If you’ve ever wanted to spoil your feline friend with something special, homemade cat treats are the purr-fect way to do it. Unlike store-bought treats (which can be full of additives), these recipes use simple, wholesome ingredients your cat will love. Plus, making them yourself is fun, budget-friendly, and a great way to bond with your kitty.
In this guide, we’ll share three of the best homemade cat treat recipes — tested, cat-approved, and guaranteed to get those whiskers twitching.
🐾 Why Make Homemade Cat Treats?
- Healthier ingredients – no hidden preservatives.
- Budget-friendly – uses pantry staples like tuna, salmon, and chicken.
- Customizable – add catnip, parsley, or favorite flavors.
- Bonding time – your cat will love “helping” in the kitchen.
👉 Tip: Always check ingredients are safe for cats before experimenting. (See Cats Protection’s guide on safe cat food for more details.)
🐟 Recipe 1: Tuna Crunchies -– Easy Homemade Cat Treats
Ingredients
- 1 can of tuna (drained)
- 1 cup of whole wheat flour (or rice flour if gluten-free)
- 1 egg
- 1/4 cup of water
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into dough.
- Roll out and cut into tiny bite-sized shapes.
- Bake at 350°F (175°C) for ~20 minutes, until crunchy.
🐠 Recipe 2: Salmon Swirls – Delicious Homemade Cat Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 can of salmon (drained)
- 1/2 cup of oat flour
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon catnip (optional, for extra excitement)
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients and shape into small balls.
- Flatten slightly with a fork.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for ~15 minutes.

🍗 Recipe 3: Chicken Delights – Healthy Homemade Cat Treats
Ingredients:
- 1 cup of cooked chicken (shredded)
- 1/2 cup of brown rice flour
- 1/4 cup of chicken broth
- 1 tablespoon chopped parsley
Instructions:
- Mix all ingredients until combined.
- Shape into tiny rounds.
- Bake at 300°F (150°C) for 15–20 minutes, until firm.
Recipe 4: Pumpkin Paws – Autumn Homemade Cat Treats🎃
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup pumpkin purée (plain, unsweetened)
- 1 cup oat flour
- 1 egg
Instructions:
- Mix ingredients into a dough.
- Roll and cut into paw shapes.
- Bake at 325°F (160°C) for 20 minutes.
🛒 Tools & Ingredients for homemade cat treats
Making cat treats is easier with the right tools. Here are a few cat-friendly essentials:
- Catnip 🌿 (for extra-fun recipes)
- Silicone baking mats (easy cleanup + non-stick)
- Treat storage containers to keep them fresh
Safety Notes
- Always introduce new foods slowly.
- Use plain, pet-safe ingredients (no onion, garlic, salt, or sugar).
- Treats should be occasional extras, not meal replacements.
Recipe 5: Denise’s Homemade Turkey Bone Broth 🦃💧
(My cats love this — I freeze it in small containers and add a spoonful to their food each day. It gives them glossy coats, helps with hydration, and they lap it up like it’s gourmet soup!)
Ingredients:
- Turkey leg bone Water (enough to cover bones)
- 1–2 carrots (optional, for flavor, remove before serving)
- 1/2 Cup of Apple cider vinegar
- Do NOT add onion, garlic, or seasoning — toxic to cats.
Instructions:
- Place turkey leg in a large pot and cover with water.
- Simmer on low for 6–8 hours. .
- You could aslo use a slow cooker or cook in the oven on a low temperature overnight.
- Strain broth carefully, discarding bones and veg.
- Cool completely.
- Portion into ice cube trays or small containers and freeze.
👉 Serving tip: Add 1–2 spoonfuls to your cat’s food daily for hydration and extra nutrients.

“This is my favorite recipe, so I’ve included the full details in Google’s recipe card below 👇”

Turkey Bone Broth for Cats
Ingredients
Equipment
Method
- Place turkey leg into an oven dish or slow cooker.
- Cover with water.
- Set oven temerature to low (50 – 100 degrees) and leave to simmer overnight (Even longer if you can)
- Strain and allow broth to cool fully.
- Portion into freezer-safe pots (I use these ones from Amazon – https://amzn.to/48KLLJo).
- Freeze and defrost one pot daily to add to your cat’s food.
Notes
- Supports hydration (especially helpful since cats don’t drink much water).
- Adds shine to coat and supports joint health.
- Keep portions small; this is a supplement, not a meal replacement.
🐾Final Thoughts on Homemade Cat Treats Your Cat Will Love
Whether you whip up Tuna Crunchies, Salmon Swirls, or Chicken Delights, your cat will love these tasty, healthy snacks. Remember — treats should be an occasional reward, not a full meal.
So roll up your sleeves, grab some flour, and get baking. Your cat’s happy purrs will be the sweetest reward of all.
🐱💕 Meow for now — and may your kitchen always be filled with love, laughter, and a few furry paws underfoot!
🔗 Explore More Whiskernest Cat Guides
🐾 About the Author

Denise Shafto – Cat enthusiast & founder of Whiskernest
Denise shares cozy tips, practical guides, and cat-approved finds to help whiskered friends live their best nine lives. When she’s not writing, she’s usually testing new toys with her own mischievous felines.
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