By Amber Testa, Supplements Buyer + Cat Enthusiast
Wheatgrass has long been viewed as a 'superfood'. The immature seedlings of the triticum aestivum plant, it is the very same plant that will one day grow into the wheat used to make your favorite whole-wheat baked goods.
Sophonax the cat chomping on some fresh wheatgrass
However, wheatgrass isn't just for humans. Your feline friends also enjoy a tasty snack of wheatgrass! You may have seen 'cat grass' on sale in pet stores, and -- surprise! -- it's actually none other than the same type of wheatgrass you might get added to your smoothie at the juice bar.
Wheatgrass is easy to grow for your cat, even if you live in a third-floor apartment like I do. To grow wheatgrass for my cat Sophonax, I fill a well-draining ceramic or terra-cotta pot with soil, then sprinkle a thin layer of wheatgrass seeds from the Cambridge Naturals bulk herbs section on top, covering them with a bit more soil. Keep the soil moist but not wet, and in a few days, the seedlings will start to germinate!
When the seeds are about four inches tall (which usually takes a bit over a week), I let my cat graze on them. (It's really funny watching her eat the grass with her pointy teeth!)
Cats are obligate carnivores, but they do enjoy the occasional grassy treat. Wheatgrass has a number of health benefits for cats--it is high in protein and vitamins, and the fiber aids in improving your cat's digestion. Cats prone to hairballs can benefit from this in particular. The experience of grazing also provides some sensory enrichment, especially for cats who spend their time indoors.
A couple of precautions: don't let your cat have too much wheatgrass, as it can make their stomach upset, and never feed your cat grass that has been treated with pesticides or other chemicals. (And if you're planting in-ground, always make sure your soil is free of lead and other contaminants, or consider buying bagged gardening soil.)
In addition to being a nutritional powerhouse for humans, wheatgrass can also be a delightful experience for your cat! It's a simple and inexpensive way to add some nutrition and sensory enrichment to your favorite feline's life.
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