Cat grass is rich in soluble fiber and provides a safe and vitamin-packed snack for cats, serving as a natural laxative to aid their digestive system, and as a regurgitation tool to help get rid of fur or inedible matter that has been clogged in their stomach. Aside from being a healthy salad mix for your cats, cat grass is a low-maintenance plant that's easy to grow.
Here are the most common types of cat grass:
Wheatgrass
Also known as liquid sunshine when it's blended into juices, wheatgrass contains high levels of chlorophyll and is a host of other nutrients, including vitamins, amino acids, and minerals that help cats fight inflammation whilst improving their blood circulation and immune system.
Ryegrass
Much more flexible and exceptionally durable, ryegrass makes the perfect type of grass for cats who like to lounge whilst they gnaw. If your cats roll in the ryegrass patch and nibble it down, it will grow back regaining its previous state pretty quickly.
Oat Grass
More flavourful than other types of cat grass, oat grass is high in protein and soluble fiber which acts as a digestive aid to calm the intestinal tract. It also provides a good balance of amino acids, along with iron, manganese, zinc, and B vitamins.
Barley Grass
This sweet, tender green has a wide range of nutrients which include vitamins, minerals and enzymes, and makes a good source of fiber. Barley grass is quite hardy and can grow quickly (up to a height of 14 inches!), so it is good for cats who love to graze even more frequently.
Alfalfa Grass
One of the preferred grasses by veterinarians, alfalfa has been demonstrated to help with preventing and treating kidney disease in cats. If your cats are fighting kidney diseases, alfalfa is the best type of cat grass that you can grow.
How to care for cat grass:
Sunlight
Pace cat grass in an area with plenty of light but away from direct sunlight.
Temperature
Keep it at the ideal heat of between 16 and 19 degrees celsius.
Water
Mist it twice a day with a spray bottle until the leaves are covered with dew drops.
Source: PetMD
Featured image by Alice Castro