Cat grass 101
Learn why quality and variety make all the difference when feeding cat grass to your feline companion.
Cats are carnivores, but they also benefit from fresh greens. Cat grass is one way to go, but not all grasses are equal. It’s important to buy a premium product that will provide your kitty with the right kind and quality of grass.
“A combination of grain seeds is the healthiest,” says Lindi Hunt of Priscilla’s Pet Products, which specializes in grass kits and products for cats and other animals. “Wheat grass alone is too rich for them and can cause diarrhea. We have done many years of testing and research and feel that barley, oats and rye are the best, although we use a small amount of wheat in some of our blends for added taste.”
These grasses are rich in chlorophyll, which helps support the blood and kidneys. Along with boosting the health of your cat’s circulatory and digestive systems, chlorophyll helps the body rid itself of harmful toxins. Cat grass is also a great way to eliminate hairballs.
“Our blend also contains antioxidant nutrients, vitamins A, B, C, E and K, as well as calcium, iron, lecithin, magnesium, pantothenic acid, phosphorus, potassium and protein, and a complete set of amino acids,” adds Lindi.
Priscilla’s Pet Products was founded in 1993 by Priscilla Riggs. She wanted a grass that her own cat, Jazzie, would like, and pet grasses,” explains Lindi. “Having grown up with horses, Priscilla knew her grains, and soon created a blend of barley, oats and rye that Jazzie loved. She placed her grass in a local pet store, and it was well received.”
Along with grass kits for cats, horses, and other critters, the company offers growing kits for organic catnip, as well as catnip toys and refillable pillow blankets, decorative planters, and more. Everything is produced in the US. “We mostly hire stay-at-home moms, and we manufacture all our products ourselves, right here in Costa Mesa, California,” says Lindi. “Over the last few years, we have also been selling to zoos in California, where our blend of live grass is served to the animals as an enrichment treat,” says Lindi. “We support shelters and rescues across the US.”
Just as Jazzie inspired Priscilla to start the company, so does her current cat, a gorgeous Siamese named Colonel Cromwell, play an important role in the business. “He was found with his mother and seven siblings in a crate in one of our grocery store receiving areas, so we gathered them all up, nursed them for eight weeks and found homes for them. Colonel Cromwell and some of his friends are always testing the ideas we come up with. We talk about his favorites on our website as well as Facebook and Twitter, and he has many followers.
“Offering a healthy, live, green, fresh, edible treat for all animals decided to grow her own. “Jazzie was not a fan of commercial is what we enjoy most about what we do,” concludes Lindi.