believer in the Litter-Robot 3 Connect on Amazon (affiliate link).  This robotic litter box is not for everyone based on the price tag, but for me the benefits (very little upkeep, works efficiently, clean, mobile app) far outweighed the cost. 

My Cat’s Litter-Robot 3 Connect (with night light on) – See the link above the photo!

Cat Tree:  I have purchased a couple of this Amazon Basics Cat Tree on Amazon (affiliate link).  My cat spends a lot of time on and around this cat tree, which I position near my sofa.  She uses the scratching posts on this cat tree multiple times a day, which means she is not scratching the sofa instead.

Cat Water Fountain:  I love this cat water fountain on Amazon (affiliate link).  There are three main benefits to having a water fountain like this for your cat.  The first benefit is that it keeps water running so that your cat doesn’t need to drink still water.  The second benefit is that it filters the water.  The third benefit is that it will keep your cat hydrated!

Christopher Carlson

I have an Domestic Shorthair Tabby named Charlotte. She is full of energy when she isn't sleeping most of the day. I share what I learn about cats on this site.

Recent Posts