Cat Grass

A healthy diet for your cat includes a balance of highly digestible real meat, vitamin-rich vegetables, antioxidant-packed fruits, fatty acids, wholesome grains, and taurine. Fiber is included in many quality foods to aid digestion and assists with weight control. If you observe your cat eating grass or other plants, it is not necessarily an indicator of a nutritional deficiency. Your cat may be simply satisfying a craving.

The interest in vegetation varies from cat to cat. Some do not seem to care for it, while others like to graze often. Because your lawn and landscaping plants, or those of your neighbors, are likely treated with pesticides, insecticides, and fertilizers, they should always be considered poisonous and off limits to your cat.

Without access to tender, young grass, cats will sometimes turn to Indoor plants. Unfortunately, few owners will find the appearance of their house plants enhanced by cat "pruning," and cats can discover that some are poisonous. As owners have become more aware of the health benefits of maintaining an "indoor" lifestyle for their pet, they have found it advantageous to bring some of the outdoors in.

Home-grown cat grass is a safer option

Growing "cat grass" indoors is an excellent option to satisfy your pet's needs. The Kitty's Garden includes an attractive pressed wood planter with wheat grass, rye, oat, and barley seeds, plus water-absorbing growing medium and liners. A variety pack of edible grasses gives cats a safe chewing outlet.

Cat grass grows fast and is easy to care for. It costs very little, and provides a renewable resource of enjoyment for your cat. A chemical-free, controlled source of fiber, indoor cat grass is a worry-free option.

Normally, the amount of grass consumed by a cat is small. Some cats, however, will over-eat grass, regardless of the type or where it is grown. If this occurs infrequently, it is not likely to be a problem. If the behavior persists, it may be an indicator of a physical problem that requires attention. If you observe frequent binge eating of grass, we recommend consulting with your veterinarian.

If your cat occasionally regurgitates after eating grass, it should not be a concern. For cleanups, you will find OdorLogic® CleanAway particularly effective for removal of grass stains on carpet.

Dietary supplements and digestive remedies

In addition to providing cat grass, there are a number of other options you can use to ensure your pet has a complete diet and a healthy digestive tract:

• Vitamins are an important addition to any cat's diet. Providing a daily supplement is a great way to ensure your cat is receiving the nutrition it needs. Lifestage Select® Premium Vitamins for Cats, for example, includes taurine, necessary for heart health, and fatty acids for healthy skin and coat. Vitacaps® provide everything to promote healthier skin and a quality coat, and even offer allergy relief for your pet.
• If your cat is chewing grass to aid digestion, consider use of Acidophilus+ Digestive Tract Conditioner. Easy-to-use, this liquid adds "good bacteria" to your cat's digestive tract, and essential vitamins, minerals, and enzymes that might be missing from your cat's diet.
• All cats must deal with hairballs. Often a tough process, there is no reason your cat should suffer. We offer very effective products that will help minimize the stress of passing existing hairballs, and, at the same time, retard the development of new ones. Petromalt aids in the prevention and elimination of hairballs. Petromalt is not only effective, it is also a delicious liquid treat.