When I was out shopping one day I found a display table outside of a store that had a cute little item for cats on sale…a small crate made out of wood, painted with little kitties, which was to be used as a planter…inside was a package of dirt and a smaller packet of something called Cosmic Kitty Herbs….they statement on the package, which really caught my eye, was that it was a product that would prevent hairballs in cats, just plant the seeds, let them grow and the cats would do the rest…besides that, the roughage of the grass would also help them internally….as a bonus it was a healthy treat providing natural herbs and vitamins
I have 3 indoor cats and at that time one of them had a real hairball problem, he was a long haired big boy and I found little "gifts" from him on the floors and carpets pretty often…This sounded like it could be the perfect item for him and my other kitties..
The next day I took my new herb kit outside to plant the seeds following the directions on the package, which couldn't have been easier…just put dirt into the container, plant about a tablespoon of seeds and cover with more dirt, about an inch, then I sprinkled it with water and put the planter in a spot where it would get some morning sunshine..I lightly watered it everyday and within 4 days I spotted some sprouts…a few more days and the entire crate was filled with green grass about 4-5 inches tall..
The big test came when I brought the plant into the house..at first they just looked at it, sniffed it and walked away but one by one their curiosity got the best of them and I noticed soon that they were slowly taking a bite, then another…It wasn't long that this became a ritual with them…it seemed they really enjoyed biting the tops of the stalks off, one even pulled them out of the pot roots and all…They loved it…
About 2 weeks later there was nothing left of this kitty grass, just some short stubble's and during that time I didn't find any hairballs on the floors, better yet, nothing on the carpets either. Those sounds of hacking coughs just stopped.
I planted some more seeds with fresh dirt, figuring that new enriched soil would be better and waited another week. When I brought the new plant into the house they were all over it, just couldn't get enough. I did this until I ran out of the original seed…
I hoped I could find some more in the Pet Smart store where I shop and happily found small packets of this Cosmic Kitty Herbs selling by themselves, so I didn't have to buy the whole crate package. One small 4 ounce bag sells for about $1.79…the store also sold plants already growing but at $5.00 a pop but they already looked a bit yellow at the tips, so I would grow my own for a much better price
When I planted another batch, I noticed one of my cats, Luke, stares at me when I go outside to water it ,then he paces..poor thing he had to wait until this new batch grew. Then I thought why not grow alternate plants..So about 5-6 days after I brought the last plant inside I started a new batch…Now, when one is gone there is another to take it's place…watering the plants are very important, every day just a bit of water keeps them erect and fresh. And, you have to remember to really give the plants a good watering every day especially for the first few days so they can germinate.
This package contains 4 ounces of seeds and states the seeds are a carefully selected mixture of grass varieties that together provide the same benefits that the wild grasses provide outside…Since my cats are kept indoors, this is very important to them and to me.
How much you need to plant depends on the size of the pot you you are using…I just fill the entire pot with soil , sprinkle on the seeds and then cover with more dirt …I buy the soil with nutrients and continuous fertilizing benefits…the grass seems to grow faster then with regular soil…I keep the plant on my patio where it gets sun in the morning but not that heavy afternoon heat and sun, which, in Florida, can be way too hot…I know someone who grows it indoors and keeps the plant on a nice sunny window…but, you have to keep it away from your curious felines before its grown to the desired height otherwise they do pull it out by the roots before the grass is ready to be enjoyed and beneficial for them.
The variety of seeds included are; Barley 39% Oats 39%, Wheat 19% and other crop seed, which isn't specified…. . One package usually lasts a couple of months or about 6-7 plantings..I try to have a new bag on hand when there is about a 1/4 left. that way we don't run out…my cats are not happy when there isn't any of this grass for them to chew on…which, I have to admit, has happened…I keep the plant near my patio door so they can get the feeling they are outside.
Another great aspect of this plant is that my cats now leave my other plants alone, I guess they are happy with the grass they can chew on and don't look elsewhere for what they crave instinctively when they can go outside.
These Cosmic Kitty Herbs can be found in most pet stores and on line…The packaging is easily recognized…just look for a silly looking cat holding a plant of grass with a rainbow behind him…his happy green eyes and goofy smile tells the tale of a happy cat.