Homemade Cat Treats (Some You Can Share)

Homemade cat treats are one of the ultimate ways to treat your cat. Cats have high intuition, so whether or not they know you personally produced their treats, they’re bound to sense the extra love. On top of that, almost nothing can beat the taste and freshness of a good DIY dish.

In this article we share some tasty recipes for homemade cat treats. Some are both cat- and human-friendly, so you can snack on them too! You’ll also benefit from knowing exactly what goes into what you’re feeding your cat. Just be sure not to overfeed them these tasty morsels, even if it’s tempting.

Homemade treats for your cat

Cats are fussy eaters, so a great way to start is by selecting flavours you know your cat prefers. Some cats like fish but not chicken, others may choose meat but not fish (although unlikely)! The great thing about feeding our pets is that they’re very good at training us.

When they don’t like something they’ll usually sidestep it until we get the message and try out something new. So unless you’re a first time pet owner, you probably have some insider knowledge on your pet’s palette. And hey, if you’re just starting out, look forward to some good ol’ hit and miss.

And while we’re talking snack time, be sure to count your homemade cat treats toward your cat’s total calorie intake. Because becoming overweight can turn to obesity, which can, in turn, lead to diabetes in dogs and cats.

Now, let’s check out these a-meowsing homemade cat treats:

Best homemade cat treat recipes

While no cats have actually reviewed these recipes, they seem to give them a solid paws up. You’re welcome to review on their behalf (or recommend a tasty homemade cat treat of your own) via our Facebook page.

Click the heading links below to access them.

1. Catnip and tuna treats

If you’ve ever wondered ‘what does catnip do‘, now’s your chance to find out. 66% of cats seem to love the stuff (while the rest don’t seem to have anything against it). Regardless which of these two camps your cat falls into, if they’re a fan of tuna this recipe is straight from heaven.

2. Chewy parsley, chicken, and rice treats

This recipe is legendary among cat treat connoisseurs (those who make them rather than eat them). And the verdict is that those who eat them simply can’t get enough. Cats love the taste array together with the texture of this snack. The aromas of the parsley, wholesomeness of the rice and flavour of the chicken make cats meow for more.

If you choose baby food, be sure to check the ingredients against our ‘What NOT to put in homemade cat treats’ section below.

3. Carrot and catnip baked treats

This recipe also has the ever mysterious and wonderful catnip, this time with a veggie combo. This is great if you want your cat to get their fibre whilst balancing their protein intake. Just be sure to grate or slice your carrots finely. Large chunks can be a choking hazard.

If you want to experiment a bit with texture, keep them in the oven for a few minutes extra to give your cat a crunchier bite.

4. Sardine and flax seed treats

You know how there are bad fats and good fats? Well this recipe is filled with the good type. These tasty snacks are bursting with goodness; you could say they’re the DIY superfood snack. The rich natural oils will do great things for your cat’s insides as well as its coat, keeping it sleek and shiny.

The only real drawback is that you might want to gobble them up yourself. 😊

5. Spinach cat treats

Lest we forget pop-eye, these spinach homemade cat treats will give your cat vitality and more. The rich green veggie snacks are tasty and provide a great source of good fibre.

Watch this video to follow the recipe:

Other ingredients to try

If you’re a bit of a Nigella Lawson for cats and would like to augment and create recipes, here are some ingredients to experiment with:

• Fish oils
• Strawberries
• Cooked eggs
• Spinach
• Cooked fish
• Rice
• Cooked meat like chicken (not too fatty or salty)
• Catnip

Making your own cat treats has the benefit of ensuring everything is wholesome, fresh and additive free. Just remember that treats should only form a minor part of a cat’s overall diet.

And while you’re experimenting with these fantastic flavours, you’ll need to know what NOT to include in kitty’s food:

What NOT to put in DIY cat treats

Some foods that are great for humans aren’t safe for cats to eat. Their stomachs are much smaller and don’t always produce all the same enzymes ours do. That means some foods humans enjoy can cause adverse reactions and in some cases can even be fatal for cats to eat.

Be sure NOT to include the following when cooking for your cats:

• Avocado
• Onions
• Garlic
• Xylitol
• Milk/cheese
• Chocolate (read about chocolate toxicity)
• Coffee (or anything with caffeine in it)
• Citrus fruit (oranges, grapefruit, lemons etc.)
• Grapes (and raisins)
• Nuts (especially macadamia nuts)
• Salt

And on the topic, read about common plants that are toxic to pets, and household things that are bad for pets. If you come across an ingredient you’re unsure of, better to leave it out or do some solid research.

Pet insurance for peace of mind

One of the most common pet parenting concerns is pets eating something poisonous or swallowing something they shouldn’t. In situations like this, you won’t want to think about the costs involved, especially when the treatment options could mean all the difference.

Pet insurance gives you the freedom to think about your pet and not your pocket. Our pet plans help you cover pet healthcare costs, from non-routine vet visits to unexpected accident treatment. So give your cat a soft landing with quality cat insurance.