20 Homemade Cat Treat Recipes: Healthy, Easy, and Irresistible

Introduction

Store-bought cat treats often contain fillers, preservatives, and mystery ingredients. Why not pamper your feline friend with wholesome, vet-approved snacks you can make at home? This guide features 20 simple, budget-friendly recipes—from savory tuna bites to catnip-infused delights—that will have your kitty purring for more. Plus, homemade treats let you control exactly what goes into their diet!

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Why Make Homemade Cat Treats?

1. Avoid Harmful Additives: No artificial colors, flavors, or excessive salt.

2. Tailor to Dietary Needs: Perfect for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs.

3. Cost-Effective: Most recipes cost under $5 to make.

4. Bonding Activity: Involve kids in baking safe, fun treats!

Safety Tips:

• Avoid toxic ingredients like garlic, onions, chocolate, and xylitol.

• Consult your vet before introducing new foods, especially for cats with health conditions.

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1–5: Protein-Packed Treats

1. Chicken & Pumpkin Bites

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked chicken (shredded)

• ¼ cup pure pumpkin puree (no spices)

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Blend all ingredients in a food processor.

2. Roll into pea-sized balls and bake at 350°F for 10–12 minutes.
   Storage: Refrigerate for up to 1 week.

Why Cats Love It: Pumpkin aids digestion, while chicken provides lean protein.

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2. Salmon & Oat Crunchies

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 can salmon (drained, no salt added)

• ½ cup oat flour

• 1 tsp catnip (optional)

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients into a dough.

2. Roll flat, cut into tiny squares, and bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.

Pro Tip: Use silicone paw-print molds for cute shapes!

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3. Tuna & Catnip Cookies

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 can tuna in water (drained)

• 1 cup whole wheat flour

• 1 tbsp dried catnip

Instructions:

1. Combine ingredients into a stiff dough.

2. Roll into ¼-inch thick sheets, cut into small circles, and bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.

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4. Turkey & Cranberry Balls

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ground turkey (cooked)

• 2 tbsp dried cranberries (chopped finely)

• 1 tbsp coconut oil

Instructions:

1. Mix ingredients and form into tiny balls.

2. Freeze for 2 hours before serving (great for teething kittens!).

Note: Cranberries support urinary health.

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5. Beef Liver Jerky

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ lb beef liver (sliced thin)

Instructions:

1. Dehydrate in a food dehydrator at 165°F for 6–8 hours.

2. Store in an airtight container for up to 2 weeks.

Why It’s Great: Rich in iron and vitamin A.

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6–10: Fishy Favorites

6. Sardine & Spinach Bites

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 can sardines in water

• ½ cup spinach (steamed and chopped)

• ¼ cup chickpea flour

Instructions:

1. Mash sardines and mix with other ingredients.

2. Form into mini muffins and bake at 350°F for 12 minutes.

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7. Mackerel & Sweet Potato Strips

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup cooked mackerel (flaked)

• ½ cup mashed sweet potato

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Blend ingredients, spread onto a baking sheet, and bake at 325°F for 25 minutes.

2. Cut into strips once cooled.

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8. Shrimp & Catnip Crisps

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup cooked shrimp (chopped)

• ¼ cup rice flour

• 1 tsp catnip

Instructions:

1. Combine into a dough, roll thin, and bake at 300°F for 20 minutes.

2. Break into small pieces after cooling.

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9. Whitefish & Zucchini Bites

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup whitefish (cooked, deboned)

• ½ cup grated zucchini

• 2 tbsp tapioca flour

Instructions:

1. Mix and form into small balls.

2. Steam for 8–10 minutes.

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10. Anchovy & Parsley Cookies

 

 

Ingredients:

• 3–4 anchovy fillets (in water, drained)

• 1 cup oat flour

• 1 tsp dried parsley

Instructions:

1. Blend anchovies into a paste, then mix with other ingredients.

2. Bake at 325°F for 15 minutes.

Bonus: Parsley freshens breath!

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11–15: Grain-Free & Hypoallergenic

11. Chicken & Egg Puree Drops

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup boiled chicken

• 1 hard-boiled egg

• 1 tbsp water

Instructions:

1. Puree in a blender until smooth.

2. Drop ½ tsp portions onto parchment paper and freeze.

Ideal For: Kittens or senior cats with dental issues.

