Pet Grass and Catnip: Why Animals Love Them

Many pet owners notice that their animals are drawn to plants. Two popular options for pet friendly enrichment are pet grass and catnip. While they are often mentioned together, they serve different purposes and are enjoyed by different animals in different ways.

What Is Pet Grass?

Pet grass refers to young cereal grasses grown for animals to chew. These grasses are usually grown from grains such as barley, wheat, oats, or rye and are harvested when the blades are still young and tender.

Many animals instinctively nibble on grass. For cats, it may help support digestion and provide roughage that can assist with hairballs. Even well fed indoor cats sometimes seek out grass simply because chewing it is a natural behavior that provides stimulation and enrichment.

Pet grass can also be enjoyed by other small pets. Rabbits and guinea pigs naturally graze on grasses and may enjoy fresh shoots as a treat alongside their regular hay. Some hamsters and gerbils may nibble on it as enrichment, and grazing tortoises can enjoy tender grasses as part of a varied diet. Even some birds like parakeets or small parrots will occasionally pick at fresh grass blades.

Ways to Use Pet Grass

Pet grass can be used in several simple ways to enrich your pet’s environment.

Place a small pot near a window or where your pet likes to relax so they can nibble naturally throughout the day. For cats, it can also serve as a safe alternative to chewing on houseplants.

Pet grass can also be used as enrichment for small animals. Rabbits and guinea pigs may enjoy grazing from a small pot placed in their enclosure. Birds can explore and forage through the blades, and some pets simply enjoy interacting with a patch of greenery.

Another simple idea is to place pet grass near a favorite lounging spot or feeding area so animals encounter it as part of their daily routine.

What Makes Catnip Different

Catnip, known scientifically as Nepeta cataria, is not a grass. It is a member of the mint family that produces a compound called nepetalactone, which affects many cats when they smell it.

When exposed to catnip, some cats roll, rub, paw at the plant, or become energetic and playful. Others may simply relax. The response usually lasts around 5 to 15 minutes before fading. Not every cat reacts to catnip. Sensitivity to it is genetic, and some cats may show little or no response at all. Unlike pet grass, which cats usually eat, catnip is more often smelled or rubbed on and tends to stimulate play or relaxation.

A Natural Form of Enrichment

Both pet grass and catnip highlight natural animal behaviors. Pet grass supports grazing and chewing instincts across several small animals, while catnip stimulates scent driven play in cats.

Adding simple plant based enrichment like this can make indoor environments more engaging for pets and give them a safe way to explore natural behaviors.