Cat Grass
Santosh Jha
| 28-08-2023
· Plant Team
Cat grass includes various types of grass that cats commonly eat, such as wheat grass, barley grass, and thin and green bristlegrass.
It's important to note that cat grass encompasses a range of grasses and is not limited to a specific type.
Cats possess an instinctive ability to recognize and consume this grass if left to roam in the wild. They engage in this behavior to aid in expelling hairballs from their digestive systems.
Cats are drawn to these elongated blades of grass due to their content of crude fiber and emetic properties. The presence of adequate crude fiber promotes efficient intestinal movement, supports metabolism, and facilitates the elimination of hairballs and waste.
Additionally, cats may stimulate their esophagus by ingesting pointed grass blades, triggering vomiting when they experience gastrointestinal discomfort.
Unlike animals like horses or sheep, cats do not consume hay. Instead, they prefer fresh cat grass.
In situations where cat grass is unavailable, some cats may seek out substitutes from plants or vegetables that resemble cat grass, such as onion leaves, garlic leaves, and celery. However, it's important to avoid feeding cats onions and garlic, as these substances can lead to anemia.
Cat owners can cultivate cat grass at home to provide a convenient source for their feline companions. Once the cat grass reaches a height of 7 to 8 centimeters, it can be offered to the cat. Some owners choose to cut the cat grass into smaller pieces for their cats to consume.
In cases where a cat has ingested onions or garlic, promptly replacing them with wheatgrass is recommended. The wheat grass can be easily grown by maintaining a room temperature above 20°C for two days, after which it will be ready for consumption within two weeks.
Feeding cat grass can involve cutting it with scissors and offering it to the cat for gnawing or holding it out for the cat to consume directly.
If a cat owner notices that their cat has consumed cat grass but hasn't effectively expelled a hairball, it indicates that the cat grass hasn't assisted in the hairball elimination process. In such situations, alternative measures should be taken to aid the cat in expelling hairballs.
Daily grooming plays a crucial role in managing hairball issues. Cat owners should make it a habit to comb their cats' fur daily, which helps remove loose hair before it's ingested through licking. This habit enhances the bond between the owner and the cat, as most cats enjoy being groomed.
Another approach to dealing with hairballs involves using hairball remedy gel. This gel softens hairballs and knots in the digestive tract, creating a source of stimulation that encourages cats to expel these accumulations. Popular hairball remedy gel can be administered to cats, either directly or mixed into their food.
Furthermore, incorporating fruits and vegetables into a cat's diet can supplement their fiber and vitamin intake. Options like carrot puree, apple puree, and pumpkin puree can contribute to a well-rounded diet for cats.