🤔 Cats are naturally curious about plants, as anyone with a green thumb and a cat knows. They'll even chew or consume some plants, like cat grass. Why do cats adore cat grass so much, and what is it exactly?🍃   What Is Cat Grass?     🍃It's possible that some people confuse cat grass with catnip and catmint. However, cat grass is not the same as it sounds. Plants in the mint family include catmint and catnip. Although catmint and catnip are commonly referred to as one and the same, they are actually two different species in the same genus, Nepeta. Cats react less strongly to catmint than to catnip, despite the fact that they may look alike.🍃     🍃Cat grass is a very different matter. If you cultivate cat grass and catnip, you can see this in the way the plants look differently. In actuality, cat grass is the grass of some cereal grains, including rye, wheat, oats, barley, and alfalfa.🍃   Why Do Cats Like Cat Grass?     🍃Though considerable research has been done, the reason cats like to chew on any grass, especially cat grass, is still unknown. It used to be thought that cats would eat grass to help soothe their stomachs when they were sick. But this has been called into question by a study1. When a study of cat owners was conducted, 65% of the cats' weekly eating habits were reported by the respondents. Just 6% of these had an owner who reported them sick prior to them eating the plant, and 37% had frequent vomiting thereafter.Given that 94% of the cats in the poll appeared to be well before consuming any food, this suggests that cats don't genuinely consume plants, including cat grass, to feel better. There is also a theory that cats eat cat grass to aid in the removal of hairballs. Would giving grass to a vomiting cat make it easier for a long-haired cat to cough up a hairball? This idea was examined in the same study that examined if cats might use grass as a stomach settler. However, they discovered that there was no variation in the frequency of vomiting between cats with long hair and those with short hair. 🍃     🍃The theory that eating grass could help regulate and eliminate intestinal parasites is being considered. A study conducted in Belgium examined a variety of wild carnivores, such as different Canidae species, as well as a variety of wildcats, such as lynx, cougars, pumas, and leopards. According to this study, eating grass is a normal behavior for all cats and is not limited to domestic cats alone. Even wild cats have been observed to consume grass.🍃   Where Can You Purchase Cat Grass?     🍃It's actually not too hard to find cat grass. It's available in small trays at pet supply stores, but nurseries are also good places to find it. Keep in mind that cat grass can be sold as "wheat grass," etc., because it can be wheat, barley, alfalfa, or rye. If you want to grow your own cat grass, you can also buy seed packs. Once more, these might be sold as rye, wheat, barley, or alfalfa grass instead of cat grass seeds.🍃   Where Can You Plant Cat Grass?     🍃You can grow cat grass outside in your garden or indoors in a container. If cultivating outside, you have two options: transfer an established cluster of cat grass from a container to the ground or sow the seeds straight into the ground. It is possible to sow the seeds at any time of year if you are growing indoors. The soil should be kept moist and they should be planted 1/4" deep. The seedlings should appear within a week or two. Keep them somewhere they will receive enough of consistent sunlight at this phase. When planting cat grass outside, it should receive full sun and be done in the spring.🍃   Why Is It Better For Cats to Eat Cat Grass Than Regular Grass?    🍃For a few reasons, your cat should chew on cat grass rather than lawn grass. Inadvertent ingestion of pesticides by your cats poses a health concern if you use any for treating your grass. Your cat may also run the risk of consuming parasites and/or coming into contact with fleas and ticks when they nibble on lawn grass. Naturally, this can also be the case if your cat eats anything in your yard, even cat grass. Take clippings from outside plants and give them to your cat after giving them a thorough wash, or bring a tiny bit of cat grass indoors for your cat to nibble on.🍃     🍃Cat grass is healthy for cats to consume, yet the reason why they enjoy it is still unknown. It might be an additional enrichment item in their house.🍃  

