Cat Grass

[Mary K]

I know that some of you don't feel that "green stuff" is good for our felines, but if you agree with me that it certainly doesn't hurt, here is a neat trick! I got this tip from a pet store salesperson. I was asking for organic cat grass, which he didn't happen to have. He said to take an empty, washed soy-milk carton and slice it in half, lengthwise (like this l______l  )   Leave the pop-top opening on the bottom half and discard the top half. Fill with a little soil (I use organic) and sprinkle organic Wheat Berries on top, covering with a bit more soil. (Wheat berries are usually available in the bulk section of the market.) Place in a sunny window and water daily. I let the seed soak about 1/2 hour, then drain the water via the carton spout. In about a week you have organic cat grass! Start another one a week later, as they don't last forever. Cats love having something green they can nibble on that belongs to them! And it's a real treat for indoor kitties who feel deprived of the elements! I had to experiment a bit with how much soil and how many seeds to use. Good luck!

[Davis]

I've been wanting to try this for a long time.  My cat loves fresh greens but rarely gets any.  When I have organic lettuce, he has a salad with me (his without dressing, of course).  I'm not sure if any of my windows get enough sun.  Maybe there is a type of grass that does not need as much sun.  I have one window that gets sun for a few hours of the day during the sunny seasons, but not much at all in the winter.  I'm thinking that regular milk cartons would work too.  I always seem to have a lot of those.  They would just need some holes poked in the bottom with an ice pick.  Planting it in empty cartons that are already on hand which would otherwise get thrown out is a perfect idea.  What type of soil do you use?  Thanks for the tips!!

P.S.  Off topic, but another really handy thing to do with empty milk cartons of any kind is to freeze water in them and make your own ice blocks.  That way when you need ice for an ice chest (or any other reason), you have several blocks waiting in your freezer.  Just cut and tear the paper off the outside and you're ready to go.

[Mary K]

Hi, Davis and everyone, the soil I use is usually some organic gardening mix that is good for tomatoes, etc. I can't think of the name right now. I also use Black Gold for houseplants and that is the best, by far, for your plants!

[Sharon L.]

That way when you need ice for an ice chest (or any other reason), you have several blocks waiting in your freezer. 

During the summer months I freeze water in a used milk carton and place in a corner of my bathroom ... it helps keep the tile cooler for the cats in the heat. I do wrap a lightweight dishtowel around the carton tho to keep the condensation from the floor.

/Sharon

[Mary K]

Sharon, That is a great idea. I once rented a house near the beach that was made of Shake Shingles. It was hot as blazes. I used to worry so when I left for work, as there was no A/C. I would hang wet sheets in the windows (inside-in the bathroom) so the cats would have a cool place to go. I never thought of the ice-block trick.