Cat grass

Cultivation and availability

Commercial and home-grown cat grass typically comprises wheatgrass, barley grass, oat grass, and/or rye, sown densely and cut or presented at the sprout/microgreen stage (about 7–14 days). Cereal grasses at this stage of growth are rich in fiber (including soluble fractions), chlorophyll, and water-soluble vitamins (e.g. some B vitamins).

Cat grass is widely available in seed kits, ready-to-grow pouches, and live trays.

Cat grass can be grown indoors year-round in shallow trays using potting media or hydroponic mats. The process is similar to growing wheatgrass microgreens, and advice for the latter is commonly repurposed to guide "cat grass" cultivation. General microgreen guidance recommends dense sowing, 1–3 days of dark "germination" with high humidity, bright light after emergence, good air movement to reduce mold, and harvest/presentation within 1–2 weeks.

Use

Cat grass use by domestic cats is common, and is viewed positively in many cultures.

Many "carnivorous" species also ingest plants, with ethological function dependent on species, context, and plant type. Domestic cats are believed to consume grasses primarily for their fiber content. In this regard, cat grass supplants nibbling on houseplants or lawn grasses.

Cats may use plant fibers to help pass hairballs. A 2025 microscopy study of regurgitated matter found leaf trichomes interlocked with hair. Nevertheless, pet cat owners in surveys have not observed behavioral changes to support this hypothesis.

Persistent vomiting warrants clinical evaluation to rule out gastrointestinal disease.

References

References

1. (8 February 2018). "5 Types of Cat Grass You Can Grow".
2. (2021). "The characteristic response of domestic cats to plant iridoids allows them to gain chemical defense against mosquitoes". Science Advances.
3. "What is Cat Grass? Learn How to Grow Cat Grass for Your Pet".
4. Eissa, H.. (2020). "Nutritional value and impact of wheatgrass juice ("green blood")". Bulletin of the National Research Centre.
5. (2025). "Cat Grass: The Ultimate Guide (PDF)".
6. "Sprouties (UAE) — Fresh cat grass".
7. (2019). "Directions for How to Grow a Wheatgrass Pet Pal (PDF)".
8. (9 November 2023). "A step-by-step guide for growing microgreens at home".
9. (1 February 2022). "Grow Microgreens at Home".
10. (2021). "Plant-eating carnivores: Multispecies analysis on factors affecting plant occurrence in scats and stomach contents". Ecology and Evolution.
11. (2025). "Plant eating behavior in domestic cats: support for the hair evacuation hypothesis". Journal of Veterinary Behavior.
12. (2021). "Characteristics of Plant Eating in Domestic Cats". Animals.
13. "Cat-Safe Houseplants and Safety Tips".