Cat Grass Vs Catnip: What is the difference?

Cat Grass provides much-needed nutrients to your cat.

Although it may seem like just another lawn product, it has a surprising number of health benefits. It is one of the only plants that will grow in even the most barren of soils.

So, what is the difference between cat grass and catnip? Cat grass is more commonly available to cats than catnip is.

This is because cats, by nature, are herbivores and prefer to eat plants rather than other meat or protein sources. However, if your cat does not like the taste of cat grass or has a sensitivity to it, catnip may be a better choice for them.

Catnip also comes in several varieties and scents that will be sure to delight any cat.

What Is the Difference Between Cat Grass and Catnip?

Cat grass and catnip are two different plants that are widely available with cat toys, treats, and gift items.

The primary distinction between cat grass and catnip is that cat grass is for feeding and chewing while catnip is for sniffing and tasting.

Cat Grass

Cat grass provides a natural source of nutrients for cats that do not include animal proteins or fats that cats would not normally eat themselves.

It’s a grass, and the blades of the plant can be fed to cats who like to chew on grass.

Your outdoor cat may eat grass while it’s raining, so cat grass can be a good indoor alternative for them.

A cat grass kit is available from many pet shops, or you can make your own with seeds or a starter plant.

Cat grass has green blades and is given to cats as a treat or part of a multi-ingredient treat or meal.

Plants are usually ready to harvest after about 7-10 days, or they can be left to molt and grow longer for your cat to mun.

Catnip

Catnip is a plant belonging to the mint family and comes in many varieties and scents.

The most popular types are common catnip, chocolate catnip, and peppermint catnip.

These plants produce aromatic oils, namely nepetalactone, which affect cats in a way similar to catnip’s effect on humans.

Nepetalactone is a natural chemical that is the active ingredient in catnip and other plants in the mint family including basil and lavender.

Some pets have allergic reactions to nepetalactone and will experience seizures, irregular heart beats, and other serious problems if they ingest too much catnip.

Catnip is also harmful if too much is consumed or if your pet’s fur or paws come in contact with the foliage of the plant.

Catnip has gray-green leaves with pink flowers and white or deep purple flowers.

Flowers on the plant are edible to humans, but should only be eaten by those who are allergic to it.

It may be grown outdoors or in containers and may be grown as a perennial or a container plant, but should not be grown indoors.

What Exactly Is Cat Grass?

Cat grass is a grass cultivated specifically for growing on soil for feeding to cats as a snack or natural food supplement alternative to commercial pet food or treats.

Cat grass is a hybrid plant that is most often grown in containers, but may also be grown in a garden or grown outdoors.

This grass is cultivated inside, which separates it from wild grasses found in nature.

Cat grass is an excellent alternative to commercial and processed food for cats, providing nutrients that cats do not get from commercial pet food or treats.

There are further benefits to growing cat grass for your pet’s diet; digestion is improved and it provides movement of the bowels to promote regular elimination.

Cat grass should not be confused as a wheatgrass used for growing or juicing for humans.

All you’ll need is water and sunshine, and in about a week, you’ll have cat grass for your cat to enjoy.

Is Cat Grass Toxic?

Cat grass is non-toxic to your cat and is not poisonous in any way.

Cat grass is a non-toxic alternative to outside grass, and contains no more dangerous substances than organic fertilizer, which you may also use to grow your catnip.

It allows your cat to enjoy a natural snack right in your home, which is very enticing for your cat.

For outdoor cats, an indoor garden is an inexpensive alternative, and catnip is also good for them to chew on and rub against their bodies.

One prevalent misunderstanding about cats is that they only drink water; in fact, adult cats drink an average of 30 to 40 ounces of water each day.

Cat grass helps your kitty’s life by helping her get the hydration she needs to stay healthy and happy.

It gives indoor kitties a nice place to nap in the sunlight and can tolerate the foot traffic of a kitty looking for a safe place to nap.

What Happens If a Cat Consumes Too Much Cat Grass?

