How To Grow Cat Grass Indoors: So Easy To Do From Seed

Here’s how to grow cat grass indoors including the mix to use, the steps to take, how to maintain it and how long it takes.

I must admit, the pretty seed packet initially tempted me to buy the cat grass. My kitty Riley was acting a bit lonely (his buddy Oscar died 6 months ago) so I thought a little grass may be just the ticket to keep him entertained.

Riley has never shown any interest in any of my houseplants but I thought the cat grass might pique his curiosity. I never got around to planting the seeds until Sylvester entered the picture.

10 days before Christmas I decided it was time to get another kitty companion for Riley. Off to the shelter I marched carrier in hand. I ended up coming home with a big tuxedo boy, who for the most part has no interest in my plants.

That is, except for the Spider Plant which sits on a plant stand in the bedroom. Those big, crunchy leaves are just too irresistible!

I thought he’d be wildly enthusiastic about the grass and that I’d be planting it on a regular rotation. Both Sylvester and Riley sniffed the grass and that was the extent of the interaction.

So what did I do with the grass you ask? I cut it off and put it in my smoothies.

a tuxedo cat & a grey striped cat sit near a pot of cat grass

My neighbor says her kitty goes crazy for cat grass. Regardless of the fact that mine don’t, I want to share the details on how to grow it because your kitty will probably love it too.

I hadn’t grown cat grass for almost 20 years and forgot what a cinch it is to do.

Soil Mix for Cat Grass

A soilless mix is best for seed starting. It needs to be light and well-aerated so those tiny plants can easily emerge. If you like to DIY, here’s a recipe to make your own seed starting mix.

There are many seed starting mixes on the market which you can find online or at your local garden center.

I know a couple of people who start their seeds in organic potting soil and add in perlite to lighten the mix. Cat grass seeds are big (as you’ll see in the video) so I’m sure this option works just fine also.

2 4" grow pots filled with mix sit on a work table with a packet of seeds a mister & scissors

Container to Use

I don’t think it matters what container you use. Just make sure it’s sturdy enough so your cat can’t easily tip it over. I used 4″ plastic grow pots but 6″ would work also. I’ve seen cat grass grown in trays, low bowls, rectangular planters, ceramics, terra cotta and more.

Some Of Our General Houseplant Guides For Your Reference:

See me planting the seeds:

When to Sow the Seeds

Indoors, you can sow the seeds year round. I planted my 2 pots in late winter and they germinated and were ready for use in the specified time on the packet.

I live in Tucson with warmer, sunny winters so if you live in a climate where winter days are shorter, the process might take a bit longer at this time.

When the Cat Grass was Ready for Use

It was ready for kitty inspection (& consumption) in 10 days. So fast & easy!

2 4" grow pots filled with mix & a finger points to a seedling emerging

How to Grow Cat Grass

Fill your container with the soil mix to 1/2″ to 1″ below the rim of the pot. I filled mine a bit higher than this, and when the large seeds starting emerging, they “puffed” the mix-up and a bit spilled out.

Moisten the mix.

Sprinkle the seeds on the surface. I sowed them densely and didn’t leave much space in between the seeds. This grass grows straight and narrow so they can be planted closely. I lightly pressed the seeds into the mix.

Cover with more of the mix.

Moisten the top. I used a mister for this part.

Put in a spot with bright natural light, preferably away from where your kitty can get it.

the bottom of a grow pot with fine roots coming out of the drain holes

How to Maintain

I put the seeds in my northeast-facing dining room window. This location is very bright all day but receives no direct sun. Remember, I’m in the desert so yours might need a different exposure.

I misted the seeds every day until they started to germinate. After that, I watered the seeds every 2-3 days. You may have to water more or less depending on your conditions.

That’s all you do—easy as can be.

Some of you may a question or 2. Here I’m answering a few of the most commonly asked ones.

a 4" grow pots with cat grass sit outside on a brick wall

Can you grow cat grass outdoors?

Yes, you can. The seeds can be sowed in Spring (once the evenings warm) in a pot or in the ground.

What exactly is cat grass?

I used a mix from Botanical Interests comprised of oat, wheat & barley. Most cat grass seeds sold are either wheat grass or oat grass. You can sow it year round indoors.

How fast does cat grass grow?

Fast! Mine was germinating in 3 days & ready to present to my kitties in 10 days.

How many cat grass seeds to plant?

Cat grass doesn’t need much width space so you can plant them close, practically touching. Just don’t plant them on top of each other.

Will cat grass grow back?

Yes. After I cut the grass back, I put it out in the garage & forgot about it. I looked at it a few days ago & it was sprouting up again. I’ve been watering the pot & the grass is up about 5″.

Can cat grass grow underwater?

I’ve never tried this method but have seen it done this way. You can find tutorials online.

Are cat grass & catnip the same?

No, they’re totally different & serve different purposes. Cats eat cat grass which provides them with vitamins & minerals & aids in their digestion. Catnip is a perennial herb (related to mint) & is more of an attractant. Cats rub on the leaves & stems which causes stimulation (ie, some go a bit nuts!). If they do eat it, it provokes sleepiness.