Although cats are carnivores, they do need some greens in their diet. Most of a cat’s dietary needs are satisfied by eating meat, but supplemental fiber and nutrients come from greens!
Your domestic kitty can get the majority of what she needs from commercial cat foods — all the carbohydrates, vitamins, and minerals are included in the mix. However you may still catch your cat chowing down on grass in the yard or plants in your house! The experts think this may be partly for nutrients and partly to help with digestion.
It isn’t hard to plant some appropriate greens for your cat — catnip and oat grass or cat grass are good choices.
Catnip is infamous for the response it produces in cats. The plant is a member of the mint family, and is chemically similar to some hallucinogens. However, catnip is not toxic to pets. Cat grass can aid in digestion and help clear swallowed hair out of your cat’s system. The sweet-tasting grass can help improve kitty breath and help keep your cat out of your other houseplants.
Both plants are very easy to grow. Cat grass will thrive in just about any sunny window; find plants or seeds at your local pet store, garden store, or online. Catnip and other members of the mint family do well in gardens. Plant your seeds, keep the weeds at bay, and prepare to enjoy catnip for several years. Dry the leaves by hanging them upside down in bunches or place them on a baking sheet in a warm oven.
If you need extra help keeping your cat out of your houseplants, you have two options: move your plants out of reach or shield them from your cat somehow. Find places for your plants that your cat can’t climb or jump to, or hang them from the ceiling. You can also try putting chicken wire or plant markers around your plants as a sort of barrier.