If a cat overdoses on cat grass, it may have mild stomach upset or diarrhea.

Cat grass is safe as long as you don’t give it any fertilizers, pesticides or herbicides.

Contact your veterinarian as soon as your kitty starts exhibiting these symptoms.

Can Cats Digest Cat Grass?

Cat grass can be toxic to your cat if it’s grown in contaminated soil.

Some cats will vomit the greenery after consumption, and it’s important that you let your vet know immediately if you notice any severe symptoms that would require hospitalization.

If they consume it, it may act just like regular grass would in your cat’s stomach, which means that it could cause her to develop mild digestive upset.

What exactly is Catnip?

Catnip is a sort of plant that cats find highly intoxicating.

Although it is appealing, it is not harmful to humans or felines.

Not every cat is crazy about catnip.

Catnip activates certain cats, making it great as an incentive if you want your cat to play with toys or follow you around.

Others find that Catnip really soothes them, making it ideal as a sleeping help.

Is Catnip Safe?

Catnip is completely safe for cats and humans alike.

If your cat is exposed to catnip for the first time, she may react in different ways.

And you might be one of the lucky ones that your cat loves the stuff.

Is Catnip a Drug?

Catnip is similar to marijuana in its effects.

For around 20 minutes, it will bring on euphoria and calmness in your cat.

Catnip has a sensory component to it that is similar to marijuana.

It’s known as Nepetalactone and is just as powerful as marijuana.

Interestingly, indications of catnip exposure are genetic and

When exposed to catnip, it will produce reactions in cats that are similar to the effects of marijuana on humans.

What Effect Does Catnip Have On Cats?

Catnip contains nepetalactone, which promotes euphoria and relaxation in cats.

Cats usually react to the herb by smelling it, licking it and chewing it.

It seems to be more relaxing than other herbs because it promotes feelings of security to felines.

Catnip, on the other hand, remains in their systems for longer periods of time and isn’t linked to any serious side effects in cat populations.

After being introduced to catnip, some cats immediately start rolling around and batting at the stuff in ecstatic glee.

Catnip may even help your cat feel less stressed when left alone at home.

Indoor cats usually need extra stimulation and catnip can provide that for them when the owner is away.

Catnip may help stimulate cats’ natural hunting instincts and may therefore help them sharpen their problem-solving skills as well.

Do Cats Prefer Catnip or Cat Grass?

Cats prefer catnip over cat grass due to the addictive properties of the plant’s essential oils.

Unlike cat grass, which has similar effects to catnip, catnip is fragrant and enticing to cats. Cats love to smell it and rub their bodies against it and lick it with their tongues.

Cats often react to catnip by rolling around on it or rubbing their bodies against furniture or other objects.

Which Is Better for Cats: Cat Grass or Catnip?

There is no definitive answer to whether cat grass or catnip is better for your cat.

If your cat has digestive troubles or wants a more wholesome snack, cat grass is always a safer bet.

As it may improve your cat’s digestion and overall health, giving it a source of high fibre and carbohydrates is beneficial, as well.

Catnip, on the other hand, is an addictive plant whose usage must be monitored carefully as we don’t know how it may affect your cat in the long run.

Catnip may help cats relax by keeping their muscles loose and by having a relaxing effect on your pet’s mind and body.

Dry catnip is available for your cat to chew on, thus increasing its appetite, or it can be grown indoors as cat grass.

Also See: Can Cats Eat Chia Grass?

Conclusion

Cat grass is a far better choice for your cat than catnip is.

When deciding between cat grass and catnip, it is important to consider your cat’s diet and lifestyle. If your cat is a picky eater or does not like the taste of grass, you may want to consider catnip instead.

However, if your cat has a healthy appetite and enjoys eating grass, cat grass is the best option for them. Cat grass provides more health benefits than catnip does, and it’s also easier to grow and maintain than catnip is.

Both cat grass and catnip provide health benefits to cats that enjoy eating them, but cat grass wins our vote for being a healthier and more practical choice than catnip is for cats in general.