The Best Homemade Cat Treat Recipes Your Kitty Will Love

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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 👇”

denise.shafto

Turkey Bone Broth for Cats

"This homemade turkey bone broth is a simple, nourishing way to keep cats hydrated and healthy. Packed with natural nutrients, it supports shiny coats, joint health, and happy tummies — and cats love the taste!"
Prep Time 10 minutes
Cook Time 18 hours
Servings: 40 Small pots
Course: Treats / Supplement / Homemade Cat Food
Cuisine: Pet Food / Cat Care

Ingredients
  

  • 1 Raw Turkey leg
  • Enough water to cover meat
  • 1/2 cup Apple cider vinegar

Equipment

  • 1 Large oven dish with lid

Method
 

  1. Place turkey leg into an oven dish or slow cooker.
  2. Cover with water.
  3. Set oven temerature to low (50 – 100 degrees) and leave to simmer overnight (Even longer if you can)
  4. Strain and allow broth to cool fully.
  5. Portion into freezer-safe pots (I use these ones from Amazon – https://amzn.to/48KLLJo).
  6. 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!


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🐾 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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