Hello,
I just wanted to comment, I recently purchased and grew some grass for my cat... cats do not need grass if they are getting a good diet.
My cat recently had to undergo life-saving surgery ( at a cost of 1300.00) to remove a blockage in her intestines made up of grass and hair. Eating grass is not a fix for any cat problems and after this experience and discussions with my vet and online research, I have decided that it can cause more problems which far outweigh the gratification that cat owners get by growing grass and seeing their innocent animals enjoy eating it.
No one should have to go through what I have been through with my cat, deciding to go ahead with the costly surgery has caused a financial hardship for my family. A cats life should not be a financial decision.
warning: cats do not need grass
Re: warning: cats do not need grass
What was the grass you purchased? Was it a seed-kit specifically for cats? (i.e., like KittyGrass)
I also do not recommend grass or even kitty-grass kits....although the kits are intended to allow cats to nibble on it in moderation. Quality is also a concern with these kits.
And yes, you are correct, cats do not need or require grass in the diet. Grass actually contains harmful barbs on the stems that irritate the stomach lining and intestinal tract, causing GI tract upset and vomiting.
I do hope your kitty has recovered from the surgery.
I also do not recommend grass or even kitty-grass kits....although the kits are intended to allow cats to nibble on it in moderation. Quality is also a concern with these kits.
And yes, you are correct, cats do not need or require grass in the diet. Grass actually contains harmful barbs on the stems that irritate the stomach lining and intestinal tract, causing GI tract upset and vomiting.
I do hope your kitty has recovered from the surgery.
..........Traci
i hope all cat owners and potential cat owners read this post - not just for the warning about the grass, but for the note about the cost involved. i don't know anyone with a cat who has not had at least one occasion of it needing medical attention, and almost ALWAYS this costs over $1000. "A cats life should not be a financial decision." - well you are right - it should not be a financial decision, it should be a question of what the cat needs and what is best for it - if it needs care you have to provide it, even if it is expensive. unfortunately it's pretty likely that at some point a pet will become a financial burden. if you are not willing and able to spend money for its care, you should not adopt a pet. pets are like family, they are a long-term emotional and financial committment. it sucks that care is so expensive, but that's how it is, and you can't adopt a pet as a disposable belonging to throw away or have put to sleep if it is a burden.
to anyone considering a pet, think long and hard about whether you are ready and able to make the committment to care for the pet, and to pay for anything it will need over the next 10-15 years. i've seen a lot of cases of people neglecting their pets and so often their answer is "i didn't have the money." well, if you don't have the money you shouldn't have a pet. you can't just let the pet go without the things it needs.
$1300 is not too bad - most surgeries can run more and long-term medications can add up quick. if you don't think you will be able to afford follow-up care and any future emergenices, consider finding the cat a new home. also look into pet insurance, a lot of people aren't aware but it is available. good luck!!
to anyone considering a pet, think long and hard about whether you are ready and able to make the committment to care for the pet, and to pay for anything it will need over the next 10-15 years. i've seen a lot of cases of people neglecting their pets and so often their answer is "i didn't have the money." well, if you don't have the money you shouldn't have a pet. you can't just let the pet go without the things it needs.
$1300 is not too bad - most surgeries can run more and long-term medications can add up quick. if you don't think you will be able to afford follow-up care and any future emergenices, consider finding the cat a new home. also look into pet insurance, a lot of people aren't aware but it is available. good luck!!