Is Cat Grass Good for Cats? Benefits, Safety and How to Offer It

By the PETME2 Team · Updated October 2026 · General information, not veterinary advice

What is cat grass?

"Cat grass" is not one plant. It is a name for young cereal grasses that are grown indoors for cats to chew. The most common types are:

• Wheatgrass – the young shoots of the wheat plant. Very common in pet store kits.
• Oat grass – soft, sweet-smelling blades that many cats seem to like.
• Barley grass – similar to wheatgrass, often found in seed mixes.
• Rye grass – sometimes included in cat grass blends.

Most cat grass kits are a mix of these seeds. They sprout fast, grow soft green blades, and are grown without lawn chemicals. That last part matters, because grass from a yard or park may have been treated with fertilizer or weed killer.

Is cat grass the same as catnip?

No. Catnip is a herb in the mint family. Many cats react to its smell by rolling, rubbing or getting playful. Cat grass is just grass. Cats chew and eat it, but it does not cause that "catnip high." You can offer both, but they do different jobs.

Why do cats eat grass?

Cats are carnivores. Their bodies are built to get nutrition from meat, not plants. So why do so many cats go straight for anything green? There is no single proven answer, but these are the most common explanations.

1. Fiber and moving things along

Grass adds a little roughage. Many owners and pet experts believe it may help move swallowed hair and other material through the gut. This is one reason cat grass is so often talked about together with hairballs.

2. Bringing things back up

Some cats vomit after eating grass. A popular theory is that grass helps a cat bring up hair or something that is bothering its stomach. But not every cat vomits after eating grass, and many seem to chew it just because they like it.

3. They like the taste and texture

Fresh, crunchy grass can simply be fun to chew. For indoor cats, a pot of grass is also something new to sniff, explore and play with.

4. Instinct

Many wild and outdoor cats nibble on plants. Indoor cats often keep the habit, even if they never go outside.

Is cat grass good for cats?

For most healthy cats, yes, in small amounts. Here is what cat grass can offer, and what it cannot.

Possible benefits

• A safe green to chew. This is the biggest everyday benefit. If your cat likes to chew plants, cat grass gives it a safe option instead of your houseplants.
• A little fiber. Grass adds some roughage, which many owners feel helps with hair moving through.
• Enrichment. Indoor cats can get bored. Something fresh to sniff and chew is a small, easy way to make the day more interesting.
• Some moisture. Fresh grass contains water, though the amount a cat eats is tiny. It is not a replacement for drinking.

What cat grass cannot do

• It is not a complete food. Cats need a balanced cat diet, and grass should only be a small snack.
• It is not a medicine. It will not fix frequent vomiting, ongoing hairball problems or a sensitive stomach. Those need a vet visit.
• It does not replace water. Your cat still needs fresh, clean water every day.

Is cat grass safe for cats? (And which plants are not)

Cat grass sold for pets is generally safe for cats. A few simple steps keep it that way:

• Use seeds or kits made for pets, or plain untreated cereal grass seed.
• Skip lawn and park grass. It may have been sprayed with chemicals.
• Watch for mold. Damp soil and old grass can grow mold. Throw it out if you see fuzz, a bad smell, or slimy blades.
• Replace it when it wilts or turns yellow. Fresh grass is best.
• Keep long blades trimmed. Short, tender grass is easier to chew and swallow.

Cat grass vs. toxic houseplants

Here is the important part. Cats that like to chew grass often chew other plants too, and many common houseplants and flowers can be harmful to cats. Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats, and even a small amount of the plant, pollen or vase water can cause serious illness. Other plants that are often listed as toxic to cats include sago palm, pothos, philodendron, dieffenbachia and aloe, among others.

Before you bring a new plant home, check it against a trusted list of plants that are toxic to pets, such as the one from the ASPCA. If you think your cat has eaten a toxic plant, call your vet or an animal poison control line right away. Do not wait for symptoms.

A pot of cat grass is not a guarantee your cat will leave other plants alone. But it gives your cat a "yes" plant, which can make it easier to keep the "no" plants out of reach.

How much cat grass should a cat eat?

There is no exact amount, and every cat is different. As a general guideline:

If your cat has a health condition, a sensitive stomach, or is on a special diet, ask your vet before adding cat grass.

How do you grow cat grass at home?

Plant untreated wheat, oat or barley seed in plain potting soil, keep it damp and bright, and offer it once it is a few inches tall, usually in about one to two weeks. Growing cat grass is easy, even if you have never grown anything before.

1. Pick a heavy, shallow pot that will not tip over when your cat pushes it.
2. Fill it with plain potting soil (no added fertilizer or pesticides), or use a kit.
3. Spread the seeds in a thick layer and cover them lightly with soil.
4. Water gently so the soil is damp, not soaking.
5. Cover loosely with plastic wrap for the first few days to keep moisture in, then remove it once sprouts appear.
6. Put it in a bright spot out of your cat's reach while it grows.
7. Offer it when it is a few inches tall, usually about one to two weeks after planting.

