A vegetarian cat is something we can never imagine, and the common concerns been floating around about cats is about their feed and diet. Usually, it is believed that meat is the primary element of their food. It would be astonishing for you to learn that these cats have shown significant interest in some leafy greenery; those plants are named as cat grass.
Although cat parents are advised to consult their DVM, before feeding anything to them, according to Mark Waldrop, Veterinary doctor of Nashville, This specific type of grass is considered as a source of micronutrients for pet cats. Because of the addition of soluble proteins that are beneficial for their hairballs and are environment-friendly as well.
What Is Cat Grass?
According to Mark, Cat grass can be a tasty and healthy micronutrient. This plant is a cat-friendly that is developed from specific seeds, for example, wheat, grain, oats, or rye. It’s not to be mistaken for the grass outside in your garden, which can contain poisonous pesticides. This grass is developed inside explicitly for family pets.
Important Research
According to the study conducted at the University of California, Davis, about the cat grass. The main conclusion points of that research are below:
- They Observed that 71% of cats tend to eat plants about 6 times.
- According to the research, 61% of cats ate plants vigorously in a day. i.e 10 times.
- They Observed that 67% of cats eat plants day by day or week by week when gotten some information about how the cat appeared to be preceding eating plants, 91% of respondents said their cats seemed reasonable before.
- Three years old or less, 39% occupied with day by day plant-eating contrasted with 27% of cats four years or more established
- They Observed that 11% of cats were not caught eating plants by any stretch of the imagination
- 27% of them could not digest plants at all and puke later.
Benefits
It has been generally observed that cats are more likely to eat grass correctly when they have an upset stomach; this cat grass benefits them to vomit, and hence, they get relief from stomach disturbance. This grass acts as a fibrous diet for cats and helps their gastrointestinal tract to get clear.
The indigestible Fibers make their feces release quickly; the major plus of having cat grass in the diet is the presence of folic acid, which plays an essential role in the increment of hemoglobin and its combinations and fixes of DNA.
Types Of Cat Grass
We have been able to make a shortlist of favorable cat grass for your pet cats, as kittens can’t distinguish between the right types of grass, so it adds a little to the pet parents’ responsibilities.
- Dactylis glomerata (orchard grass )
- Avena sativa (common oat, cat oat)
- Hordeum vulgare (Barley)
- Triticum aestivum (wheatgrass)
These are few of the cat grasses which are readily available in your nearby pet store.
Types That Are Beneficial For Your Cats
All the types of cat grass available in the market (pet store) are lab tested and authorized, but still, the specific type named alfalfa is recommended by most of the vets, as it helps to heal kidney diseases in cats.
Other than this, oat is also considered good as it is a fulfilling source of protein and soluble fiber and has a lot of iron, manganese, zinc, and Vitamin B, which helps in digestion and clearance of intestinal tract. But again, it is preferred to consult your pet’s doctor before feeding anything new to your pet.
How To Grow Cat Grass?
For the very conscious pet parents, we have formulated a few of the DIYs so growing cat grass won’t be a big deal for cat parents, at homes, and make it properly safe for your pets to consume.
For Your Ease, we have made it a step by step guide, Follow the as it is, and you’ll get the perfect grass for your pet.
- First of all, you would need a deep container and some potting soil, fill almost ¾ part of the box with potting soil and sprinkle the seeds you choose to grow all over the surface of the land, make sure you cover the seeds with soil adequately.
- Then You would need a plastic wrap or cover for the container to cover it.
- Place the box away from the direct sunlight but at room temperature.
- Make it sure you keep the soil moist, use a spray bottle for this purpose.
- Within a few days (usually 3-4 days), you will see little sprouts peeping out of the soil, that’s the time when you ll have to remove the cover from the container.
- Now place the container in sunlight and keep the soil moist by regularly spraying water; don’t let an inch of soil dry.
- When your plant grows at least 3-4 inches tall, your cats are then allowed to enjoy this.
For regular and smooth consumption of cat grass for your cats, try growing this as much as you can simultaneously, ideally 4-5 pots in a week.
In a Nutshell
It has to be acknowledged that Cat grass should not be the only nutrient you are feeding your cat with.
Be very careful while growing this pet plant and make sure you consciously follow all the steps and be very specific when to keep it in sunlight and when to avoid, how much moist you need to keep it and other such details.
Make sure your cat doesn’t confuse it with other plants as all plants are not suitable for their health; in fact, those can be hazardous for them.
If you found this article helpful, share it with other fellows having cats and leave a comment below so we can know. ☺
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