Well, has my cat become a vegetarian, many pet owners ask themselves when the house tiger gnaws on the long green stalks again. The consumption of the grass has completely different reasons. You can read about this and why it is worth offering cat grass to a cat on this page.
Cats only nibble on cat grass when they want to gag
Why do cats eat cat grass?
If you own a cat, you know that grooming is a high priority in a cat's life. The animals constantly lick their fur to remove dust and dirt with their saliva. Cats often swallow loose fur, which then becomes loose again by spitting up a ball of hair. Eating cat grass encourages gagging and makes it easier to spit it out. In addition, cat grass contains many important nutrients such as folic acid, which is why it is an effective dietary supplement.
Can the grass also be harmful?
However, your cat can also be harmed if it is fed incorrectly. After a while, for example, the stalks become lignified, which can lead to cuts in the mouth and esophagus. In addition, the weed absorbs pollutants such as nicotine from the environment. The cats eat them, so to speak.
How often to feed?
In addition, an oversupply of nutrients can quickly develop, which has a harmful effect on the gastric mucosa. Therefore, keep the plant out of your cat's reach.
Which variety is best?
Cat grass is available in two varieties:
- the sour grasses
- and the sweet grasses
The sweet grasses mainly include native grain varieties such as wheat or oats. These varieties are ideal because of their rapid growth
- if you want to grow your cat grass independently.
- if regular pruning is not a problem for you.
- if you want to feed your cat cat grass very often.
An alternative is the slightly harder Cyprus grass.
Cat grass as a lawn
In summer it is a blessing to walk barefoot on soft grass. You should not reserve this for your indoor cat either. Plant cat grass, for example, in a large, shallow bowl for your cat to cool off in warm temperatures.