...stupid question maybe, but what is it? is that its only name? I've seen "barley" mentioned in some of the product descriptions, and a bit concerned about that being allergic to it. If he needs barley...I'll have to figure something out...or is it something else?

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That's an interesting question because we need catgrass so Ari won't destroy the other plants but my husband is allergic and lately I've been sneezing a lot too.

I've found this link that sell oat and wheat (I was once allergic to wheat too it's better I start to look for other alternative) as cat grass. I hope it's useful for you.

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We got Cat Grass to plant from seed at Homebase as my cats kept sitting in the palm plant and I was afraid they may chew it. I now plant one lot in a pot and the other is in a pot on the table where they nibble it at leisure, so they always have a fresh supply. Looks pretty nice too.

Now sure what the alternatives are though, but my cats love it, especially when I have just sprayed it with water.

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Wheat would be bad too oh dears! Oats...maybe alright, I'm not sure I'm trying them, its coeliac disease so not strictly an allergy like anaphlactic shock its pretty serious though, would worry about it spreading all over the house. Come to think of it, all the more reason to get my cat over to grain free food! Maybe we can do oats. or maybe I should try the drops/treats cos then the OH could give them and maybe that wouldn't spread so much.

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You should definitely go on grain-free food for your cats.
I was on a strict diet wheat-free for a year and I've put Ari on grain-free food just in case my health goes that way again (I had a severe allergic crisis).

I remember reading that the problem with oats are that they are contaminated by wheat, so maybe if you get your hands on oats from Sweden and Finland, you would be ok (they have pure oat). I've read that Irish and Scottish oats are pretty good as well. Maybe you should give them a try.

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I love cat grass!! After growing some - we got a little tub from the pet shop, Tillie is mesmerised by it! She loves chomping on bits, tiny flies seem to like buzzing above it so she watches them but the oddest thing is - she seems way calmer.....??? She used to get me up twice a night to play (cos 2 and 4 am are whem I'm most playful??!?) but she has been sleeping through the night, seems happier and more chilled. Its the only thing we have changed from normal!!
Another plus point is - she hasn't had enough to be sick. Cat grass is packed full of win in my opinion!

I'm not sure allergies to grains, or wanting to avoid grain in your cats diet are particularly relevant here. Your cat would be eating the green shoots, not the seed.