All cats eat grass – this isn’t a mnemonic for learning musical notes, although it could well be!
It refers to an interesting phenomenon that has fascinated cat owners and researchers alike.
The fact that cats eat grass, despite being obligate carnivores.
There are many theories and ideas about why cats eat grass.
Findings from research have supported some of these ideas, that is, cats eating grass is behaviour that is instinctive rather than learned.
It helps move food or hairballs through the digestive tract. Which may (or may not) result in vomiting. In other words, vomiting is a consequence of, rather than the reason for cats eating grass.
While it can be icky having to clean up cat vomit, eating grass is beneficial for cats.
Grow cat grass for its benefits
The benefits of grass for cats are:
- Digestive – it helps to move food or hairballs through the digestive tract; thereby helping with digestion and elimination.
- Nutritional – It provides them with trace vitamins
- Preventative – it discourages the munching of other plants, some of which can be toxic and deadly.
Cats like to eat grass and it should be offered to all indoor cats
Dr Andrew Spanner, Walkerville Vet
If you want to offer your indoor cat a readily available source of beneficial greens, here are four steps to grow your own cat grass at home.
1. Find a suitable container
You don’t need a new or shiny pot. Any old pot or container lying around the house will do.
In fact, in the interest of sustainability, it might actually be better to repurpose a an ice-cream, yoghurt, or some other household container.
For drainage, it is recommended to have a hole or two at the bottom of the container.
Place a tray or dish underneath to collect any watering runoff.
2. Fill it with soil or potting mix
3. Get some seeds and sow them
Cat grass and wheatgrass are loved by cats and seeds for growing them are easily available.
Sow the seeds according to growing instructions on the pack.
4. Water and keep the soil moist
And be rewarded when the greens sprout in 5-10 days.
Pro Tip
Have two or more containers of grass and rotate them to give nibbled grass some time to bounce back.