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Based out of Mississauga, ON (Toronto GTA suburb)
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GRAIN GRASSES 101
AKA "Cat Grass"
General Info
Jay's Kitty Kandy (Aka, cat grass, oat/wheat/rye/barley grass) is a cost effective, natural and healthy way to make your kitty happy and aid in the digestive process. It also has many human diet benefits!
In nature, cat's will seek out and eat plants including grasses, herbs, flowers and even lettuce. They do so often to amend their diet, rid themselves of fur-balls and simply because they love it.
Cat grass and the stuff on your lawn are quite different despite being from the same family of plants. (Grasses family) To that point, corn is also a type of grass but looks, tastes, grows, behaves nothing like your lawn does.
"Cat grass" is not a species of plant, but a general term for plants grown from certain grains. Typical grains used are: Wheat, Barley, Rye and most often Oats. (Hence the common name for Cat Grass... Oat Grass)
Grain grasses are MUCH safer than the stuff on your lawn because you can control chemicals, contaminants and the quality/age of plants your cat eats. (It also tastes a lot better to most Cats)
Cat Grass (grain grass) is not just for cats... It's an excellent source of nutrition for you too! It is quite tasty in sprout form for cats and humans! Think bean sprouts but from a grain instead of a bean.
For humans, grain grasses have many benefits and are widely used as a supplement for many conditions. The research is still ongoing, but many people battling cancer have been using these grasses for decades to assist them in recovery. Researchers have found these benefits to also help skin/hair, thyroid, fatigue, immune system, circulation, arthritis, halitosis/tooth decay and even body odor. It's not an instant fix, but it may help. Even if the research eventually concludes it doesn't do all these things, it's still a healthy addition to any diet. Common uses are in smoothies, salads, sandwiches, tea and stir fry's.
SO... WHO GOES FIRST?
My 4 kids negotiating who gets to attack first. Clockwise from the left... Soxx, Shadow, Hunter and the matriarch... Poppy. (Poppy always won that negotiation btw)
ABOUT DIFFERENT GRASSES AND YOUR CAT
Is one better than the other?
Despite what advertisers may tell you, none of the 4 common grass types are better than any other. They all have slightly different nutrition and taste, but that's about it. Some cats do prefer or seek out certain grass types, but are usually thrilled to come across any of the 4 types. Try a variety of grasses to see which, if any preferences your cat may have. We'll happily send you separated bags of different grains.(1/2 LB slpit between 2 types or even a 1/2 LB split between all 4 types) DO not mix grains during storage (See growing guide for explanation and storage tips)
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Yes, you can blend seeds (In the pot, not stored) and they will grow perfectly fine. I do it myself.
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Lawn grass is NOT the same as cat grass. We do not recommend letting your cat eat lawn grass due to a number of factors. Many cats have become violently ill and even died from eating contaminated plants outside.
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Can cat grass hurt my cat?
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Generally speaking... No. Just like humans, each cat responds differently to what they eat. Cat grass is eaten to augment the diet with nutrients, relieve gastro discomfort and self induce vomiting. (And most cats love to eat it) Yes, you need to be prepared that your cat may vomit occasionally or even every time it eats grass. This is expected and a desired response.
Often cats eat greens to make themselves vomit so they can cough up those nasty fur-balls in their gut. Fur-balls can only go one way out of their bodies usually. (Some may pass through the intestines to stool, but only small amounts) Most cats love the taste and get very excited when they see you pull out the pot. We recommend monitoring their intake just like you would with your kids at Halloween (Hence the name "Kitty Kandy") Cats who constantly or insistently eat grass may be telling you they are having tummy trouble and you need to talk to your vet.
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Is cat grass safe for human consumption?
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Absolutely! In fact I would recommend you eat it. (Think of it like bean sprouts from your market, but it comes from a grain instead of a bean) Sprouts are loaded with nutrients and can also help with your digestion. Common uses are raw in smoothies, salads and and fast cooking processes (Like as a finishing ingredient in a stir fry). Handle it in cooking like you would fresh spinach. It is delicate and won't take heat as well as a bean sprout.
Did you know... Oat, rye and wheat grasses are commonly used to help people battling cancer as a raw daily suppliment? (with positive results I might add)
**Note** that there is a product called "sprouted grains" that are different than "grain sprouts". Sprouted grains are typically germinated and then intentionally stalled (killed) and then processed... The seed and the tiny plant are both consumed. Grain sprouts (Cat grass) are just the plant.
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Is cat grass healthy?
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Yes, when grown properly, it is a very healthy source of vegetation that is important to their diet and gut maintenance.
In humans, I have yet to find a negative aspect other than occasional upset tummy. (Some people need to slowly introduce this into their diet because the chrloraphyl can be harder to get used to) Google it and you'll find lots of info.
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How often to feed?
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I give mine grass twice a week rotating 2 pots (See plant recovery info in the growing guide) for about 15-20 mins per feeding. Wait a good hour or more AFTER they eat breakfast or dinner so they don't vomit up a whole meal. Makes cleanup easier and your cat won't be meowing at you or waking you up because they are starving 2 hours later.
Note ** Grain grasses do not typically cause humans to vomit when eaten in moderation.
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Is cat grass easy to grow?
