Does your cat like to nibble on the lawn when you bring them outside? Do they constantly attack your houseplants? It might be that they just need a few more greens in their diet. Wheatgrass, also known as “cat grass” is a healthy way to get your cat to eat more greens. It’s full of vitamins, helps prevent problems like constipation, and it’s even good for keeping their teeth clean. Here’s why wheatgrass is good for cats.
Can Cats Eat Wheatgrass?
Yes—wheatgrass can be a healthy addition to your cat’s daily diet. It has fiber, which can help improve digestion and prevent constipation. It also has lots of essential vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants, as well as nutrients like chlorophyll that aren’t typically found in cat food.
If your cat has a gluten allergy or sensitivity, don’t worry. Wheatgrass does not contain any gluten, so it’s safe for all cats. The gluten is only in the grains of the wheat—eating the grass shoots won’t hurt them.
How Much Wheatgrass Is Good for Cats?
A small amount is best—a few blades of wheatgrass each day ought to be enough. Eating too much can cause stomach upset, so keep an eye on how much they’re consuming if you leave a tray of wheatgrass out for them to nibble on. If your cat tends to overdo their wheatgrass, you may need to start rationing it for them.
Besides its nutritional benefits, wheatgrass also provides sensory stimulation for cats. It smells good and it feels nice on their whiskers. If your cat is overeating their wheatgrass, it could be a sign of boredom and a need for more stimulating play. Make sure your cat has a nice window perch with a view, interactive toys to play with, and some dedicated one-on-one playtime with you every day.
Wheatgrass for Healthier Teeth
Chewing on wheatgrass can help remove plaque and massage the gums, so it’s good for your cat’s dental health. Just remember that on its own, wheatgrass isn’t enough to keep your cat’s teeth clean. You’ll still want to try to brush your cat’s teeth on a regular basis, and take them to the vet for a dental exam at least once a year to prevent problems like tooth loss and tooth resorption.
How Do I Get My Cat to Eat Wheatgrass?
You can purchase a flat of wheatgrass shoots at your local health food market, or try growing it yourself from seed. You can let your cat graze at will (as long as they don’t eat too much) or pick a few shoots for them every day. Much like catnip, not all cats respond to wheatgrass. If your cat doesn’t go for wheatgrass, but you still want them to get all its nutritional benefits, you can chop it up and add it to their wet food.
Veterinary Dental Care for Cats in Gilbert, Arizona
Unless you’re a veterinarian, dental problems are difficult to detect in cats. They often suffer in silence, gradually losing their appetites because it hurts too much to chew. Cats need veterinary exams every year, even if they seem healthy. It gives their vet a chance to boost their vaccinations and make sure that their teeth and gums are in good shape.
The doctors at Anasazi Animal Clinic will give your cat a thorough examination, and let you know if a teeth cleaning could improve their dental health. We can also answer all your questions about wheatgrass for cats in person. To make an appointment, give us a call at 480-497-0505 or send us a message online today.
Photo by Emma Elisabeth Gouskova Poey used with permission under the Creative Commons license for commercial use 3/27/2024.