Best Cat Grass Kits: Grow Safe Greens Your Cat Will Actually Eat

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If you have ever watched your cat frantically chew on a houseplant at 2am, I have good news: cat grass is the answer. It gives cats a safe, satisfying outlet for that chewing instinct — and growing your own is genuinely easy, even if your plant track record is not great. Every grass variety mentioned in this article is verified non-toxic to cats by the ASPCA. When in doubt, always check the ASPCA Toxic and Non-Toxic Plants database.

I tested and reviewed the most popular cat grass kits on Amazon — here is what actually works.

What Is Cat Grass? (And Why Do Cats Eat It?)

Cat grass is a catch-all term for fast-growing grasses — usually wheat grass, oat grass, barley, or rye — grown specifically for cats to chew on. The ASPCA confirms wheatgrass (Triticum aestivum), oat grass (Avena sativa), and barley grass (Hordeum vulgare) are all non-toxic to cats and dogs.

Cats chew grass instinctively — it is thought to help with digestion, provide fiber, and potentially help them pass hairballs. It also redirects the chewing instinct away from your other houseplants, which may or may not be safe for them. Cat grass is one of the smartest things you can add to a pet-friendly plant home.

What to Look for in a Cat Grass Kit

Before buying, here is what matters:

• Germination rate: Good kits sprout within 3–5 days. Anything taking longer usually means old seeds.
• Soil vs. hydroponic: Soil kits are more forgiving. Hydroponic/coconut coir kits are cleaner and faster-growing.
• Container drainage: You need drainage holes or the roots will rot.
• Organic seeds: Especially important for something your cat is literally going to eat.
• Refill packs: Cat grass grows fast and dies faster (usually 2–3 weeks per pot). Kits with refills save money long-term.

The Best Cat Grass Kits: Reviewed

1. Pet Greens Self Grow Cat Grass Kit (Best Overall)

This is consistently one of the highest-rated cat grass kits on Amazon, and for good reason. It uses a organic wheatgrass seed mix, comes with a planter and coconut coir soil medium, and germinates in 3–5 days. The planter has good drainage and a simple design. Cats go absolutely wild for it — the fresh smell seems to attract them immediately once it sprouts. Refill packs are available, making this the best long-term option for committed cat grass households.

What I like: Reliable germination, fast growth, cat-tested approval. ASPCA-safe wheatgrass.

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2. The Cat Ladies Organic Cat Grass Growing Kit (Best Organic)

If you want fully certified organic seeds, this is the pick. It includes organic wheatgrass and oat grass seeds, an organic growing medium, and a simple terracotta-style planter. The packaging is also minimal and eco-friendly if that matters to you. Germination is slightly slower than some kits (5–7 days) but the end result is lush and full. Refill packs available.

What I like: Organic certification, combination of wheatgrass and oat grass (most cats love oat grass), attractive planter.

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3. Chia Pet Cat Grass (Best Budget Pick)

A classic for a reason. The Chia Pet brand has been around forever and their cat grass version is reliable, inexpensive, and comes with enough seeds for multiple rounds. It uses a terracotta planter (good drainage, looks great). Germination is consistent. This is a great first cat grass kit if you want to test whether your cat will even eat it before committing to a more premium option.

What I like: Very affordable, reliable germination, comes with seeds for several rounds of growing.

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4. Handy Pantry Organic Cat Grass Seed Bulk Pack (Best for Multi-Cat Households)

If you have multiple cats or a particularly enthusiastic grass-eater, bulk seeds are the way to go. This pack includes organic oat grass, wheat grass, and barley seeds — all ASPCA non-toxic. You grow your own in any container with drainage and a basic potting mix. It is the least convenient option but dramatically cheaper per grow than boxed kits. A bag can last months.

What I like: Best value by far, flexible — you can grow in any container, mix your own soil, control the growing conditions.

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5. SmartyKat Sweet Greens Cat Grass Kit (Best Hydroponic)

This kit uses a hydroponic growing method — a water tray with a mesh insert and coconut coir pellets — rather than soil. It is notably cleaner (no soil to spill) and faster growing. The system is self-watering once set up, which is great if you forget to water things. The grass grows in 3–4 days and lasts slightly longer than soil-based kits in my experience.

What I like: No soil mess, faster germination, good for neat freaks or anyone who has cats that love to dig in pots.

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How to Grow Cat Grass Successfully

1. Soak seeds overnight before planting if using bulk seeds — speeds up germination significantly.
2. Plant in well-draining soil or coconut coir — about ¼ inch deep.
3. Water thoroughly and cover with plastic wrap for the first 2–3 days to create a greenhouse effect. Remove once sprouts appear.
4. Place in bright indirect light — a windowsill is perfect.
5. Introduce to your cat once grass is 3–4 inches tall — if you put it out too early, cats sometimes pull seedlings out by the roots.
6. Rotate fresh pots — keep two or three growing at different stages so there is always fresh grass available.

Cat Grass vs. Catnip: What Is the Difference?

Cat grass and catnip are totally different plants with different effects. Catnip (Nepeta cataria) triggers a euphoric response in about 50–70% of cats via the compound nepetalactone — it is a short-term stimulant/sedative effect. Cat grass is simply fibrous grass that cats chew for digestive and instinctive reasons. Most cats respond to both, but they serve different purposes. Both are ASPCA non-toxic. Many cat owners keep both — catnip for enrichment and play, cat grass for daily chewing access.

Frequently Asked Questions

Is cat grass safe for dogs too?

Yes — wheatgrass, oat grass, and barley grass are all ASPCA-confirmed non-toxic to dogs as well as cats. Dogs may eat grass for similar digestive reasons. Just make sure any kit or seeds you buy do not contain other plants or additives — some cat garden kits include additional herbs that may not be dog-safe.

How long does a cat grass pot last?

Usually 2–3 weeks before it starts to yellow and die back. This is normal — cat grass is a fast-growing annual. The trick is staggering multiple pots so fresh grass is always available. Start a new pot every 1–2 weeks.

My cat is not interested in the cat grass. What do I do?

Some cats take time to discover cat grass, especially if they have never had it before. Try placing it near where they already like to hang out. Rubbing a small amount of catnip on the grass can help attract their attention initially. Some cats simply prefer oat grass over wheatgrass — if one variety does not work, try another.

Can I regrow cat grass after my cat eats it?

Not really — once a cat grass pot has been grazed down, it does not regrow well. It is better to start fresh pots rather than trying to regrow from stumps. This is why bulk seed packs are the most economical long-term option.

Is cat grass the same as wheat grass for humans?

Essentially yes — wheatgrass grown for cats and the wheatgrass shots you get at juice bars are the same plant (Triticum aestivum). The difference is just that cat grass kits are packaged and marketed for pets. Buying certified organic cat grass seeds is important if your cat eats a lot of it.

Cat grass is genuinely one of the best things you can add to a pet-friendly home — it is safe, cats love it, and it keeps curious mouths away from your other plants. Start with one kit, see which grass your cat prefers, and then graduate to bulk seeds for the long-term. pet-safe plants for curious cats