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Yes... It is a very simple but misunderstood plant to grow. You're actually growing extended-life sprouts... Not mature plants. Aside from the fact your cat will be mauling the baby plants, there are nutritive factors that affect their life span as well. When grown and rotated properly, you can expext a month to 6 weeks before they start getting too woody or die completely. Cats prefer the soft tender leaves of sprouts. As the plant ages the taste gets more bitter (because of Chlorophyll... what makes plants green). Some cats don't care and will eat mature plant leaves. My boy Soxx would eat full sized corn plants if I let him. (And yes, he has tried)
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Is cat grass easy to take care of?
Yes, quite simple once you figure it out. They just need basic care and attention. It will not consume a lot of your time or attention.
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Can I grow cat grass outside?
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Yup... but it will go wild pretty quick. Also be aware that outside there is a chance it could get contaminated. Keep it inside as much as possible.
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Our growing guide has tons of information for first time growers and experienced gardeners alike. Very helpful for getting the most out of your grass seed. There are also ton's of sites and videos about the subject if there is something we didn't answer or you're looking for alternative methods.
CURRENT GRAIN SEED PRICES (2020-21 SEASON)
*Please note* Prices are based on the Canadian Grain market and may fluctuate occasionally. Tax is included. Delivery (if needed) is not. Pickup is free... For a 1/2Lb of oat, it will cost $10.50 and not a penny more!
$10.50 per 1/2LB CDN$
Pure Oat Seed
Primary staple seed most commonly found in retail cat grass products. 100% Canadian, non GMO, organic and fresh seed with 90%+ Germination rate.
$10.50 per 1/2LB CDN$
Pure Wheat Seed
Sold OUT
Less common than oat, but most cats still enjoy it. 100% Canadian, non GMO, organic and fresh seed with 90%+ Germination rate.
$10 per 1/2LB CDN$
Pure Rye Seed
Rye is another commonly found seed in retail products. Cats love it! 100% Canadian, non GMO, organic and fresh seed with 90%+ Germination rate.
$10 per 1/2LB CDN$
Pure Barley Seed
Sold OUT
Not as common as oat or rye grass, tougher to source. Cats like it and it's a very healthy product for kitty. 100% Canadian, non GMO, organic and fresh seed with 90%+ Germination rate.
HOW TO ORDER
Accepted
Hey... This isn't Amazon...
Currently, I only accept Interac E-Transer payments. This is the same process and company you use at any store when you use your bank card or tap to pay, except it's online. All it takes is an email address... No other info is sent and I never see your bank card. Call your bank and they will walk you through setting this up. It's very easy. (Used by all major banks. Click here for info and how to get started) Sorry, no credit cards. (yet)
I apologize if I seem very strict about each ordering process below, but I have had way too many bad experiences, scammers and disrectful encounters doing this sort of thing. Please read and respect the rules for each method outlined below.
Ordering For Local Pickup
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For those living in the GTA who would like to pickup an order in person, I have several easily accesable public places I can arrange to meet you in the Port Credit/Miss area right off the QEW/Cawthra. (Tim Horton's, Dixie Mall, Applewood, OPP Station, etc) I will do my best to meet where it's easiest/safest for you, but I do have a limited range because of other appointments.
Please note that my availability can vary. I do my best to accomodate everyone, but please remember I do have a job/family/life. I ONLY accept Interac E-Transfer in person. (Please send payment through a few hours in advance as they sometimes get delayed) I will notify you when payment has arrived on my end, to which, the meetup can go forward. Established customers can also pay in cash by request only. (exact change... I do not carry cash/change)
**Due to Covid-19 Please be wearing a mask to meet.** I am immunocompromised and will leave if you break this simple rule and your payment will be forfeit. Non negotiable!
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Ordering For Local Delivery
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For those in the GTA that would like in-person delivery to their home (Non Canada Post), I can hand deliver when available for a nominal fee based on miliage/time. (I will tell you in advance by email what it will cost, but most local drops are in the area of $5-$10 depending how far I have to go) Please note that it is solely at my discretion how far I go to deliver and you must prepay via interac E-Transfer beforehand. Please be sure you have a dry/safe place I can put your order if you are not home. (Remember... A lot of animals eat seeds like squirrels) A picture of the product at your location will be sent to you by email.
In cases where delivery is to an apartment building/condo, someone must be there to recieve the product at the front/foyer door. I do not enter apartment buildings ever or drop ship to anyone except you.
**Due to Covid-19 Please be wearing a mask to accept your order.**. I am immunocompromised and will leave if you break this simple rule and your payment will be forfeit. Non negotiable!
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Ordering For Canada Post Delivery
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All orders are shipped via Canada Post ground mail with no markup. Whatever Canada Post charges is what you will be charged. (Anywhere in Canada, a 1/2 lb costs around $6 and 1 Lb is about $9 ballpark) You will recieve a picture of your package once Canada Post has taken possesion of it as proof on my end.
All Interac E-Transfer payments must be recieved in advance prior to shipping. Note that occasionally E-Transfers can get delayed in the banking system or on busy dasy (like the 1st of the month). Holidays can also be slower. As soon as payment is recieved, items are shipped.
At current I do not ship outside of Canada for logistical/cost/customs reasons.
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If you have a special request, handicap, limitation or some other consideration, by all means tell me. I'll try to accomodate you.
Please click on the Order/Quote form button below to proceed.
What do you think?
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