How to Grow Cat Grass

Cat grass is something my cats LOVE. It's a special treat for them - we try to keep it around most of the time. It keeps them entertained and happy. :D

Plus, it's super cheap and easy to grow! It'll take about a week to get it to a good height, but after that, it's a grass eating free-for-all.

More cat pictures on the last step - Big Dee and Luna spent forever grazing when I set it out, and I took waaaaaay too many photos :D

Step 1: What You Need:

• a small pot to grow in
• organic potting soil
• cat grass seeds
• plastic wrap
• water

I say organic potting soil because your kitties are going to be eating this and probably digging around in it when you're not looking. Avoid potting soils with lots of fertilizer in them - the cat grass doesn't need it anyway since it won't last long. :)

Cat grass can be many different types of seed, but it's typically oats or wheat. You should be able to find it in your local pet store pretty easily! And the good news is the seed lasts forever. The seed I'm using for this is some that was given to me 5-6 years ago by a friend for babysitting her cat. :D

Step 2: Planting

Fill your pot with soil, stopping 1-2 inches from the top. Scatter a handful of cat grass seed over the top of this - I like to do one thin, even layer.

Then add a couple of handfuls of soil over the top so the seeds are covered with about 1/4 inch of soil.

Step 3: Water and Cover

Water the seeds with 1/2 cup of water or so - you want the soil to be nice and moist.

Once that's done, cover the pot with plastic wrap (not too tightly - you still want a little airflow!) and set in a warm and dark location - I keep mine on top of the fridge!

Step 4: The Waiting Game

The second or third day you should see little sprouts coming up from the soil. Check that the soil is still moist every other day or so.

As soon as the grass gets to the size in the second photo, take off the plastic wrap and keep in a nice sunny place. I set mine on the back porch so the kitties would not be temped to eat it yet!

When your grass is 4-6 inches, feel free to let them have a go at it! It normally takes about a week to get to this size.

If you don't wait until the grass is high enough, chances are your cat with destroy is really quickly. :D

Step 5: Bonus Cat Photos

As the resident cat lady I feel it is my duty.

Big Dee likes to put her whole face in the grass. Luna always looks like a crazed murderer when she eats it.

Comments

[shahnaz.aziz991]

I bought catit grass did everything as per instruction. No luck on my grass. I just see sprouts but I don't see grass growing.Its been almost more then 12 days. Is their any way to fix it or should i throw it. I'm confused.

[eliseetz]

Hi jessyratfink, I have a quick question for you… Can these seedss just be bought at a health food store? can we buy oat groats or wheat berries and do the same thing? Because something tells me that special “cat grass seeds” might be more expensive at the pet store?

[possumpunk]

I bought cat grass seeds for $1.89, the same price as the basil and onions and peas I bought at Walmart.

[zenyrgarden]

This is so much fun! :) Gotta find some cat grass seeds first though.

[shadenthings]

Pet grass seed is important, we tried wheat seed , it was to harsh for our cat .
we then tried certified organic oats seed which was a lot better until we ran out of seed and couldn't find any that time year but we came across Lucy's Cat grass, Buck Oats
is more expensive than the organic oats and wheat they offer , My cats cats now turn up their noses at any thing else , but my darlings are worth it

[LilyP19]

Ebay has sellers who sell oat seed just for cat grass.Not too expensive,either

[DL Sutter]

I bought Wheat Grass already grown, in the produce area...Bill won't even look at it until it turns brown, and then he flings dirt and all everywhere! I know he likes greens because my plants get chewed. Will try oat grass.

[Nidy__]

if a couple little cotton-like balls (mold maybe?) start appearing before the sprouts have reached the height on the second pic, should I take off the wrap - maybe I overwatered ?

[LilyP19]

Yes it is a mold ,take off wrap immediately, and you watered too much without sufficient drainage.You must some have drainage holes in the bottom of container.Provide a ventilated well lit place to grow.

[Komadin]

Not sure what exactly it looks like without a picture but if fuzzy things appear that were not there before then most likely it is mold. You may have had the plastic too tight and not enough air flow. The plastic wrap is not needed its just optional to help hold moisture.. too much moisture and no airflow BAM you get mold. good luck :p

[CoffeeGirlWood]

Such a cool project. First time I see cat grass and I already wanna do one. Sad thing I have only dog, no cat :D Do you think my doggie would love it? :D

[jessyratfink]

Honestly, they might! Both of my dogs love the cat grass and tend to snack on it if they can :)

[Dumbphone]

This is soooo coool! I didn't even know that there was such a thing...With my next cat I know what he or she can snack on. :)

[sunandadas]

Hi Jessy. Very much helpful.

[MaryH316]

Hi Jessy. Me again. Is it ok to put my now growing kitty grass outside where it's warmer and sunnier then in my apartment? Thank you. Spots mom.

[jessyratfink]

Definitely! Make sure to keep it out of direct sunlight, though. The soil in the pot can get a little too hot and hurt the grass. :)

[MaryH316]

I just got a new cat grass kit with poor instructions. It said to stir the seeds into the soil. Is that ok? Then no instructions after that. I planted yesterday. Now what? My elderly boy, Spot, loves kitty grass.

[jessyratfink]

It should be okay! Some of the seeds that are lower in the soil may not sprout at first. Just keep it moist and in a warm spot and you should have grass peeking out in no time! :D

[MaryH316]

May I send you a picture of what it looks like? I'm close to throwing it out.

[MaryH316]

Thank you for answering my question. My grass is sprouting, however much of it is coming up and is a very light tan. One got tall and I touched it. Well the very tip broke off so I thought I would pull the rest out and the rest of the tan covering came off to reveal a tiny blade of grass. Many of the other sprouts have the same Light tan covering on them. Help!