Key Takeaways: Is Cat Grass Worth It?
- It is a Salad, Not a Drug: Unlike Catnip (which makes cats high), Cat Grass is food. It provides fiber and Folic Acid for digestion.
- The Hairball Hack: It acts as a natural laxative to help push hairballs out the back door (poop), or helps vomit them up safely.
- Safety Upgrade: Never feed outdoor lawn grass (pesticide risk). Indoor cat grass is chemical-free and soft enough to not cut their throat.
- Do not Panic if They Puke: Vomiting is often the goal. Cats eat grass to clean their stomach. If they seem fine otherwise, it’s normal.
Some cats love grass too much. If your cat eats it so fast they vomit instantly, take the pot away. Treat it like a special dessert: 5-10 minutes of supervised grazing only.
Cat Grass vs. Catnip: What’s the Difference?
| Cat Grass (The Salad) | Catnip (The Party) |
|---|---|
| Type: Cereal grains (Wheat, Oat, Barley).
Effect: Digestion aid. Provides fiber & vitamins. Behavior: Eating, chewing, grazing. Vibe: “I’m eating my veggies.” |
Type: An herb (Mint family).
Effect: Mood alterer. Mimics pheromones. Behavior: Sniffing, rolling, drooling, zooming. Vibe: “I’m having a party!” |
Is It Good for Cats? (3 Real Benefits)
1. The Natural Hairball Cure
Instead of buying petroleum-based hairball gels, use nature’s solution. The fiber in grass binds to the hair in the stomach, making it easier to pass.
2. The Vitamin Boost (Folic Acid)
Cats instinctively crave grass juice because it contains Folic Acid (Vitamin B9). This vitamin helps oxygenate their blood—something they would normally get from eating the stomach contents of prey in the wild.
3. The Decoy Strategy
Does your cat eat your houseplants? Providing a pot of “Yes” grass is the best way to save your “No” plants (like toxic Lilies or Tulips). It gives them a safe outlet for their chewing instinct.
How to Grow It (Without Killing It)
- Don’t Drown It: Mold is the enemy. Water lightly with a spray bottle, or water from the bottom.
- Give It a Haircut: If it gets too tall, trim the top inch. This prevents the blades from poking your cat’s nose and encourages new growth.
- The Fridge Hack: When your cat isn’t eating it, put the pot in the refrigerator at night. This slows down wilting and keeps it crisp!
- Rotation: Plant a new pot every 2 weeks so you always have a fresh batch ready when the old one dies.