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12. Duck & Pumpkin Jerky

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ lb duck breast (thinly sliced)

• 1 tbsp pumpkin puree

Instructions:

1. Brush duck slices with pumpkin.

2. Dehydrate at 160°F for 8 hours.

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13. Rabbit & Blueberry Bites

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ground rabbit (cooked)

• 2 tbsp blueberries (mashed)

• 1 tbsp flaxseed

Instructions:

1. Mix and form into tiny balls.

2. Refrigerate for 1 hour before serving.

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14. Venison & Carrot Chews

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup ground venison

• ¼ cup grated carrot

• 1 egg

Instructions:

1. Combine, shape into logs, and bake at 350°F for 18 minutes.

Great For: Cats with poultry allergies.

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15. Quail Egg Snacks

 

 

Ingredients:

• 4–5 quail eggs (hard-boiled)

Instructions:

1. Slice into quarters and serve as a protein-rich treat.

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16–20: Fun & Functional Treats

16. Catnip & Oat Cookies

 

 

Ingredients:

• 1 cup oat flour

• 1 tsp catnip

• ¼ cup water

Instructions:

1. Mix into a dough, cut shapes, and bake at 300°F for 15 minutes.

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17. Bone Broth Ice Cubes

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 cups unsalted bone broth (chicken or beef)

Instructions:

1. Pour into ice cube trays and freeze.

2. Offer as a hydrating summer treat!

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18. Goat’s Milk & Honey Drops

 

 

Ingredients:

• ½ cup goat’s milk

• 1 tsp raw honey

Instructions:

1. Warm milk and honey (do not boil).

2. Pour into silicone molds and freeze.

Note: Honey should be used sparingly (1/4 tsp per treat).

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19. Coconut Oil & Turmeric Bites

 

 

Ingredients:

• 2 tbsp coconut oil

• ¼ tsp turmeric

Instructions:

1. Mix and pour into tiny molds. Freeze until solid.

Benefits: Anti-inflammatory and supports coat health.

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20. Green Lipped Mussel Chews

 

 

Ingredients:

• ¼ cup green-lipped mussel powder

• ½ cup mashed potato

Instructions:

1. Combine, shape into small chews, and bake at 325°F for 10 minutes.

Why It’s Great: Supports joint health.

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FAQs About Homemade Cat Treats

1. "How many treats can I give my cat daily?"

   • Treats should make up ≤10% of their daily calories.

2. "Can I substitute almond flour for wheat flour?"

   • Yes, but avoid almond flour if your cat has nut allergies.

3. "How long do homemade treats last?"

   • Up to 1 week in the fridge or 2–3 months in the freezer.

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Conclusion

With these 20 easy recipes, you can spoil your cat guilt-free while boosting their health. Share your creations on social media (tag us @ThatCatThing!), and don’t forget to check below for cat care tips and essentials!

Need a Professional Cat Care? Check out this page.

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The Complete Guide to Cat Health: Nutrition, Care, and Lifelong Wellness

Introduction

Cats are masters at hiding illness, making proactive health care essential for their longevity. Whether you’re a new cat parent or a seasoned owner, this guide covers everything you need to know about feline wellness—from kittenhood to the golden years. Let’s dive into nutrition, preventive care, mental health, and more to ensure your cat thrives.

 

1. Cat Nutrition: Building the Foundation for Health

Keyword Focus: "best cat diet," "wet vs. dry cat food," "cat hydration tips"

Understanding Dietary Needs by Life Stage

• Kittens: High-protein, calorie-dense food for growth (e.g., Royal Canin Kitten).

• Adults: Balanced meals with taurine and omega-3s (look for AAFCO-certified brands like Hill’s Science Diet).

• Seniors: Lower-calorie, high-fiber formulas to aid digestion (e.g., Purina Pro Plan Senior).

Wet Food vs. Dry Food: Pros and Cons

• Wet Food: Hydration boost, ideal for cats with kidney issues. Top Pick: [Wellness CORE Grain-Free Pâté](affiliate link).

• Dry Food: Dental benefits, but may contribute to dehydration.

Hydration: Why It’s Critical

• Cats evolved from desert animals and have a low thirst drive.