   🎁When it comes to cat birthdays and adoption anniversaries, pet parents can get very excited. Not only do cats show unconditional love (sometimes), but according to scientific research, they also lead to better heart health for their owners. So it's time to show some appreciation. Throw your cat a party with floating balloons for entertainment or give him cat play toys. Sit back and watch your favorite furry family member go crazy catching and popping all the balloons. Keep a close eye on your cat to make sure he doesn't get spooked by the popping balloons.😽    01  Choose the Perfect Present     ✨ Finding a new birthday present for your cat should be simple, especially with the plethora of options available for purchase. A birthday is the ideal occasion to add some new cat toys to its already full toy basket, whether it like energetic toys or cuddly ones. Make a new cat tree as a luxurious birthday present if you're handy.    02  Treat Your Cat to Catnip      🎐Giving your pet catnip will help you celebrate happy hour together. You may give your cat catnip in a few different forms, like toys, bubbles, or fresh leaves. Use this free, easy pattern to construct a plush catnip toy for a special occasion like your cat's birthday. If you've never offered catnip before, check how your cat reacts when you sprinkle a small amount of dried leaves on a toy or climbing tower.   03  Have a Portrait Taken      🎇It's likely that you have a ton of random and selfie pictures of your cat. On your cat's big day, capture a more polished photo of your feline with and without you and your loved ones. Over time, you'll treasure owning a sharp, clear, professional shot of your cat. You may probably locate a local pet photographer who can produce this memento with a little bit of investigation.    04  Create a Cake for Your Cat       🔮A cat birthday cake. Your cat will be pricked up for a special birthday gift like these easy, no-bake fish cakes. It's possible that you would like to sample one as well. A willing cat and a few staple pantry goods are all you'll need.✨ In a big bowl, combine diced chicken, pureed sweet potato, and drained white albacore tuna. To absorb extra liquids, add a teaspoon of rice flour to your mixture if it seems a little too wet. Cut little round cakes out of the mixture using a small cookie cutter. If you want to cover the fish cakes with icing, pipe simple mashed potatoes (without any butter or cream).    🪄Recall that this treat is reserved for a unique occasion. You should avoid giving your cat human food on a regular basis and be cautious when giving something unusual to avoid potential stomach distress.    05  Pamper Your Cat     😻 Give your cat some extra attention on their birthday to quietly celebrate. On its birthday, take the time to play with your cat for an extended period of time. Give your cat a massage; this is particularly beneficial for older cats.1. Find out from your veterinarian about a holistic pet masseuse who will come to your home. Alternatively, get your cat a brand-new, incredibly cozy bed for a birthday. Nothing pleases a cat more than to curl up for a long, satisfying nap in a plush bed. Treat your pet to one of these hand-fed, lickable cat snacks to perhaps create a unique and unforgettable bonding experience.💖    06  Go on an Adventure     🛝 Does your house cat appear to have a strong desire to be outside? Take advantage of your cat's birthday to venture outside and try something new. Invest in a harness or leash that fits your cat correctly. Let your cat explore your house while wearing the harness first. As your cat adjusts to the harness, give it lots of praise and show patience with it. In a secure, contained space away from other animals, gradually acclimate your cat to the great outdoors. Go explore after that with your little tiger.    07  Celebrate for a Good Cause        💝Celebrate your cat's birthday for a worthy cause to make it special. Consider making a donation to a charity in your cat's honor instead of purchasing new toys and goodies for them. Find out what supplies the local shelters need, and invite your cat's favorite people to attend an event with a contribution of pet supplies like food, toys, or blankets, for example. Celebrate your cat's birthday by using it to spread the word about animal problems on social media. Make contact with a GoFundMe page for a homeless cat charity or an animal cancer research fund. The possibilities for worthy projects using cats are virtually endless.💫

   🐱✨To ensure that your new cat or kitten feels more like a member of the family than a guest, there are a few items you should gather or purchase before bringing them home. Prepare for this a few days ahead of time to reduce anxiety on the "big day." You don't want to be so excited about bringing your cat home at 8 p.m. that you forget to buy cat food. The barest necessities your feline will require are as follows:🛒 Food     🎊 It's probably preferable to give your new pet whatever food she is used to, if you can speak with the caretaker at her previous home. Most of the time, if you get a cat from a breeder, their contract will either highly advise or mandate that you feed a specific kind of food. Here are some guidelines to help you decide what to feed your pet if it is a cat or kitten whose background is unknown: What to Buy for Kittens     🥘Look