What Is the Purpose of Cat Grass?

Cats are not vegetarians, but they do enjoy grazing on plants every now and then. Outdoor cats have a variety of choices, but indoor cats are left to nibble whatever their owners have around, which is why it may be best to have a few indoor patches of cat grass available to them. Despite the mixed theories on why they do it, it is generally regarded as safe for the cats to eat grass.

  1. Varieties

    • Most grass that is sold as "cat grass" is a variety of wheat, oats or bluegrass. According to veterinarian Geoff Stein, actual cat grass is known as Avena Sativa and is more rarely found than the other varieties.

    Why cats eat grass

    • According to Vetinfo.com, a cat may eat grass to obtain vitamins lacking in its diet, to help with digestion or regurgitation of hairballs or to cleanse its intestinal tract.

    Plants that are not safe for cats

    • Some plants are toxic to cats, according to Vetinfo.com, including chrysanthemums, figs, mistletoe, daffodils, bulb plants, onion plants and rhododendrons.

    Grow your own cat grass.

    • Cat grass is easy to grow. The cheapest method is to simply buy seeds and plant in a pot or a patch of ground. Most pet stores sell grass growing kits that you simply water and watch sprout.

    Not catnip

    • Cat grass and catnip are not the same, although both are plants. Cat grass is, as the name implies, grass. Catnip is a herb akin to mint and appears to have a temporary and harmless psychotropic effect on cats.