Tips for keeping it fresh

• Water a little every day or two, at the soil, not on the blades.
• Most pots last about two to three weeks before the grass gets tired. Start a new pot every week or so to always have fresh grass.
• If your cat digs in the soil or knocks the pot over, try growing grass on a damp paper towel or a soil-free growing mat.

Can cat grass help with hairballs?

Cat grass may help a little as one part of a hairball routine, but it is not a hairball cure on its own. Many owners offer cat grass to help with hairballs. A little fiber can be one part of the picture, but it works best together with other simple habits:

• Regular brushing, so less loose hair ends up swallowed.
• Good hydration. Cats are often low drinkers. Many owners find a cat water fountain encourages more frequent drinking, because many cats prefer moving water. Read why cats like running water to learn more.
• A good diet that suits your cat's age and needs.

For a full routine, see our guide to a simple cat hairball remedy.

What if your cat will not eat fresh grass?

Some cats ignore cat grass. Some owners do not want soil and pots around the house. Others find the grass wilts too fast or their cat shreds it in a day. If that sounds like your home, there are other ways to add fiber and support digestion. One option is a cat grass chew.

You can see the whole upcoming range in our supplements collection. While you wait, a pot of fresh cat grass and a clean stainless steel water fountain are easy places to start.

Frequently asked questions

Is cat grass good for cats?

Yes, cat grass is generally good for healthy cats in small amounts. It gives them a safe plant to chew, a little fiber and some enrichment. It is a snack, not a complete food or a medicine, so keep feeding a balanced cat diet.

Is cat grass good for indoor cats?

Yes, cat grass is especially useful for indoor cats. It gives them a safe plant to chew instead of houseplants, a little fiber and something new to explore. Keep it as a small snack alongside a complete cat food.

What kind of grass is safe for cats?

The safest grass for cats is cat grass grown from untreated cereal seed, usually wheat, oat, barley or rye grass. Pet store kits are a simple option. Avoid lawn and park grass, which may have been treated with chemicals.

Is wheatgrass safe for cats?

Yes, wheatgrass is generally safe for cats in small amounts. It is one of the most common types of cat grass and is often sold in pet store kits. Replace it if it wilts, yellows or shows any mold.

Is cat grass the same as catnip?

No, cat grass and catnip are different plants. Catnip is a herb in the mint family whose smell makes many cats roll, rub or play. Cat grass is young cereal grass that cats chew and eat, and it does not cause that catnip reaction.

Do cats need to eat grass?

No, cats do not need grass in their diet. Cats are carnivores and get their nutrition from a complete, meat-based cat food. Many cats simply like chewing grass, so it can be a safe, optional snack.

How much cat grass should a cat eat?

A few nibbles a day is plenty for most cats. If your cat eats a lot at once, offer the pot for short sessions and then put it away. If your cat vomits often or suddenly eats much more grass than usual, talk to your vet.

Is it normal for my cat to throw up after eating cat grass?

Some cats vomit now and then after eating grass, and many owners see this as normal. Frequent vomiting is not normal and should not be ignored. If it happens often, or your cat seems unwell, remove the grass and talk to your vet.

Can cats eat regular lawn grass?

It is better not to let cats eat lawn grass. Lawn and park grass may be treated with fertilizer, weed killer or other chemicals. Grow your own cat grass from untreated seed instead.

Can kittens eat cat grass?

Many kittens chew cat grass without problems. Offer small amounts and watch them, just as you would with an adult cat. If your kitten has tummy troubles, ask your vet first.

How long does cat grass take to grow?

Cat grass usually grows tall enough to offer in about one to two weeks after planting. Keep the soil damp, not soaking, and put the pot in a bright spot out of your cat's reach while it grows. Start a new pot every week or so for a steady supply.

How long does cat grass last?

A pot of cat grass usually stays fresh for about two to three weeks. Replace it when the blades turn yellow or wilt, or if you see any mold. Water at the soil, not on the blades, to help it last.

Does cat grass help with hairballs?

Cat grass may help a little, because many owners believe its fiber helps hair move through and some cats bring hairballs up after eating it. It works best as one part of a routine that includes regular brushing and good hydration. Frequent hairballs are worth a vet visit.

Why does my cat eat my houseplants?

Many cats simply like to chew plants, and indoor cats often chew whatever green is nearby. A pot of cat grass gives them a safe option, but you should still check every houseplant against a list of plants toxic to cats. Lilies are extremely dangerous to cats and should be kept out of the home.

This article is general information, not veterinary advice. If your pet seems unwell, talk to your veterinarian.