Tips

The Ultimate Guide to Growing Catnip for Your “Boss” at Home

Cat grass is a nutritious treat for your feline friend, and a safe alternative to outdoor grasses that may be treated with pesticides or fertilizers. With our simple guide, you can easily grow your own cat grass at home, ensuring a fresh and healthy treat for your furry companion, without the worry of any harmful chemicals.

Administrator

31 August, 2024

Cat grass aids your cat’s digestion, providing fiber and strengthening their stomach. Additionally, it helps reduce bad breath.

Harvest time: after 14-16 days from the start

1Cat Grass Ingredients

A pot or tray for planting (of appropriate size with good drainage holes).
Seeds (barley or wheat seeds).
Potting soil (organic soil mixed with coconut coir for added aeration).
Water (clean, not dirty).

2How to Plant Cat Grass

Step 1: Choose the Right Seeds

Select seeds that are round and shiny. These are signs of healthy seeds that will produce vibrant grass.

To choose the best seeds:

Check the seed expiration date.

Opt for reputable seed distributors.

Step 2: Soak the Seeds

Soak the seeds

Rinse the amount of seeds you intend to use. Soak them overnight for 8-12 hours. Avoid soaking for longer than 12 hours, and ensure the water level is not double the amount of seeds, as this may cause them to overswell and struggle to sprout.

For wheat seeds, check and remove any floaters after about 4 hours of soaking, as these are likely damaged seeds that won’t sprout.

Step 3: Sprout the Seeds

After soaking, remove the seeds from the water, rinse them again, and place them in a strainer to drain. Keep the seeds moist with a damp cloth and rinse every 5-6 hours. Leave them in a cool place for 12-24 hours to allow for sprouting.

Step 4: Prepare the Planting Soil

Prepare the planting soil

Use a tray or pot with ample drainage holes and fill it with organic soil mixed with coconut coir. Spread a layer of soil about 5-6cm thick on the surface of the tray or pot, and set some soil aside to cover the seeds.

Step 5: Plant the Seeds

Plant the seeds

Once the seeds have sprouted, rinse them in clean water and plant them in your prepared tray or pot. Cover the seeds with the reserved soil and water gently. Keep the planted seeds in a cool, shaded place. Cover with paper, dark cloth, or an upside-down tray to block the light and encourage faster sprouting.

Step 6: Care for Your Cat Grass

Caring for cat grass

Once the grass has sprouted, introduce it to sunlight for photosynthesis. Water the grass 2-3 times a day to keep the soil moist. During sunny months, limit sun exposure to 3-4 hours in the morning to prevent scorching and drying out. During overcast periods, feel free to leave the grass outdoors.

Step 7: Harvest

Harvesting cat grass

After 8-12 days, when the grass reaches 7-8cm in height, it’s ready for harvest. You can cut it for your cat to eat or let your cat graze directly from the pot. The roots can be replanted, but the nutritional value will be lower, resulting in lesser-quality grass.

3The Finished Product

Cat grass

Cat grass provides essential nutrients and supports your cat’s digestion. It also helps prevent hairball-related intestinal blockages that can occur when your cat grooms itself.

Planting cat grass is easy and cost-effective, and it contributes to your cat’s well-being. We wish you success in your gardening endeavors.

Frequently asked questions

Catnip is a plant that belongs to the mint family and contains a chemical called nepetalactone, which has a euphoric effect on cats. It stimulates the pleasure centers in their brains, leading to a range of playful and excited behaviors.

The nepetalactone in catnip can induce a state of temporary euphoria in cats, causing them to rub their faces and bodies against the plant, chew on it, or even roll around with joy. This reaction is often followed by a period of calm and relaxation.

Yes, catnip is easy to grow at home. You can start by planting seeds in a sunny spot with well-drained soil. Keep the soil moist and provide regular water and fertilizer for healthy growth. Catnip plants can also be grown in pots or containers.

Growing catnip at home ensures a fresh and organic supply for your cat. It can be a fun and rewarding experience, as you get to watch your cat enjoy the effects of the plant. Additionally, home-grown catnip can be more potent than store-bought varieties.

You can offer fresh catnip leaves to your cat as a treat, or dry and crush them to sprinkle on their food or toys. Catnip-filled toys can provide hours of entertainment for your cat, promoting exercise and mental stimulation.

While catnip is generally safe for cats, it’s important to monitor your cat’s reaction and ensure they don’t ingest too much. Some cats may experience an upset stomach if they consume excessive amounts. Additionally, not all cats are affected by catnip, and young kittens may not respond to it.