• Solutions: Provide multiple water bowls, use a cat fountain ([Pioneer Pet Raindrop](affiliate link)), or add broth to meals.

Supplements to Consider

• Omega-3s: For skin and coat health (Nordic Naturals Omega-3 Pet).

• Probiotics: To aid digestion (Purina FortiFlora).

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2. Common Cat Health Issues & How to Prevent Them

Keyword Focus: "signs of cat illness," "cat urinary tract health," "feline diabetes prevention"

Urinary Tract Disease (FLUTD)

• Symptoms: Straining to pee, blood in urine, excessive licking.

• Prevention:

  • Feed moisture-rich diets.

  • Use stress-reducing pheromone diffusers ([Feliway](affiliate link)).

Dental Disease

• Stats: 70% of cats develop dental issues by age 3.

• Prevention:

  • Brush teeth with cat-safe toothpaste (Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic).

  • Offer dental treats (Greenies Dental Cat Treats).

Obesity

• Risks: Diabetes, arthritis, heart disease.

• Solutions:

  • Measure portions with a kitchen scale.

  • Use interactive feeders ([Catit Senses 2.0](affiliate link)) to slow eating.

Parasites

• Fleas, Ticks, and Worms: Monthly preventatives like Revolution Plus.

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3. Preventive Care: Vaccines, Checkups, and Grooming

Keyword Focus: "cat vaccination schedule," "how to groom a cat," "indoor cat vet visits"

Essential Vaccines

• Core Vaccines: Rabies, FVRCP (feline distemper).

• Non-Core: FeLV (for outdoor cats).

How Often to Visit the Vet

• Kittens: Every 3–4 weeks until 16 weeks old.

• Adults: Annual checkups.

• Seniors: Biannual visits for bloodwork.

Grooming Tips by Coat Type

• Short-Haired: Weekly brushing (SleekEZ Deshedding Tool).

• Long-Haired: Daily brushing to prevent mats (Chris Christensen Slicker Brush).

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4. Mental Health & Environmental Enrichment

Keyword Focus: "cat anxiety solutions," "how to entertain a cat," "cat stress signs"

Signs of Stress

• Hiding, overgrooming, aggression.

Enrichment Ideas

• Vertical Space: Cat trees ([Frisco 72-in](affiliate link)).

• Puzzle Feeders: Outward Hound Fun Feeder.

• Interactive Play: Da Bird teaser wand (mimics prey movement).

Managing Multi-Cat Households

• Provide separate resources (litter boxes, food bowls).

• Use calming collars ([Sentry HC Calming Collar](affiliate link)).

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5. Senior Cat Care: Navigating Aging Gracefully

Keyword Focus: "senior cat symptoms," "cat arthritis treatment," "end-of-life care"

Age-Related Health Changes

• Arthritis:

  • Symptoms: Limping, reluctance to jump.

  • Solutions: Ramps, heated beds ([K&H Thermo-Kitty Mat](affiliate link)), joint supplements (Cosequin).

• Kidney Disease:

  • Feed prescription diets (Hill’s k/d).

  • Subcutaneous fluids for hydration.

Comfort Modifications

• Low-sided litter boxes (Nature’s Miracle High-Sided).

• Soft, orthopedic bedding.

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6. When to See the Vet: Emergency Red Flags

Keyword Focus: "cat emergency symptoms," "is my cat sick quiz"

Urgent Symptoms

• Difficulty breathing, seizures, sudden paralysis.

• Non-Urgent But Concerning: Vomiting >24 hours, lethargy, weight loss.

First-Aid Kit Essentials

• Styptic powder (for nail bleeding), digital thermometer, gauze.

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FAQs About Cat Health

1. "How can I tell if my cat is in pain?"

   • Signs: Hiding, reduced appetite, dilated pupils.

2. "Are grain-free diets bad for cats?"

   • No, but ensure they’re high in animal protein.

3. "How do I introduce a new food without upsetting their stomach?"

   • Transition slowly over 7–10 days.

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Conclusion

Your cat’s health is a lifelong commitment, but with the right knowledge, you can prevent many issues and catch others early. Bookmark this guide, share it with fellow cat lovers.

Need a Professional Cat Care? Check out this page.