Watching your indoor cat try to munch on your favourite houseplant isn’t just annoying; it might be a sign they’re missing something. Many cats, even those who’ve never stepped paw outside, have an instinctual desire to nibble on greens. Providing them with their very own patch of cat grass is a fantastic way to satisfy this craving safely and enrich their environment. And guess what? You don’t need to buy expensive kits. Crafting your own DIY cat grass planter is easy, affordable, and allows you to customize it perfectly for your furry friend and your home decor.
Creating something handmade for your pet adds a special touch. It’s a simple project that brings a little bit of the outdoors inside, specifically for your cat’s enjoyment. Plus, you control exactly what goes into it, ensuring it’s safe and healthy for your beloved companion.
Why Bother with Cat Grass?
You might wonder why cats even feel the need to eat grass. While the exact reasons are debated among experts, several theories exist. Some suggest it helps them bring up hairballs, essentially acting as a natural emetic. Others believe it provides trace nutrients or fibre missing from their diet. It could also simply be an instinct passed down from wild ancestors who consumed plant matter along with their prey. Regardless of the precise ‘why’, many cats clearly enjoy it, and providing a safe source prevents them from potentially chewing on toxic houseplants or chemically treated outdoor lawns.
Think of it as a form of environmental enrichment. It gives them something new to sniff, investigate, and nibble on, stimulating their senses and offering a little taste of natural behaviour within the confines of your home. A happy cat is often a busy cat, and a personal grass patch can help alleviate boredom.
Picking the Perfect Pot: Container Considerations
The first step is choosing a suitable container. You have plenty of options, from functional to fancy!
- Stability is Key: Cats aren’t always the most delicate creatures when investigating something new. Choose a container with a wide, stable base that won’t easily tip over when nudged or pawed at. Heavy ceramic pots or wide, shallow bowls work well.
- Size Matters: Consider the size of your cat and how much grass you want to grow. A single cat might be happy with a smaller 4-6 inch pot, while multiple cats might appreciate a larger trough-style planter. Remember, grass grows relatively quickly, so you can always start small.
- Drainage Dilemmas: Proper drainage is crucial to prevent the soil from becoming waterlogged, which can lead to mould and root rot. Look for containers with drainage holes. If your chosen pot doesn’t have any, you might be able to drill some carefully yourself (depending on the material). If drilling isn’t an option, adding a layer of gravel at the bottom can help, but holes are always preferable.
- Material World: Ceramic, terracotta, sturdy plastic, or even untreated wood boxes can work. Avoid containers made from potentially toxic materials or anything that previously held chemicals. Get creative! Thoroughly cleaned margarine tubs, large yogurt containers, or old baking dishes can be repurposed effectively. Just ensure they are clean and safe.
Gathering Your Green-Thumb Gear
Once you’ve selected your container, you’ll need a few basic supplies. You likely have some of these around the house already.
- The Container: Your chosen pot, bowl, or repurposed item.
- Cat Grass Seeds: These are readily available at pet stores, garden centres, and online. Common types include wheatgrass, oat grass, barley grass, and rye grass. You can often buy mixes specifically labelled “cat grass.”
- Potting Mix: This is important! Choose an organic potting mix free from pesticides, herbicides, and chemical fertilizers. Since your cat will be ingesting the grass, you want the soil to be as clean and safe as possible. Avoid soil from your garden, which might contain contaminants or pests. Seed-starting mix is often a good choice as it’s fine-textured.
- Drainage Material (Optional): Small pebbles, gravel, or broken pottery shards can be placed in the bottom of pots without holes (or even those with holes for extra drainage assurance).
- Water: Plain tap water is usually fine. A small watering can or spray bottle helps with gentle watering.
Let’s Get Planting: Step-by-Step Guide
Alright, time to get your hands a little dirty! Follow these simple steps:
Step 1: Prepare the Container
Make sure your container is clean. Wash it thoroughly with soap and water, rinsing well to remove any residue. If your container lacks drainage holes and you’re able to add them, now is the time. Use an appropriate drill bit for the material (ceramic needs a special bit, plastic is easier).
Step 2: Add Drainage Layer (If Using)
If you’re using drainage material, place a layer (about an inch or so) at the bottom of your container. This helps keep the soil from sitting directly in excess water.
Step 3: Fill with Potting Mix
Fill the container with your chosen organic potting mix, leaving about an inch of space at the top. Don’t pack it down too tightly; keep it relatively loose.
