This article was written by The Zillennial Zine’s spring editorial intern Alexandrea Ciardella. Find her on Instagram at @a6ysma1. If you would like to share an article with The Zillennial, send us an email at thezillennialzine@gmail.com.

If you’ve ever taken your cat outdoors, or even seen some strays roaming about, you may have noticed them chew on grass. At first, you probably think something is wrong, that they’re being overly curious, or that it will make them sick, and try to pull them away. I know this may sound strange, but cats enjoy eating grass and their chewing on it doesn’t necessarily signify anything is wrong. However, you don’t know where that grass has been (or who else may have been munching on it for that matter) and allowing your cat to chew on random grass could make them sick from disease. Instead, why not try growing cat grass at home? Here’s some of the benefits of cat grass and how to grow cat grass seed.

Though cats are no strangers to eating plants (see catnip), the idea of cats eating grass is a bit odd. You may wonder; would my cat even like that? Is it safe for them? Cat grass is a great way to help aid a cat’s digestive system. Think of it like a salad for `them. The fibers of the grass help with constipation and digestion of hairballs, while also providing nutrients such as Vitamin D. Wild cats such as bobcats and mountain lions have also been observed to eat grass, which explains some of the behaviors that domesticated cats’ exhibit!

Even though grass can be good for cats, be mindful of where your pet is eating from. Chemically treated lawns are a hazard for cats and can make them very sick if ingested. Eating too much grass can also lead to some gastrointestinal obstruction issues as well; though grass is good for them in small amounts, too much can lead to a blockage and severe stomach issues. It’s good to know where your grass has been and to watch how much your cat has eaten.

The type of grass is important too (there are about 10,000-12,000 types!) and can affect digestion. Cat grass is the best for cats to eat- as it is aptly named so, and comes from a mixture of wheat, barley, oats, or rye. If you’ve got a green thumb and want to give your cats a treat, try your hand at growing cat grass, either from a seed packet or using a kit. The best types of kits can be found in pet stores.

There is one important factor you should bear in mind regarding the health and safety of your cat, and it’s not directly related to the grass itself. If your neighborhood is full of stray cats, or if you’ve seen a few in your backyard, be mindful if any of them start to chew on your grass before your pet gets to it. Stray cats and indoor cats (especially if their not up to date on their shots) shouldn’t cross-contaminate each other, as your cat can be at risk of catching any myriad of diseases from strays. Things like the feline leukemia virus can be transmitted through saliva, so check your grass for bite marks before giving them to your pet.

Did this help answer how to grow cat grass seed? Let us know what you think in the comments below!