Cat Grass

Common Name:
Cat Grass

Description:
Dactylis glomerata, commonly sold as Cat Grass, is a hardy, fast-growing perennial grass valued as a safe and natural source of fresh greenery for cats. Its soft, lush green foliage provides enrichment for indoor and outdoor pets, encouraging natural grazing behaviour and helping to satisfy their instinct to chew on vegetation. This vigorous grass forms dense clumps of narrow leaves and is easy to grow in pots, planters, or garden beds. Well-suited to Melbourne's climate, Cat Grass thrives in full sun to part shade and performs best in well-drained soils with regular watering during establishment. Its rapid growth and resilience make it an excellent choice for pet owners seeking a renewable source of fresh grass throughout much of the year.

Form:
• Shrub - Clumping / Grass-like / Mounding

Mature Size:
• Height: 60–100 cm
• Width: 40–80 cm

Aspect:
• Full Sun
• Part Shade

Flowering:
• Flowers in Spring
• Flowers in Summer

Flower Colour:
• Green
• Greenish-purple

Key Attributes:
• Bird Attracting
• Herbaceous
• Perennial
• Suitable for Pots
• Cat-friendly grazing plant
• Drought tolerant once established
• Fast growing
• Suitable for indoor and outdoor containers
• Suitable for pet enrichment
• Suitable for erosion control

Toxicity:
Non-toxic to cats, dogs, and humans. Commonly grown specifically as a safe grass for cats to nibble and graze.

Companion Plants:
• Catnip (Nepeta cataria)
• Catmint (Nepeta species)
• Lemongrass
• Oat Grass (Avena sativa)
• Parsley
• Pet-friendly sedges
• Rosemary
• Thyme
• Wheat Grass (Triticum aestivum)
• Barley Grass (Hordeum vulgare)