Have you ever caught your cat nibbling away at grass? Or maybe they’ve tried to have a go at your houseplants? Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they get all their essential nutrients from meat, but that doesn’t mean that they don’t want to munch on some vegetation every now and then.

So instead of letting them loose on your houseplants (which may be toxic), try cat grass. But what is cat grass and is it safe for your fur baby? Read on to learn a little more about this feline salad option, this could be an option for your cat.

Cat grass should not be confused with catnip, a member of the mint family. Cat grass is a grass mixture that is grown from seeds, such as wheat, barley, oats or rye - not one specific kind of plant. It's not the same as the grass that grows on your lawn, which likely contains toxic pesticides. Grown indoors, cat grass is a safe green option for indoor pets to nibble on.

Cats are mysterious creatures who do mysterious things like munch on grass. Though there is no definitive research showing why cats eat grass, there are some theories.

1. Wild cats eat grass after eating their prey. In many cases, this causes the cat to vomit or have diarrhoea as they lack enzymes to break down vegetable matter. This makes grass nature’s way to help expel part of their prey that is indigestible or it could just aid gut digestion. Even though your cat is likely to hunt mice or bugs only, it’s a behavioural instinct that drives them to eat grass. Grass is a form of fibre that seems to help cats throw up hairballs or digest them by acting as a laxative.
2. Cats eat grass for the trace minerals and vitamins it contains. Things like Vitamin A and D, folic acid, and chlorophyll.
3. They like the taste and texture of grass.

Cat grass is a purrfect, tasty deterrent cat snack that can lure your cat away from other dangerous plants in your home. This is extremely important if your kitty likes to chew on or tip over your houseplants. A cat grass corner will foil her antics and provide them with some indoor stimuli.

If cats are indeed nibbling on grass to expel the nasties and indigestibles, that means it’ll help with hairballs, and possibly parasites too. The chlorophyll in grass also helps with haemoglobin production (protein that moves oxygen in blood), and chlorophyll which is believed to help pain, infections, ulcers, skin disease, and anaemia.

Cat grass kits are available from your local pet store or even at your veterinarian's office, either grown already or with instructions on how to grow yourself.

You can also DIY cat grass planter box for your kitty by purchasing your own seeds at the store. Just as you would when potting any plant, cover the seeds in soil and place the container in a sunny spot in your home, making sure to water it regularly. Your seeds will start to sprout in a few days and should be ready for consumption within two weeks. No need to transplant the grass into a dish. Your cat can graze directly from the garden pot.

The myth that cats only eat grass when they are sick, but research shows that this is not the case. In addition to providing enjoyment, cat grass benefits your kitty's life by helping their digestive system.

The grass contains folic acid, a vitamin that aids the bloodstream (and is commonly found in human breakfast cereal that includes the same grain mixture). Cat grass also works as a laxative to help push out hairballs or bits of food that she's ingested. However, because cats may eat excessively when they are sick, always check with your veterinarian to be sure there isn't an underlying medical reason for over-consumption of cat grass.

It's also important to keep your cat garden separate from any other houseplants. Most common household plants are poisonous or irritating to cats and dogs. Keep philodendrons, aloe, parsley and other dangers on a high shelf or hanging pot that they cannot reach, and place your cat grass in a spot low to the ground where kitty knows it's theirs to play, nibble, and tip over if they please.

It's a fact of life with cats that you'll clean up your share of wet slimy hairballs, particularly if your cat is a long haired breed or sheds a lot. Cat grass will help this process along, especially if she eats a large quantity at one time. Your cat will NOT vomit every time she nibbles on grass, but if she does or if you see blades of grass in her vomit, it's probably a sign something needed to be unclogged. Consult with your vet for the best course of action.

There is no tried-and-true amount of grass that you should plant, but we recommend planting about a handful of seeds at a time. If you have multiple cats, consider giving each cat her own patch of grass so that there's no competition.

When it comes down to it, is cat grass safe? Yes, especially if you take care to buy the appropriate kit or seeds and, as always, keep an eye on your cat's habits and health. If you notice anything out of the ordinary, contact your vet right away.

Not all cats will eat cat grass (they are notorious food snubbers, after all), but many of them do. So why not offer some to your furry friend to see what she thinks? She just may love having a little garden all to herself.

We hope this gives you more informtion on cat grass. If you need any further help or have a question we haven’t answered, contact our friendly Pet Direct Customer Care team on 0800 200 240 or email support@petdirect.co.nz.