Cat Grass (avena sativa)

Growing, Information, Tips, Photos
Cat grass seed can be planted indoors anytime of the year. Sow the seeds in a container such as a seed tray or pot filled with moist seed compost. Sprinkle the seeds generously and uniformly over the surface and cover them lightly with more compost and keep moist. Set the container where it will receive bright light. Water lightly until the the grass reaches 10-15cm (4-6") tall. Trim with scissors if puss does not do it for you to prevent coarseness. When the cat grass gets about 3-4" high put it near your cat’s dry food dish or water bowl. Alternatively cat grass can be grown outdoors as hardy annual - sow the seeds in a sheltered spot in sun/partial shade.

Most cats will require a little help with digestion from time to time especially longhaired cats as it helps them to cough up fur balls. Indeed cats are actually biologically programmed to eat grass for this very reason. In the absence of safe grasses, cats will often eat anything green they can find, which may include decorative or even poisonous plants. Having a safe alternative planted within easy reach can save you and your cat a lot of grief.

Cat Grass Tips and Facts
Avena sativa sometimes called cat oats will not stick to the back of a cat's tongue like serrated lawn grass or wild outdoor grasses do
Start new containers of cat grass every few weeks to guarantee a fresh supply
Good digestive aid in small doses for cats
Most cats love the rapidly growing young shoots
Extremely easy to grow - water as needed, don't let the soil dry out
Place in south window for best light
Seedlings start to appear 3-5 days
To see photos of cat grass seedlings as they appear click on cat grass seedlings.

Fun
Make a green-haired cat grass head
Materials:
old pair of tights
sawdust
string
cat grass seed
bowl

Cut a length from the leg of the tights and tie a knot in one end. Put a teaspoon of seed in the knotted end and pack sawdust in, trying to keep the seed spread out at the knotted end. Create a ball of sawdust and tie off the tights again. Soak the ball in water, squeeze out the excess water then stand in a bowl with a little water in it. In a few days the cat grass seed will germinate and, after about 10 days, your cat will be the proud owner of a green-haired cat grass head.

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