Cat Grass vs. Catnip: What Is the Difference?

1 Cat Grass and Catnip: Differences and Safety

Today we discuss cat grass and catnip, whether they are the same, how they differ, and whether frequent feeding is safe.

Why Do Cats Eat Grass?

Both domestic and wild cats chew plants, an instinctive behavior.

Carlo Siracusa, an animal behaviorist at the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, says:

“Research has not shown why cats eat grass, but we have ideas. In the wild, cats eat grass after eating prey.

In many cases grass makes a cat vomit.

We think this is nature’s way of helping cats expel indigestible prey parts. Grass is also fiber that helps pass hairballs or acts as a laxative.”

Another theory is that cats get trace minerals and vitamins A and D from grass.

Grass also has chlorophyll, which before antibiotics was used to ease pain, infection, ulcers, skin disease, and anemia.

Grass contains folic acid, which helps make hemoglobin, the protein that carries oxygen in the blood.

Chlorophyll also freshens breath.

What Is Cat Grass?

Not to be confused with catnip from the mint family, cat grass is usually grown from rye, barley, oat, or wheat seeds.

To clarify, we will call it wheat grass here.

Wheat grass is easy to buy, with seeds and kits available at pet stores and online.

Plant it simply and it grows quickly for your cat to eat.

Growing it at home reduces the chance your cat targets other, unsafe household plants.

Is Wheat Grass Safe?

Wheat grass is very safe.

It does not excite the cat but is a natural, effective hairball remedy that stimulates gut movement.

Wild cats instinctively seek it when low on folic acid.

It is especially useful during shedding season.

How to Grow Wheat Grass

Keep seeds moist but not soaked before sprouting, then water sparingly.

Wait three to seven days for germination.

It is ready in 10 to 14 days, at about 10 cm tall.

Mist daily and keep in natural light for one to two weeks.

Replant when it wilts or discolors.

What Is Catnip?

Catnip belongs to the mint family and releases a scent when you crush fresh leaves.

That scent intoxicates cats, which is why catnip toys are popular.

The reaction comes from nepetalactone in the plant, which cats find irresistible.

It can relieve stress and nervous tension.

Cats may roll, drool, meow, or rub against it when they smell or eat catnip.

Its strong aroma also aids digestion and relieves gas, helping pass hairballs.

Is Catnip Safe?

Catnip is a mild feline hallucinogen, but do not worry, it will not harm your cat.

Effects last only minutes, so cats do not become addicted.

Long-term overuse may reduce sensitivity (tolerance). Once a week is enough.

But catnip is far more attractive and may cause stomach upset if a cat eats too much at once.

Avoid giving it to cats with epilepsy or those that are pregnant.

Why Does My Cat Ignore Catnip?

Response is genetic; about one third of cats react only weakly.

Very young kittens also react weakly.

Most cats need to be at least six months old to respond.

Catnip is easy to buy as treats and toys.

Choose according to your needs.