There are many theories and hypotheses on why cats nibble on grass but none have been scientifically proven.
So, it’s safe to say that we don’t yet know why all breeds of cats nibble on grass. But they like to do that, that much we’re sure of.
In this article, we’ll be seeing five of the best types of grasses cat owners can grow for their cats, no matter which breed are they.
All these five types of cat grass are perfectly aligned with all theories of cat grazing. For example, some think that grass provides fiber, which relieves digestion in a cat, and all these cat grasses are perfect sources of fiber.
Also, some theories point out that grass is required for its chlorophyll, folic acid, or mineral contents which might be good for pain, infections, skin diseases, circulation, etc.
5 Types of Cat Grass to Grow
Now, without further ado, let’s see the five types of cat grasses you can grow for your lovely, furry pets! Cat grass should not be confused with Catnip.
1. Oat grass
Oat grass is the standard, perfect cat grass for all breeds of cats.
It’s tastier compared to other grasses and as you’d expect, doesn’t come with any safety concerns for your cat. It’s sweet and oat seeds-based. Usually, you’ll find oat grass in packages labeled “cat grass” only because there’s literally no other use of this product.
Oat grass is a great digestive aid for your cat’s intestinal tract. Essentially, oat grass is full of protein and soluble fibers, while also containing zinc, B vitamins, iron, manganese, etc. which are all very great for your cat’s digestive health.
2. Rye
Now, rye is a grass suitable for cats that nibble very frequently.
You see, once the grass is nibbled, it usually grows right back. However, more durable grasses jump pack to the desired height sooner. Typically, cat grass would regrow 2-3 times but rye is exceptionally durable and regrows even more.
Ryegrass has a shorter length. It also means that if your cat rolls in your ryegrass patch, it will go back to its previous state pretty quickly.
3. Wheat
Wheatgrass is for those looking to supplement their cat’s diet with additional minerals and chlorophyll.
It’s a fact that wheatgrass is packed with over 70% chlorophyll as well as plenty of minerals that definitely help cats fight inflammation while improving their blood circulation and overall immunity.
4. Alfalfa
Alfalfa grass is really good for cats fighting kidney diseases.
Not only does alfalfa treat kidney diseases but it also helps prevent it. So, if you have a cat coming from a lineage known for kidney diseases, alfalfa grass is the best type of cat grass that you can grow.
5. Barley
Barley is good for cats that love to graze on the grass even more frequently. It’s tall and can reach up to a height of 14 inches, which is really not ideal so you should be regularly trimming it.
Barley grass is a type of cat grass that can grow very quickly so if your feline friend has a love for nibbling on grass, give them barley and they’ll be fully satisfied.
Cat grass blends
There is another option for you: making a grass blend.
For example, if you want to have the nutritive properties of oat grass but also want a grass that can grow quickly, you can mix oat grass seeds with barley grass seeds.
It’s also a handy little technique to find out which type of grass is your cat’s favorite, especially if it’s your first time planting grass for your cat.
You can divide the soil into two parts or more and plant different varieties. The type your cat nibbles the most is their favorite and now you would know which grass seeds to invest in.
Also, once you’ve started growing grass for your cat, it’s your responsibility to take away the weeds and keep the grass disinfected from pests and problems. Certain things like mold growth can be manageable but more serious problems can quickly spring up if your grass is affected by some disease, for example.
Things to take into consideration before you purchase cat grass
The first thing that you should make sure when you’re purchasing cat grass from a store or online store is that it’s organic seeds that you’re buying.
You only want seeds harvested from organic plants, meaning that they were not affected by fertilizers, herbicides, chemicals, pesticides, etc. This content can easily make it through the seeds and when the grass grows, that same content will be passed on to your cat, which can create many different sorts of complications.
Also, you cannot just grow grass in a flowerpot or a garden all the time. You need a dedicated cat grass kit which is essentially a box in which you can place some good-quality soil and plant the seeds there.
There are different shapes, sizes, and colors of these cat grass kits and they can be easily moved around. Some of these kits also come with soil and even seeds. Just make sure it’s not very light so that your cat cannot tip it over.
The placement is also very important. For example, don’t place your kit on a windowsill if it blocks maneuverability around it. Find a suitable place where it won’t block a cat’s movements but still be readily available.
If there’s a spot that your cat loves to spend time around, that might be a good location for placing the cat grass. Otherwise, just choose anywhere or perhaps near the food.
It’s also a good idea to include a source of running water around cat grass, which will encourage water intake in your cat. A combination of water and fiber is a really good preventive measure for Cat Diarrhea and constipation.