Step 4: Sow the Seeds
Sprinkle the cat grass seeds generously and evenly over the surface of the soil. You want dense coverage for a nice, lush patch of grass. Don’t be shy with the seeds – a thick layer works best. Gently press the seeds onto the soil surface to ensure good contact.
Step 5: Cover Lightly
Sprinkle a thin layer (about 1/4 inch) of potting mix over the seeds. You just want to cover them lightly; burying them too deep can hinder germination.
Step 6: Water Gently
Water the soil thoroughly but gently. You want the soil to be moist but not waterlogged. Using a spray bottle on a mist setting is ideal for the initial watering to avoid dislodging the seeds. Subsequent waterings can be done with a small watering can, aiming for the soil, not necessarily the future sprouts.
Step 7: Find the Sun
Place your planter in a warm, sunny spot. Cat grass generally needs a good amount of light to germinate and grow well. A sunny windowsill is often perfect.
Step 8: The Waiting Game
Now, patience! You should start seeing sprouts within a few days to a week, depending on the seed type and conditions. Keep the soil consistently moist during this period.
Tending Your Tiny Lawn: Cat Grass Care
Your grass is growing! Now what? Keep it thriving for your cat’s enjoyment.
- Watering: Check the soil moisture daily by touching the surface. Water when it starts to feel dry. Aim to keep it consistently moist but avoid making it soggy. Overwatering is a common killer of container plants.
- Sunlight: Continue to provide plenty of indirect or direct sunlight. If the grass starts looking pale or leggy, it might need more light.
- Trimming: Once the grass reaches about 4-6 inches tall, it’s ready for your cat! If it gets too long and starts to flop over or turn yellow at the tips, you can give it a little “mow” with clean scissors, trimming it back to about 3-4 inches. This can sometimes encourage new growth.
- Lifespan & Reseeding: Cat grass doesn’t last forever. Depending on how much your cat eats it and the growing conditions, a batch might last a few weeks. Once it starts looking tired, yellowed, or sparse, it’s time to start over. Simply empty the container, discard the old roots and soil (it makes great compost!), and replant following the steps above. Many owners keep two planters on rotation, so there’s always fresh grass available.
Safety First! Always use an organic potting mix specifically free from chemical fertilizers and pesticides, as your cat will ingest the grass. Ensure your container is sturdy and won’t easily tip over. Avoid using treated wood or containers that may have previously held toxic substances. Double-check that the seeds you buy are indeed cat-safe grasses like wheat, oat, barley, or rye.
Jazzing Up Your Planter (Optional)
Want to make your DIY planter blend better with your home decor? Get creative!
- Paint Party: If using a plain terracotta or plastic pot, consider painting the outside with non-toxic, pet-safe paint. Let it dry and cure completely before adding soil.
- Wrap It Up: Wrap the container in burlap, twine, or attractive fabric, securing it with pet-safe glue or just a tight knot.
- Decoupage Delight: Use non-toxic Mod Podge and paper cutouts or fabric scraps to decorate the exterior.
- Go Natural: Glue small pebbles, shells (ensure no sharp edges), or pieces of smooth driftwood to the outside for a natural look.
Just ensure any decorations are securely attached and don’t pose a choking hazard or contain toxic elements.
The Grand Introduction
Once the grass is a few inches tall, it’s time to present it to your feline overlord. Simply place the planter in an accessible spot where your cat likes to hang out. Don’t force them towards it. Cats are curious; they’ll likely investigate it on their own time. Some cats take to it immediately, while others might need a little encouragement. You could try rubbing a bit of catnip on the pot’s rim (not the grass itself) or placing a favourite toy nearby to draw their attention.
Observe their interaction. Most cats will nibble gently. If your cat seems intent on digging up the entire planter or eating excessive amounts quickly, you might need to supervise their grass time initially.
A Rewarding Little Project
Creating a DIY cat grass planter is more than just a way to save a few bucks; it’s a satisfying project that directly benefits your pet’s well-being and enrichment. It brings a touch of nature indoors, satisfies an instinctual craving, and potentially saves your other houseplants from exploratory nibbles. It’s simple, quick, and offers a wonderful way to provide something special and safe for your furry companion. So grab a pot, some seeds, and get planting – your cat might just thank you for it with a grassy purr.
