IAMS PH
What You Should Know About Changing Your Cat’s Diet
What You Should Know About Changing Your Cat’s Diet

adp_description_block114
Wheatgrass & Wheat For Cats

  • Share

Wheatgrass is the fresh shoots of the wheat plant harvested before the grain sprouts. Although unusual, it is a common meal component for cats. Wheatgrass is rich in protein, carotene, and vitamins A, E, and C, making it an added source of nutrition for cats. Cats often nibble on wheatgrass and leafy greens to improve their digestion as fibres present in these plants aid in smoother bowel movement. However, it is important to ensure that your cat only feeds on organic and pesticide-free wheatgrass.

Is cat wheatgrass suitable for all cats?

Generally, all cats that are not allergic to wheatgrass can easily digest and benefit from its nutritional value of it. Wheatgrass for cats is a good source of vitamins, protein, and other essential nutrients. The fibre and selenium help in improving the cat’s gut health. However, you should identify if your kitty is allergic to wheatgrass before letting it nibble on wheatgrass. The following are some signs that will help you identify if your cat is allergic to wheatgrass:

  1. Excessive drooling
  2. Crusty papules
  3. Shedding
  4. Rashes

Even if your cat is not allergic to wheatgrass, you must limit its consumption to less than 10% of its total caloric consumption. Wheat for cats is best served every alternate day instead of daily.

The benefits of wheatgrass for cats

While everyone knows wheatgrass for cats is beneficial for digestion, there are various other benefits of wheatgrass as well. The following are some of the many benefits of wheatgrass for cats:

  1. Weight loss: Cats are inherently carnivorous animals who hunt their prey in the wild. However, domesticated cats have no need to hunt which has led to a drastic increase in their weight. Snacking on wheatgrass while changing the cat’s diet helps in managing their weight better.
  2. Better immunity: One of the many benefits of wheatgrass for cats lies in its nutritional value. The amount of minerals, vitamins, fibre, and protein present in wheatgrass positively impacts the cat’s immunity system.
  3. Oral health: Cat wheatgrass is a healthier snacking option that cats can nibble on without damaging their teeth. Regular snacks can lead to tooth decaying of the kitty’s tooth. Switching to wheat snacks and wheatgrass can improve their dental and oral health as it is organic and healthier.
  4. Antiaging: Chlorophyll present in wheatgrass is known for being a blood booster. This component present in the wheatgrass works as an antiaging component. Consuming wheatgrass helps increase potent blood and makes your cat look and feel younger.
  5. Healthy kidney: Cats rely more on wheat, wheatgrass, and a greener diet when dealing with digestive and gastrointestinal issues. If you notice your cat munching on wheatgrass for cats then they might be dealing with some gut, digestive, or kidney-related issues. Hence, providing snacks such as wheat for cats helps you identify if your kitty needs a veterinarian’s appointment at the earliest for diagnosing their gastrointestinal and kidney health.
  6. Improved vision: Cat wheatgrass contains vitamins A, E, and C. Vitamin A is closely associated with improving vision. Therefore, munching on cat wheatgrass can improve your cat’s vision.

Disadvantages of wheatgrass for cats

While there are many advantages of wheatgrass and wheat for cats, there are a few considerations and disadvantages as well. Some of the demerits of excessive munching on wheatgrass for cats are as follows:

  1. Cats are carnivorous animals. Snacking on wheatgrass and wheat more than usual can cause harm to their overall health.
  2. Consuming too much wheatgrass can lead to diarrhoea and vomiting. Please consult a veterinarian doctor at the earliest if you notice your kitty excessively vomiting or pooping.

Cat grass vs wheatgrass

Most cat parents have a hard time differentiating between cat grass and wheatgrass. If you are one of them, fret not. We will understand the difference between the two in this section. 

Cat food brands often market wheatgrass as cat grass. However, you must note that cat grass can be any grass, from barley and oats to wheatgrass and fescue. So, if you see a pack of cat food that says cat grass, check its label. Moreover, ensure that you opt for brands that use organic ingredients.

Now that you know of the benefits of wheatgrass for cats, you can start adding the regulated amount of wheatgrass to their diet. Please consult a veterinarian before deciding to serve wheat or wheatgrass to your feline friend.

