Are you a fan of pets? How about cats? If you’ve landed here, you’re probably looking for a simple guide explaining how to grow cat grass without soil!
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You’ve probably realized your cat nibbles grass once in a while. This behavior is totally natural, and there is nothing to worry about! For as long as man has lived with our feline friends, cats have always nibbled on grass.
Below, we’ll walk you through how to grow cat grass without soil.
The Art of Hydroponics
You’ve probably heard the term ‘Hydroponics’ back in your school days, as part of basic biology. Basically, instead of growing in soil, plants are grown in a kind of nutrient-rich solution. Hydroponics is the art of growing plants without soil.
Despite the fact that over 80% of plants grow in soil, it’s not actually needed!
As long as they have the right temperature, water, light, air, the correct mixture of nutrients, and time – you are golden.
What is Cat Grass?
Sorry, kitty; this isn’t catnip!
Cat grass is actually a mixture of rye, wheat, oat, and barley grass. Cat grass is a good alternative for outdoor grass because it doesn’t contain any harmful chemicals such as pesticides and herbicides.
Oat grass
Oat grass is mildly sweet and a healthy option for cats! It tastes better than most of the cat grass out there. Oat grass requires direct sunlight for optimal growth.
Wheatgrass
Wheatgrass is considered the most nutritious cat grass! It’s a great source of minerals, amino acids, and vitamins.
Ryegrass
Ryegrass has smaller blades when compared to most other types of cut grass. These small blades make it easy for a cat to lounge on. Ryegrass is a fantastic option and one that absolutely must be included in your homegrown cat grass collection!
Barley grass
You’ll need to know the best mixture of grasses to use on your hydroponically grown cat grass adventure. Like Wheatgrass, Barley Grass provides essential nutrients! These nutrients are readily absorbed into the bloodstream.
How to Grow Cat Grass Without Soil: A Step-by-Step Guide
It’s easy to fall in love with the idea of growing plants without soil! Soil is, by nature, dirty. It can also attract unwanted insects. The following lists easy to follow steps for those wondering how to grow cat grass without soil!
Step 1. Materials Required
Growing Pot
Your growing pot should be both durable and strong, able to support contents while remaining stable.
Organic Grow Stones
You won’t need any soil this time! Instead, some type of organic grow medium is preferred.
Cut Grass Seeds
Oat grass, barley grass, ryegrass and wheatgrass are all preferred. A combination is even better!
Plastic Wrap
Water (preferably filtered)
Filtered and treated water won’t harbor any of the bacteria or microscopic parasites non-treated water might.
Step 2. Prepare the Mixture
Pour your mixture into your chosen pot/container. Begin to scatter grass seeds once your container is half full and add more grow medium on top.
Water the mixture, then cover the top with your plastic wrap. The covering will allow your mixture to retain moisture while enhancing germination.
Step 3. Wait
Your grass will begin to sprout after 2-5 days! Remove the plastic wrap covering. Place your container near a window with access to direct sunlight.
Don’t forget to water regularly! If you are still confused, refer to the attached video.
Step 4. Allow Kitty to Celebrate!
Your cat grass has grown quickly, requiring a mere week or two!
Believe it or not, cat grass is beneficial even for well-fed felines! The roughage itself aids in both digestion and elimination, which should be enough by itself. You have bonus nutrients, and to top it all off- the chlorophyl in these grasses helps keep your kitten’s breath minty fresh!
Cats that eat grass routinely may have more regular gastrointestinal tracts, fewer hair balls, and less constipation (Buzhardt, Lynn. DVM).
Many veterinarians and other medical professionals will recommend this grassy delicacy for our cats. As you can see, there are several health benefits and it’s well worth the investment.
Why do Cats Eat Grass?
To this day, biologists aren’t completely sure how to answer this question. Some theorize the grass is eaten to add roughage to a cat’s diet, aiding in digestion.
Others guess it may be for the added nutrients.
Yet others still guess the grass might be meant to help expel non digestible portions of meals.
Health Benefits of Cat Grass
Why would you go through the hustle of learning how to grow cat grass without soil if you didn’t love cats? Exactly how essential is cat grass to a carnivorous animal like a cat?
Unless you love cats, you might not understand the need to grow cat grass. Since you’re here, you must share our comm love for these adorable feline companions!
You’ll find several cat grass health benefits listed below:
Enhanced Digestion
Lengthy digestion can become uncomfortable for your furry friend! Consuming cat grass enhances digestion by adding bulk to food, speeding bowel movements. Essentially, grass provides roughage.
Induce Vomiting
Have you ever seen a cat vomit after chowing down on some grass? This isn’t necessarily a bad thing!
Vomiting is our (and our pet’s) body’s way of getting rid of irritants. Most domesticated carnivores (i.e. dogs, cats) will eat grass when the urge strikes them.
This urge could be the body’s way of ensuring your pet vomits and eliminates whatever is causing gastrointestinal irritation.
Eases Constipation and Diarrhea
Unfortunately, constipation isn’t only a problem for humans. Our pets can suffer this ailment also! Veterinarians suggest either adding bulk or roughage to your pet’s diet, or increasing fiber intake.
Thankfully, cat grass is a wonderful source of roughage and fiber!
Nutritional Supplement
If you’ve read our bullet points above, you know cat grass offers valuable nutrients to your pet’s diet. This is yet another reason for you to invest some time in this creative, delicious project!
Photo by Dmytro_Skorobogatov