for meals with "Complete and Balanced Nutrition" and the AAFCO animal feeding tested statement "for all life stages" on the label because these newborns require more fats and proteins than adult cats do. Additionally, there are foods made especially for kitties. They are distinguished by the following characteristics: "highly digestible, nutrient-dense, and uniquely designed to meet kittens' nutritional requirements." Eight weeks and older kittens can manage dry food rather well, while canned food is actually healthier for them. Food and Water Bowls      🥣You can feed your new cat in any porcelain (not lead-glazed) or stainless steel bowl that you have in your kitchen, although it can make you feel better to give her her own dishes. It is not advised to give cats plastic plates because some cats get chin rashes from the material, and because softer plastic scratches might act as a home for bacteria (perhaps a case of cause and effect).Pet dishes made of stainless steel that don't tip are readily available. Make sure the glaze on any decorated ceramic dishes you choose is lead-free.      😸When individuals will be gone for extended periods of time during the day, such as for work or school, automatic food and water servers are very helpful. The majority of cats adore the crisp, clean taste of running water, and automatic water fountain guarantee a steady supply.  Interactive Cat Toys      🎁Playing with Kitty and her toys will start your bonding time together, as all cats love to play. One of the most popular types of toys for interactive play is the "fishing pole, dangling lure" sort. Just make sure the hanging portion is strong enough to prevent tiny kittens from ripping off feathers or other materials. A classic favorite are catnip mice. There is a wide range of cat houses and climbing posts available, from inexpensive cardboard designs to expensive custom-built "cat furniture" sets.   Grooming Tools    🐈 Having your cat or new kitten groomed is a great opportunity to strengthen your friendship. Look for a pin brush with a rubber backing and a fine-toothed comb. A cat-specific nail clipper is a bonus. It will be much easier to trim your kitten's nails as she becomes older if you begin doing it at an early age.   Cat Carrier      🙀This is a must. Do not try to transfer a cat without one. A simple cardboard carrier (available from your veterinarian) is adequate for transporting a new cat or kitten home, but you will ultimately need to replace it with a solid-bottomed fiberglass or durable plastic container with a secure lock and a screened aperture through which the cat may peek. If you plan to travel, a heavy-duty fabric carrier certified by airlines is a smart option. Scratching Post      😼You may not like it, but your cat will scratch. Investing in a scratching post will set the tone for your connection right away. It can be as ornate or as simple as you want, and if you know how to use tools, you can even put one together yourself. Certain commercially manufactured scratching posts are scented with catnip to draw in your cat. Start with a cardboard scratcher like the Cosmic Alpine Scratcher if money is tight.   Litter Box and Litter      😺For cats that live indoors or outdoors, selecting the ideal litter box is essential. For adult cats, which tend to toss the litter around a lot, go for a large box with high sides. These can also be as elaborate or as simple as your budget permits, but for now, start with a straightforward plastic litter box that is appropriately positioned for your cat.   😻A box that is low enough for kittens to easily enter is necessary. Of all the litter types, the plant-based variety appears to be the safest. All clay litters tend to stir up dust, which is unhealthy for both you and your cat to breathe, and clumping clay litter has a component that can be harmful to cats if consumed.    😽 A rug beneath the box could be used to collect stray litter. For that purpose, you can purchase mats from a pet store, or purchase a few cheap samples of carpet or linoleum that can be thrown away and changed when they become too worn.   A Bed (Optional, but Recommended)     🛏️🫧Since this is your first cat, it's likely that he or she will sleep on your bed, but it's still a good idea to provide kitty a comfortable, unique space of her own to call home. An adult cat should be able to snuggle up comfortably on the bed, which should be cozy, machine-washable, and not so big so as to make her feel exposed and defenseless.   Make a Vet Appointment   👩‍⚕️✨This is not exactly an item for a shopping list, but unless your cat comes with papers showing a recent veterinary visit, proof of vaccinations, and negative test results for various diseases and medical conditions, your first stop before even bringing her home, should be at your local veterinary clinic. So make the appointment now, while you're thinking about it.