Frequently asked questions

  1. Why is my cat obsessed with wheatgrass?
  2. If your cat has been munching on wheatgrass or grass more than usual, it might be facing some gastrointestinal issues. It is best to consult a veterinarian to ensure their physical well-being.

  3. Can cats eat whole wheat?
  4. Yes, cats can digest baked or cooked wheat products and wheat bran.

  5. How much wheatgrass can a cat eat?
  6. Total consumption of wheatgrass for cats should limit to 10% or lesser of their total caloric diet.

  7. Is wheatgrass good for indoor cats?
  8. Yes, wheatgrass improves indoor cats’ vision, immunity, and oral as well as gastrointestinal health, and helps keep their weight in check.

  9. Is wheatgrass and cat grass the same?
  10. Cat grass are cereal grasses that cats much on. Wheatgrass is a type of cat grass.

  • 5-Tips-to-Help-Your-Kitten-Live-a-Long-and-Healthy-Life banner
    5-Tips-to-Help-Your-Kitten-Live-a-Long-and-Healthy-Life mobile
    adp_description_block417
    5 Tips to Help Your Kitten Live a Long and Healthy Life

    • Share

    How can you help your kitten live a long and healthy life? Although you can’t predict the health of your cat with certainty, you can increase the probability of both her general health and a long life through proper care that begins as soon as you bring her home. Your veterinarian can advise further on these five key considerations for taking care of your kitten.

     

    How to Care for Your Kitten

     

    1. Feed a High-quality Diet

    Feed your kitten high-quality food designed to meet nutritional needs during specific stages of her life. Your kitten’s nutritional requirements will depend on her life stage and lifestyle. No matter the life stage, cats are carnivores and require nutrients from animal protein and fat for optimal health.

     

    2. Encourage Exercise

    Prevent obesity with prudent portion control and frequent play activities. Exercise relieves stress, reduces aggression and keeps cats alert. Just 15 to 30 minutes of play a day can help keep your cat in shape and strengthen the bond between the two of you. In addition, getting your kitten used to playtime early on will help you get used to playing with your cat routinely.

     

    3. Provide Safe, Clean Living Conditions

    Keep your kitten inside to help reduce the risk of illness or injury from accidents, fights and disease. As your kitten gets older, you can help avoid the stress of harassment from other animals by keeping your kitten inside. You should make your home safe by protecting your cat from environmental dangers, such as household cleaners and secondhand smoke. Cats frequently groom themselves with their tongues, and over time, even small amounts of harmful chemicals can have adverse effects.

     

    4. Schedule Regular Medical and Dental Checkups

    Groom your kitten early and often to get her used to brushing. When brushing, check for bumps or abnormalities, and promptly seek veterinary advice if you discover anything suspicious. Take your cat to the veterinarian at least annually for a complete physical exam, and follow your veterinarian’s advice regarding preventive health care measures.

    Your veterinarian may also recommend periodic professional cleaning of your cat’s teeth, which may preserve years of her life.

     

    5. Give Them Lots of Affection

    Last but not least, give your cat lots of love! Despite some cats’ aloof demeanor, all cats thrive on affection. Both you and your cat will reap the benefits of spending quality time together.

     

    Cat Aging Chart

    It was once thought that one year in the life of a cat was equivalent to seven years of a human life. Below is a revised way of looking at how a cat year stacks up to a human year.

    Cat AgeHuman Age
    6 months10 years
    8 months13 years
    10 months14 years
    1 year15 years
    18 months20 years
    2 years24 years
    3 years28 years
    4 years32 years
    5 years36 years
    6 years40 years
    7 years44 years
    8 years48 years
    9 years52 years
    10 years56 years
    11 years60 years
    12 years64 years
    13 years68 years
    14 years72 years
    15 years76 years
    16 years80 years
    17 years84 years
    18 years88 years
    19 years92 years
    20 years96 years
    21 years100 years

    5 Tips to Help Your Kitten Live a Long and Healthy Life
    5 Tips to Help Your Kitten Live a Long and Healthy Life
Close modal