An inexperienced cat owner may sooner or later notice that his pet is chewing and spoiling houseplants. It's time to think about how to protect your favorite flowers and not deprive the animal at the same time. To do this, it is important to find out what kind of grass cats need, why they eat it and how to grow small useful thickets on their own.
Cat grass: why do they eat it?
A country cat, freely moving along the street at any time convenient for her, will find the necessary plants herself as needed. Urban pets do not always walk in ecologically clean areas, sometimes they do not leave their apartments at all. For owners of such animals, the question of whether to give the cats grass is the most relevant. Usually, when special plantings for a pet appear in the house, it stops spoiling other house plants.
Experts cite different reasons for cats eating grass.
- To induce vomiting. Scientists believe that animals do it after overeating, as well as instinctively. By their nature, cats are predators; when hunting birds and rodents, they need to clear the stomach of debris, feathers and indigestible bones.
- Herbal fiber helps to improve digestion, remove parasites, wool lumps, etc. from the digestive tract.
- It has been proven that cats instinctively sense which plant helps with constipation, which one helps with diarrhea.
- Another reason cats eat grass is to replenish the animal's body. So, seedlings of cereals and legumes contain a large amount of folic acid, which is necessary for the production of hemoglobin.
- Felines just love the aroma and fresh juice of a particular herb.
What grass do cats eat
is the most common herb that experts usually suggest to grow or buy for cats. Rich in folic acid; vitamins of group B, which improve the quality of animal hair. However, there are other safe plants that these pets love.
Lemongrass. Natural antiseptic that optimizes digestion and has a diuretic effect.
Melissa. Many cats simply adore this plant, so in order to avoid an upset pet stomach, the container with herbs should be removed from time to time. The scent of the plant lightens the mood of cats, they become playful. The same can be said for mint.
helps the digestive tract. Recommended for overweight cats as it optimizes metabolism in the body.
contains a large amount of selenium - a powerful antioxidant that protects cells. You can grow a little greenery from the remains of a vegetable, but you should not get carried away with it. A large amount of selenium in cats leads to hair loss, anemia and other signs of poisoning with this trace element.
Parsley. If the cat loves the herb of this useful plant, great! Fresh greens are rich in fiber, potassium and vitamins, including ascorbic acid, A and B.
Not all plants that your pet might like are listed here. Cats are loyal to violets and rosemary, adore catnip and valerian, and chew chlorophytum with pleasure. After observing the animal, the owner can independently conclude which plants his pet loves.
Dangerous for cats:
- aloe:
- clivia;
- eucharis;
- hemantus;
- begonia;
- asparagus;
- bordered dracaena and a number of other plants.
Usually sensitive felines do not eat poisonous specimens, but anything can happen … Lovers of cats and domestic thickets should be attentive to such a neighborhood. An experienced veterinarian will help you choose the right herb for your cat.
How to grow grass for cats
If you go to a pet or flower shop to buy cat grass, you will most likely be offered ready-made shoots or young oat grains. It is very simple to grow it yourself at home, this herb is unpretentious and harmless, which explains its popularity in specialized retail outlets.
Clean soil for planting should be bought at a flower shop, and not dug up somewhere on the street. Next - cover the seeds with earth in a small container with a layer of 1, 5-2 cm, water and arrange a greenhouse under the film. After sprouting, allow the grass for the cat to grow without a film coating. Already on the sixth day after sowing oats, the pet will be able to feast on young vitamin grass.
