If you’re an animal lover and a plant lover, you may find that having pets and houseplants is mutually exclusive. Whether your cat decides to chow down on your latest floral arrangement or your dog knocks over an indoor fern with a vigorous wag of his tail, perhaps you’ve all but given up on gardening.
But it’s important to keep your cat happy and healthy, especially when you’re living in an apartment. Thankfully, we’ve got a solution: wheatgrass for cats!
Wheatgrass is an easy-to-grow plant with a vivid green hue and modern, clean-lined aesthetic. It’s also got great health benefits, both for humans and pets. Cats will be drawn to the plant immediately, and gnawing on it is actually good for them! Wheatgrass neutralizes odors (no more dog breath) and is a great source of chlorophyll.
Dogs might not be as tempted to chew on it, but you can harvest and puree the grass, then freeze it in an ice cube tray and give it to your dog as a treat.
Here are a few ways to grow wheatgrass at home:
You’ll need wheat seeds (also called wheatberries), a container with drainage holes, soil, and a clean container. Once you have all your materials, cover 2 tablespoons of the seeds in water using the clean container, and soak for about 12 hours. Meanwhile, prepare the growing container by adding soil and, if desired, compost. Spread a single layer of seeds across the soil, then place the growing container in a bright place – but not in direct sunlight. Water daily, and watch them grow! For a step-by-step list, click here.
Did you know you can grow wheatgrass for cats hydroponically without the use of soil? This is a great option for people with frisky pets who are more likely to knock over a container. Several sites offer hydroponic growing kits, but we like this one from wheatgrasskits.com.
Most pet stores have wheatgrass (often relabeled as “pet greens” or “cat grass”) available. Purchase one on your next pet food run!
1st Lake Properties | P. O. Box 73709 | Metairie, LA 70033 | info@1stlake.com
