How to Grow Cat Grass: A Simple Guide to Safe Greens for Cats

By Tailwisp Editorial TeamUpdated October 20, 20264 min read

Many cats nibble on grass, and indoor cats often turn to houseplants instead. Some of those plants are toxic. A pot of cat grass offers a safe alternative, and it is easy to grow. With a little care, you can give your cat a fresh supply of greens all year.

What is cat grass?

Cat grass is a mix of young cereal grasses, commonly wheat, oats, barley and rye. It is not a single species. The young shoots are soft, sweet and safe to chew. Kits and seeds are sold in pet stores, and the seeds are also found in garden and health food shops. Do not buy seed treated with fungicide or coatings.

Why do cats eat grass?

Nobody knows for sure. Ideas include that grass helps the cat to vomit up hairballs or indigestible items, that it adds fiber, that it supplies nutrients such as folate, or that cats simply enjoy it. Many cats eat grass and do not vomit. See why do cats eat grass.

Safe plants and toxic plants

Many common houseplants are toxic to cats, including lilies, pothos and sago palm. See lilies and cats: why they are deadly, toxic houseplants for cats, cat safe houseplants and are pothos and philodendron toxic to cats. A pot of cat grass in an easy spot may protect other plants.

What you need

• Untreated seeds, such as wheat, oat or barley.
• A shallow pot with drainage holes, or a tray.
• Organic potting soil, free of fertilizer and pesticide.
• A sunny windowsill or a grow light.
• Water, and a spray bottle.

How to grow it

1. Soak the seeds in water for several hours or overnight, to speed up sprouting.
2. Fill the pot with soil to about an inch below the rim.
3. Scatter the seeds thickly, and press them lightly into the soil.
4. Cover with a thin layer of soil, about a quarter inch.
5. Water well, and keep the soil damp but not soggy.
6. Cover loosely with a plastic wrap or a lid for the first few days, to hold moisture.
7. Place in light once sprouts appear, which usually takes three to seven days.
8. Harvest or serve when the grass is three to four inches tall, usually in seven to ten days.

Caring for the grass

Water every day or two. Rotate the pot for even growth. Trim long grass, and remove brown leaves. If you see mold or smell something sour, throw the pot away and start again. Replace the grass every two to three weeks, since it ages quickly. Grow several pots in rotation, so there is always fresh grass.

Keeping cats from digging

Some cats dig up the pot or knock it over. Use a heavy, wide-based pot, or cover the soil with smooth stones, leaving gaps for the shoots. Place the pot in a stable spot, and away from the edge of tables.

Safety

• Use untreated seeds and no chemicals.
• Do not use lawn grass from sprayed areas.
• Keep cats away from fertilizer and sprays.
• Avoid sharp, mature grass blades that can irritate the throat.
• Watch for excessive eating or vomiting.

If your cat eats grass and then vomits once, that is usually harmless. If it vomits often, loses appetite, or seems unwell, see a vet. See cat vomiting causes and hairballs in cats.

Cat grass vs catnip

Catnip is a mint, and about half of cats respond to it with excitement. Cat grass is a snack. See is catnip safe for cats.

Other safe greens

Some cats enjoy oat grass, small amounts of parsley, or cat thyme, though check each plant for safety. See cat safe houseplants. Do not give onions, garlic or chives. See are onions and garlic toxic to cats.

Troubleshooting

If seeds do not sprout, they may be old or the soil too dry. If sprouts turn yellow, they may need more light or less water. White fuzz on the soil is usually mold, and means too much moisture and too little airflow. A tall, floppy plant needs more light. If your cat ignores the grass, try another seed type, such as oat instead of wheat, or move the pot to a place the cat visits. Some cats prefer grass that is young and tender, so harvest and replant often.

When to see a vet

See a vet if your cat vomits often, is lethargic, or you suspect it ate a toxic plant. Use the US vet directory to find a clinic.