Cat grass, botanically Cyperus zumula, belongs to the sedge family. This perennial species is found throughout the world in humid, tropical, and subtropical regions. Various varieties are summarized under the trivial name «cat grass». Sweet grasses such as B. wheat germ grass, rye, barley or oats, but also various types of indoor bamboo, such as.B. Pogonatherum paniceum. Cat grass Cyperus zumula does not form stalks, only leaves. The small-growing plant is also ideal as a houseplant. The grass contains a lot of fiber and all cats eat a lotlike it. The swallowed hair is more easily regurgitated and the cats know about the effect of the special grass. Take a look at our online plant shop!

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Things to know about cat grass

Botanical name: Cyperus zumula
Other names: Cyprus grass
Origin: worldwide in the tropical to subtropical area
Flower colors: green; oval shaped; relatively large flowers
Flowering period: all year round
Special features: the grass grows upright and slightly overhanging, depending on the variety it can reach a height of between 30 and 70 cm. Requires a lot of water, so water regularly. Otherwise little effort for maintenance.

In which location does cat grass feel most comfortable?

Cat grass thrives best indoors in a bright spot all year round, out of direct sunlight. It grows particularly well in moist and humus-rich soil. The optimal ambient temperature for the grass is quite high at 20 to 25°C. Therefore, the location for the green plant can be sunny. In summer, the clump-forming plant also thrives in the garden or on the balcony. Ensure gradual acclimatization to outdoor conditions. Since it comes from the swampy tropical and subtropical areas, the plant can be kept wetter. If the air is too dry and there is not enough water, the tips of the leaves will turn brown. Otherwise there is little to consider when caring for the Cyprus grass.

How does cat grass propagate?

Older specimens of Cyprus grass can be propagated by division. Spring is the best time to share. Use a substrate mixture of organic herbal soil and sand for planting. You can buy potting soil from us. If you want to plant «cat grass» in the sense of sweet grasses, you can sow it indoors all year round. Apply the cat grass seeds thinly to the potting soil and press the seeds lightly onto the substrate. Finally, add a 1/4 inch layer of fine soil over the seeds. Sweet grasses such as rye, wheat and oats are among the so-called dark germs, so the seeds should be covered. Place the seeds in a warm place with temperatures of 20 to 25°C. The seeds will germinate after 14 days at the latest. Uniform soil moisture and temperature are important for the care of the cultivation.

How do I properly care for my cat grass?

Cat grass Cyperus zumula is considered an easy-care plant, which is most commonly found in households with cats. In nature, the marsh plant is surrounded by standing water and high humidity. Similar to Cyprus grass as a houseplant, a saucer filled with water is recommended. Proper care does not require a green thumb, the green plant should never dry out. As with other plants, the use of lime-free water is beneficial. The excess water can remain in the saucer or cachepot for days, waterlogging is not a problem when caring for cat grass. Water the Cyprus grass several times a week, if necessary you can also moisten the leaves with a hand sprayer.

Our gardening tip: Large specimens should be repotted regularly or divided like normal grass. This is the only way for the grass to remain vigorous and attractive as a forage plant.

How do I fertilize my cat grass properly?

If you keep the Cyperus zumula purely as an ornamental plant, liquid fertilization is recommended every 2 weeks during the main growth period. In the period from November to February, the plant should only be fertilized every four weeks. In order to achieve an optimal nutrient supply, use a liquid green plant fertilizer or, as an alternative, organic natural fertilizer or organic herb fertilizer.

If used as fodder, you should not fertilize the grass during the feeding period. In order to be able to use the cat grass as feed without hesitation, the last fertilization should take place two weeks before the scheduled feeding. So that you can offer your cat the plant with a clear conscience, you should fertilize it with organic herbal fertilizer if possible.

What pests and diseases can my cat grass get?

spider mites:

If the humidity is too low, especially in winter, an infestation of spider mites can occur. Counteract this by increasing the humidity. It is best to regularly wet the lanceolate leaves with a hand sprayer. You can also put the pot in the shower and rinse it off regularly, with these care tips you can keep the Cyprus grass healthy.

FAQ-Frequently asked questions about cat grass

Should I provide cat grass for the cat?

Cats groom their fur very intensively, which means that they ingest a lot of hair every day. These hairs are not digestible for cats, they are also called wool. As an indigestible hairball, it stays in the cat’s stomach. If the hair is not passed, it can lead to problems in the gastrointestinal tract and, in the worst case, to an intestinal blockage. To counteract this, support the pet with special grass. So there is a lot to be said for using this food plant for the benefit of your cat. Wild animals often eat fresh grass in the garden. Cat grass in pots is therefore particularly recommended for indoor cats.

What are the differences in cat grass?

First and foremost, the difference lies in the plants that are summarized under the synonym «cat grass». The sweet grasses, e.g. B. rye, wheat or oats, are rather soft in structure. These genera are fed as seedlings about 5 to 10 cm high, ie they are made available as animal feed shortly after germination. This makes them particularly suitable for cats that have a rather sensitive mouth. Cyperus zumula has a harder leaf structure and offers long-lasting use due to its easy maintenance. As a third variant, you can use indoor bamboo species as a middle ground between sweet grasses and Cyperus.

Does using cat grass encourage houseplants to nibble?

By offering this special food plant, the cat can lose interest in your other ornamental plants. Some of the indoor plants are poisonous, so it’s important that the cat nibbles the right thing. Also, try different types of cat grass.

Should I cut my cat’s grass?

Once your cat has accepted the tender leaves as food, trimming is usually no longer necessary.

How Much Cat Grass Should My Cat Eat Per Day?

Basically, there is no exact specification, since every cat has a different need for the amount of cat grass. In principle, the pets cover their needs independently and eat as much as necessary. If you suspect that you are ingesting too much of this dietary supplement, a visit to the veterinarian is recommended.