Your Cat Is Judging Store Bought Treats. Try These Homemade Wins Instead
Homemade Treats for Cats
Because your cat deserves better than mystery ingredients If you have ever read the ingredient list on commercial cat treats and thought, “What even is this?”, you are not alone. More cat parents are turning to homemade treats as a way to control ingredients, support feline health, and add a little joy to their cat’s daily routine. The good news is that making treats for cats is easier than it sounds, as long as you respect one very important rule. Cats are obligate carnivores. That means meat is not a preference. It is a biological requirement.
Homemade cat treats let you decide exactly what goes into your cat’s bowl. This can be especially helpful for cats with food sensitivities, chronic GI issues, or a tendency toward weight gain. You can skip fillers, artificial flavors, and excess carbohydrates, and focus on simple, species appropriate ingredients. They also give you flexibility. You can make softer treats for senior cats, high protein bites for active kittens, or single ingredient snacks for cats on elimination diets. And yes, your cat will absolutely notice the effort, even if they pretend not to.
Safe ingredients to use
When making treats at home, think simple and animal based. Cats do best with minimal ingredients and gentle cooking methods. Good options include cooked chicken, turkey, duck, salmon, sardines packed in water, and eggs. Small amounts of pumpkin puree or oat flour can help bind baked treats, but these should never be the main ingredient. A little goes a long way. Always cook meat thoroughly and avoid seasoning. No salt, no garlic, no onion, no herbs. What tastes bland to you is perfect to a cat.
Ingredients to avoid at all costs
Some foods that are safe for people are dangerous for cats. This is not the place to experiment. Never use onions, garlic, chives, leeks, grapes, raisins, chocolate, xylitol, alcohol, or raw dough. Dairy is also best avoided, since many adult cats are lactose intolerant. Even small amounts can lead to diarrhea and regret for everyone involved.
If you are ever unsure about an ingredient, skip it.
Easy homemade treat ideas your cat might actually eat
Single ingredient freeze bites
Cook chicken or salmon, cut into tiny pieces, and bake at a low temperature until dry but not burnt. Store in the fridge or freezer. These are perfect for training or pill hiding.
Two ingredient tuna treats
Mix canned tuna in water with one egg. Spoon small dollops onto a baking sheet and bake until firm. These treats are aromatic, which is basically cat marketing gold.
Soft senior cat snacks
Blend cooked turkey with a little warm water until smooth. Portion into ice cube trays and freeze. Thaw slightly before serving for a soft, lickable treat that is gentle on older teeth.
Even healthy homemade treats add calories. A good rule of thumb is to keep treats under ten percent of your cat’s daily caloric intake. For many cats, that means just a few small bites per day. If your cat has diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies, or is on a prescription diet, talk to your veterinarian before adding homemade treats. Some conditions require very specific nutrient control. Remember that treats should stay treats. They should never replace a complete and balanced commercial or veterinary recommended diet.
Homemade treats can be a fun and healthy way to bond with your cat, as long as you keep things simple and meat focused. Your cat does not need variety or fancy flavors. They need quality protein, consistency, and someone willing to open the fridge on demand. Make it safe. Make it simple. And do not be offended if your cat walks away anyway.
