Get

In Your Inbox

Catster is reader-supported. When you buy via links on our site, we may earn an affiliate commission at no cost to you. Learn more.

How to Grow Cat Grass Without Soil: Step-by-Step Guide

cat eat young wheatgrass

Many cat owners like to grow cat grass for their cats. It adds essential fiber to your cat’s diet, which can prevent the formation of hairballs and help your cat’s digestive system function at its best. The types of grasses that you’ll find vary depending on the brand you buy, but they’ll typically include barley, flax, oats, wheat, and rye.

You might like the sound of cat grass but be less keen on having pots of soil around the house that your cat can dig into, making a mess. The good news is that you can grow cat grass without any soil! You can use two methods to grow cat grass at home without soil, and we’ve outlined them in these step-by-step guides.

divider 1 paws

How to Grow Cat Grass Without Soil

Method 1: Using grow stones

Grow stones are made from natural clay and offer a suitable soil-free surface for your cat grass.

Materials:

cat + line divider

  • Step 1:

Fill your glass jar ¾ full with grow stones.

  • Step 2:

Place two paper towels or one coffee filter on top of the grow stones, cutting them to fit the size of your jar if necessary.

  • Step 3:

Sprinkle a thin layer of the cat grass seeds on the top of the paper towel or coffee filter.

  • Step 4:

Fill the jar with filtered water until the top layer touches the paper towel or filter, making the seeds damp but not waterlogged.

  • Step 5:

Top up the level of the water each day.

  • Step 6:

After 3–5 days, you should notice the seeds beginning to sprout. By day 10, the cat grass should be ready for your cat to eat! At this point, you can allow the water level to drop a little since the roots should be established. Make sure the water touches the roots.

  • Step 7:

Refresh the water once per week, and as your cat starts to eat all the grass, plant a new jar and start the cycle again!


Method 2: Using water beads

Water beads absorb and hold water, with the added benefit of coming in several colors and sizes. You can create an eye-catching display while offering yummy cat grass for your felines to enjoy.

Materials:

SHEING Water Beads

  • Step 1:

Fill your glass jar ¾ full with water beads. We like to vary the colors to match the seasons. Black and orange look great together for Halloween. Green, yellow, and pink are ideal for spring, and of course, use red and green for Christmas!

  • Step 2:

Fill the jar with filtered water until the top layer is at the top of the water beads.

  • Step 3:

Place two paper towels or one coffee filter on the water beads. You can cut them to fit the size of your jar.

  • Step 4:

On the top of the paper towel or coffee filter, sprinkle a thin layer of the cat grass seeds.

  • Step 5:

Every day, top up the level of the water.

  • Step 6:

You should notice the seeds beginning to sprout after 3–5 days. The cat grass should be ready for your cat to eat around day 10. You can allow the water level to drop a little now since the roots should be established. Ensure that the water still touches the roots.

  • Step 7:

Refresh the water once a week, plant a new jar, and start the cycle again when your cat starts to eat all the grass.


Featured Image Credit: Tammy27, Shutterstock

How useful was this post?

Click on a star to rate (you can leave written feedback after clicking submit)

Help us improve Catster for pet parents!

Your feedback really matters.

What did you like about this post? Also how can we improve it?

Join the conversation

Leave a Reply

You’re very welcome to leave a comment or question. Please know that all comments must meet our community guidelines, and your email address will NOT be published. Let’s have a positive and constructive conversation.

Talk With A Vet Online

Peace of mind,
anywhere, anytime

Affordable vet advice

Cat Grass vs. Catnip: What’s the Difference?

Sure, all cat owners—and even those without cats—have heard about catnip. It has been a staple in the cat world for what seems...

Cat Grass vs. Catnip

Can You Compost Cat Litter? Vet Approved Facts & Tips

Americans recycle or compost nearly one-third of the 292.4 million tons of municipal solid waste (MSW) they generate annually. It takes effort, but...

Cleaning cat litter box

How to Clean Cat Paws: Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

Cats are typically considered naturally clean creatures. However, that doesn’t mean that they don’t experience some poor hygiene problems, especially if they spend...

close up of a cat paw

How to Draw Cats: Our Vet-Approved Step-by-Step Guide

If you’re like me, you love cats. You could live, eat, and breathe cats. Well, ok, definitely not eat them, but what about...

cat beside a young woman drawing a cat

More related

Clutch being his usual calm self in the bath

How to Give Your Cat a Bath: Dr. Karyn’s Tips (With Video)

Hi, I’m Dr. Karyn! Read my introduction to learn more about me and meet my five hilarious cats: Clutch, Cyril, Alex, Zelda, and...

ammonia

Will Ammonia Keep Cats Away? Humane & Natural Alternatives

Even the most devoted animal lover doesn’t want cats trampling through their garden or defecating on their lawn. You can make many DIY...

Cat paw pads

Do Cat Paw Pads Grow Back? Vet Approved Facts & FAQs

Cats are curious, active creatures adept at using their sharp eyes, noses, and ears to explore the world. But they also use information...

cat inside carrier beside luggage

How to Get a Canadian Pet Passport in 2025: A Step-by-Step Guide

Traveling with pets can be a very stressful process. Besides worrying about your pet’s safety during transit, you must ensure all the proper...

Keep reading

How to Cat Proof a Balcony: 5 Vet-Approved Tips

Balconies can be a huge source of anxiety for cat owners. It’s just so easy for our furry friends to, well, fall off. A fall from a balcony can be exceptionally dangerous, resulting in serious injuries or worse. Cats almost...

striped cat sitting on a balcony with net protection

Cat Eyes: Vet-Reviewed Genetics, Color Changes & FAQ

Have you ever cuddled your cat in your arms, stared into their eyes, and been blown away at how beautiful and unique they are? One of the most captivating features of a cat’s eye is their pupils, which are in...

White cat with green eyes

5 Amazing DIY Cat Diapers You Can Create at Home (With Pictures)

If you are a cat lover, then you know that sometimes they have accidents. When this happens, it is important to have a plan in place to deal with the mess. One option is to use cat diapers. Cat diapers...

cat wearing diaper

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds? Vet-Reviewed Nutrition Facts & FAQ

Yes, most cats can eat pumpkin seeds without suffering any adverse effects. Pumpkin seeds are packed with nutrients that are extremely beneficial. What’s more, some cats seem to love the taste of these seeds. Therefore, do not be afraid to...

Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds

How Often Should You Wash a Cat’s Bed: Vet-Reviewed Tips & Tricks

Just like you should wash your bedding every week or two, the same is true for your cat’s bedding. Ideally, you’ll want to wash it once a week, but if they don’t spend all that much time using it, you...

Cat near a Washing Machine

How to Get Rid Of Fleas On Cats: 7 Vet-Approved Methods

Fleas on cats can be a nuisance. Not only do they make your kitty itch, but they can also jump onto you and your other pets and transmit diseases.1 Fleas are a common problem for cats and can be difficult...

vet holding magnifying glass searching cat fleas

How to Keep Cats Out of Mulch: 12 Vet-Reviewed Tips

Neighborhood cats roaming around our yards is not something everyone enjoys. They are generally harmless, but they may visit you often, particularly if there is any food left outside, or they can get into fights with your cats. And if...

turkish-angora-cat-in-the-garden

Nulo Cat Food Review of 2025: Recalls, Pros & Cons

Review Summary Nulo is a California company that makes a wide range of cat and dog foods. It started with a man trying to take better care of his dog and blossomed into a full-grown pet care business, with high-quality...

Nulo Freestyle Cat Food Review