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How to Grow Cat Grass Without Soil (5 Easy Steps)
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Cat grass is usually grown from the seeds of rye, barley, oats, or wheat and is used for your cat's digestion. It's very easy to grow this herb in your house, even without soil. In just a few days, your kitty will have his own organic little nook to snack on safely.
The 5 Things To Know About Cat Grass
1. What’s the difference between cat grass and catnip?
People sometimes confuse cat grass with catnip, but they are definitely not the same thing!
Cat grass refers to young shoots that cats can eat, while catnip is inedible and causes strange effects on your feline. The latter is found in many cat toys for its stimulating effect. So, unless your feline is insensitive to it, offer him an accessory with catnip and observe his behavior: he may roll, rub, sniff intensely, purr, etc. In fact, he is likely to act euphorically like he is under the influence of a drug. However, it is an intense moment of joy and well-being for your kitty, which, by the way, is totally natural!
2. A natural digestive
Cats groom themselves every day to maintain their beautiful coat, and, in the process, they swallow a lot of dead hair. Once in their stomachs, their hairs can clump together and form hairballs that can be less easy to digest or regurgitate. Besides, during the molting period, the risks associated with hairballs are much greater.
So, what's the point of cat grass? Fresh grass shoots are rich in fiber and vitamins to help stimulate intestinal transit and help keep it working. If your cat tends to be bothered by their furballs, cat grass is a great ally to help them eliminate them naturally.
3. Great substitute for your houseplants
If your cat tends to attack your plants, now is the time to act! Unfortunately, many plants are poisonous, even fatal, to cats, which can be extremely dangerous if ingested. In addition to placing them in high places in inaccessible places, you can also offer cat grass to your feline to divert its attention from your houseplants. Without any risk to his health, on the contrary, you can let him feast as he wishes.
4. An essential treat for indoor cats
If you have a house cat, he has little or no access to the outdoors and therefore cannot relish fresh grass to purge himself and improve digestion. In addition, they are often much less active than outdoor cats, which can affect their bowel movements. Indeed, moving will stimulate the latter, which is why it is not uncommon for apartment cats to suffer from episodes of constipation. Thus, offering him free access to a pot of cat grass can only be beneficial.
5. Taking care of cat grass is a snap
If you don't have a green thumb, don't worry! Cat grass is a decorative plant that is very easy and fast to grow. You can buy a ready-made tray that you just need to water, or you can buy seeds that you can plant in a jar or pot. No need for a large garden either, since it is a plant that can live perfectly in an apartment or on a balcony.
The 5 Steps To Growing Cat Grass Without Soil
1. Gather the material
To grow cat grass without soil, you will need:
2. Prepare the seeds
Rinse the cat grass seeds and soak them in water overnight.
3. Prepare the jar or plastic container
Fill the container with about ⅔ full of growing pebbles. Cover the stones with a paper towel or coffee filter. Scatter a thin layer of seeds directly on the paper or filter.
4. Add a little water
Slowly fill the container with water, until the paper and the thin layer of seeds are slightly submerged in water. Do not completely cover the seeds to the point that they start to float.
5. Place the pot in medium sunlight
The area should neither be too dark nor receive direct sunlight. Regularly moisten the stones and the paper, so that they do not dry out.
Final Thoughts
If you follow these simple steps, you will see the first shoots appear in just a few days, and a mature plant in about 10 days. Now, all you have to do is install the pot in your beloved kitty's little indoor heaven!
See also:
Featured Image Credit: ja-aljona, Shutterstock
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Genevieve, a biologist and science writer, who harbors a profound affection for capuchin monkeys, pumas, and kangaroos. This passion has led her to travel extensively, volunteering and working at wildlife rehabilitation centers in Bolivia, Guatemala, Canada, and Australia. Now residing in Argentina as a Canadian expat, Genevieve enjoys the view of horses and cows greeting her from the vast plains outside her home office window. She proudly cares for three rescued dogs—Lemmy, Nala, and Pochi—and a playful kitten named Furiosa. Sharing her extensive knowledge and love for animals brings her immense joy and fulfillment.
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