Catnip or Cat Grass? What is best for your feline friend.. well why not both? Both have numerous benefits to offer your cat and you!
Catnip is best known for its ability to get cats “high”. Catnip, either smelt or eaten can make your cat behave as though he got into your stash of marijuana. The internet is full of pics and videos of cats behaving badly on catnip.
Cat grass on the other hand is edible grass for cats that often contains wheat, rye, barley and oats. Cats nibble on the grass because it tastes good. It won’t have the same “high” effect catnip does on behavior but has alot of other benefits we will discuss below.
Catnip is a member of the mint family. Common catnip or Nepeta cataria, contain essential oils that act as a stimulant to your cat. They are responsible for the behavioral effects you might see when you expose your cat to catnip. The oil dries up over time which is why your cat will eventually lose interest in catnip toys, etc.
It can be propagated by leaf tip cuttings, division or seeds. Catnip is extremely versatile as it can be grown in a proper garden or in containers, either inside or outside.
Catnip is super easy to grow at home from seeds or seedlings. Give your plants lots of room to grow. It likes bright light and likes a porous, rich soil.
To finish it off for your feline you need to harvest your bounty. Hang the whole plant or just some cuttings upside down in a dark, warm but well ventilated area to dry. Then just take the flowers leaves from the stem and store in a sealed container.
Cat grass offers several health benefits for your cat including:
- Adding fiber into their diet, which just like humans helps them stay on regular bathroom schedule.
- Helps relieve constipation by acting as a laxative
- Some cats will eat it until they vomit. It is helping them rid thier system of toxins and settles the stomach.
- Cats spend alot of time grooming themselves which creates furballs. Cat grass helps them digest or cough up the furballs!
- Gives your cat a healthy alternative to potentially toxic plants
Growing grass for your cat is easy and will ensure that your cat doesn’t eat regular grass that may have pesticides and other chemicals in it. You can get cat grass seeds from health food stores and pet suppliers. You could also opt for grass growing kits. It only takes a few weeks from seedlings that the grass gets long enough for your cat to eat/play with it.
Whether you chose one or both your cat will thank you profusely for providing these options! Both have uses in helping create a safe, healthy home for your cat.