My Cat Won’t Touch His Cat Grass – What Can I Do?
If you’ve brought home or even grown your own fresh pot of cat grass and your kitty won’t even give it a sniff, don’t worry, you’re not alone. Some cats dive right in, while others need a little extra encouragement (and some never develop the taste for it at all). Here’s why your cat might be ignoring their grass, and a few easy tips to help spark their interest.
Why Cats Sometimes Ignore Cat Grass
- It’s unfamiliar: If your cat has never seen cat grass before, they may not recognize it as food.
- No “need” for it: Cats often eat grass to help with digestion or hairballs. If your cat isn’t having those issues, the instinct may not kick in.
- Presentation matters: Tall, stiff blades or grass that’s starting to wilt can be unappealing. Fresh, tender shoots are much more inviting.
- Every cat is different: Just like humans, cats have preferences. Some will never be into it, and that’s okay.
Tips to Encourage Your Cat to Try Cat Grass
- Move it around: If the pot is by a nap spot and being ignored, try placing it near your cat’s play area or food dish.
- Lay it on its side: A pot tipped over with blades spread out can be less intimidating than tall grass poking at their face.
- Mist it with water: Many cats love licking water droplets—sometimes that leads to a first nibble.
- Offer a blade by hand: Gently hold out a piece for your cat to sniff or lick. You can even sprinkle finely chopped grass on top of their food to introduce the taste.
- Make it fun: Play near the grass, or rub a little catnip on it to draw them in. Curiosity often leads to tasting.
- Stay positive: Praise your cat if they sniff or paw at it, but don’t force them. Encouragement works better than pressure.
Try Different Types of Cat Grass
Cat grass isn’t just wheatgrass, it can also be oat, barley, or rye. Some cats prefer one over another. If your kitty isn’t into wheatgrass, offering a small “buffet” of different grasses can help you figure out their favorite.
Patience Is Key
It can take days or even weeks for a cat to warm up to something new. Keep offering fresh pots, try different spots in the house, and let your cat explore on their own terms. And remember—if your cat never takes to it, that’s okay too. Cat grass is a fun enrichment option, but not a necessity for a healthy indoor life.
Why Our Cat Grass Is Different
At Whisker Field Farms, we’ve designed our cat grass with picky cats in mind. Our pots are deeper and heavier, so they don’t tip over as easily and they hold more soil so the grass stays fresh and tender longer. Plus, our clear containers let you see when your seeds are starting to sprout, and when it’s time to water, so your kitty’s greens never dry out before they’ve had the chance to enjoy them.