If you’ve ever seen your cat munching on a tuft of grass and wondered how to give them that safe, healthy treat at home, growing cat grass indoors is the perfect solution. Not only is it fun and easy to grow, but it also helps your cat’s digestion, keeps them entertained, and adds a touch of greenery to your home. In this guide, I’ll walk you through everything you need to know as a beginner, from choosing the right seeds to caring for your indoor grass patch.
Why You Should Grow Cat Grass Indoors
Before diving into the how, let’s talk about the why. Cats are naturally drawn to grass because it helps them clear hairballs, adds fiber to their diet, and sometimes even satisfies a curiosity for chewing on something green. Store-bought cat grass can be convenient, but growing your own indoors ensures it’s fresh, chemical-free, and always available. Plus, it’s incredibly easy—even if you’ve never grown a plant before.
Choosing the Right Cat Grass
The first step is picking the right type of grass. The most common options are wheatgrass, oat grass, barley, and rye. I personally find wheatgrass to be the most popular because it grows quickly and is easy to manage indoors.
When choosing seeds, make sure they are labeled specifically for pets or cat grass. This ensures they haven’t been treated with pesticides or chemicals that could harm your feline friend.
What You’ll Need to Grow Cat Grass
You don’t need a green thumb or a big backyard to start growing cat grass. Here’s a simple list of essentials:
Seeds: Choose wheat, oat, barley, or rye seeds.
Container: A shallow pot, tray, or even a recycled dish works fine. Make sure it has drainage holes.
Soil: Use organic potting soil, avoiding garden soil which may contain pests.
Water: A spray bottle or watering can for gentle watering.
Light: A sunny windowsill or artificial grow light.
That’s it! With these simple tools, you’re ready to start.
Step-by-Step Guide to Growing Cat Grass
1. Soak the Seeds
I always start by soaking my seeds in water for about 8–12 hours. Soaking softens the seed coat and speeds up germination. After soaking, drain the water and let the seeds sit for a few hours before planting.
2. Prepare the Container
Fill your container with about 1–2 inches of potting soil. Lightly press the soil to create an even surface but don’t compact it too much, as cat grass roots need room to grow.
3. Plant the Seeds
Sprinkle the seeds evenly over the soil surface. You don’t need to bury them deeply; just lightly press them into the soil or cover with a thin layer of soil. Overcrowding can slow growth, so spread the seeds generously.
4. Water Gently
Use a spray bottle to moisten the soil without washing away the seeds. Keep the soil damp but not soggy. Too much water can lead to mold, which is a common beginner mistake.
5. Provide Light
Cat grass needs light to grow well. A bright windowsill works perfectly. If natural light is limited, you can use a small LED grow light for 10–12 hours a day.
6. Maintain Humidity and Temperature
I keep my cat grass indoors at room temperature, around 65–75°F. Covering the container lightly with plastic wrap during the first few days can help retain moisture, but remove it once seedlings sprout to prevent mold.
7. Watch It Grow
In about 5–7 days, you’ll see tiny green shoots emerging. By day 10–14, your cat grass should be ready for your cat to nibble on. Keep watering lightly to maintain healthy growth, and trim the tips if they start getting too tall or uneven.
Caring for Your Indoor Cat Grass
Once your grass is growing, it doesn’t require a lot of work, but a little care goes a long way. Here’s what I do to keep mine thriving:
Watering: Keep the soil lightly moist. Avoid overwatering, as this is the main cause of mold.
Harvesting: Allow your cat to nibble on the grass, but trim it regularly to encourage regrowth.
Sunlight: Rotate the container occasionally to ensure even light exposure.
Soil Refresh: After a few weeks, the soil may become compacted. Replace it with fresh soil and replant seeds if needed.
Common Mistakes to Avoid
Growing cat grass indoors is simple, but beginners often make a few mistakes. Here are the most common ones:
Overwatering: Leads to mold and root rot. Water gently and only when the soil feels slightly dry.
Poor Lighting: Without enough light, cat grass becomes thin and weak. Ensure 4–6 hours of sunlight or use a grow light.
Wrong Seeds: Avoid seeds not labeled for pets—they might be harmful.
Ignoring Pests: Indoor pests are rare, but check for tiny insects and remove them immediately.
Fun Tips for Engaging Your Cat
Cats can be picky, but most love freshly grown cat grass. Here’s how I encourage mine:
Place the container near where your cat likes to relax.
Let them explore the grass gradually. Don’t force them.
Mix it with playtime—sometimes I put toys around the grass to make it more inviting.
Benefits of Growing Cat Grass Indoors
Aside from being a fun project, indoor cat grass has multiple benefits:
Digestive Health: Helps clear hairballs and improves digestion.
Mental Stimulation: Gives indoor cats a new activity.
Safe Snacking: A chemical-free alternative to outdoor grass.
Aesthetic Touch: Adds greenery to your home décor.
How Long Does Cat Grass Last?
Typically, cat grass lasts about 2–3 weeks per planting before it becomes overgrown or starts to yellow. At this point, I like to harvest the remaining grass, compost it, and start a new batch. This keeps a constant supply of fresh grass for my cats.
Replanting and Rotation
To ensure your cat always has fresh grass, consider a small rotation system. Keep a few trays growing at different stages. While one tray is ready for nibbling, another is sprouting, and a third is being prepared. This way, you always have fresh cat grass available without gaps.
Growing cat grass indoors is one of the easiest and most rewarding projects for a cat owner. With minimal supplies, a little patience, and basic care, you can provide your cat with a safe, healthy, and enjoyable treat. Watching the grass sprout, seeing your cat curiously nibble, and knowing you grew it yourself is incredibly satisfying.
Whether you live in an apartment, a house, or even a small dorm room, indoor cat grass is accessible for everyone. Start small, follow these simple steps, and soon you’ll have a thriving patch of greenery that your cat will love—and you’ll love the joy it brings.
