I’ve never made homemade treats for my cats before, but I found a recipe at this fun site called Catz Got a Blog. They seemed simple enough to make, so I thought I’d give it a try. The original recipe can be found here. I altered it slightly, so I’ve listed my version below with comments.
Olive and Dexter scarfed the treats right down (and went crazy while I was making them). But sadly, Sophie is not allowed to try them because of her strict diet. (Don’t worry, I gave her something she can have.)
Maybe you can make your cats a little treat this weekend! Have any recipes you want to share?
Here’s a look at the ingredients. Don’t forget the egg, like I almost did!
Ingredients
- 3 baby carrots
- 12 oz. canned tuna in water
- 3.75 oz. salmon in water (original called for sardines)
- 2 tbsp. bread crumbs
- 3 tbsp. grated Parmesan cheese
1 tbsp. catnip(I did not include this.)- 1 egg, beaten
Directions
- Preheat oven to 350 degrees F.
- In a small bowl, cook baby carrots with some water in microwave for about one minute or until they are soft. Drain and mash the carrots. (Next time I would just use shredded carrots.)
- Drain tuna and salmon from can. Reserve liquid for use later as garnish.
- Combine all the ingredients and mix evenly (except reserve liquid).
- Scoop into cupcake tins (mini ones would be perfect) or roll into balls and place on cookie sheet.
- Bake for about 20 minutes or until they are firm. Let them completely cool before serving. (Because I used the paw tin shown below, I left them in for 25 minutes.)
- Drizzle with a bit of the reserve water and serve. (I skipped this part.)
Remember, these are treats and not meant to be your cat’s main diet.
Olive and Dexter enjoying the treats!
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Did you break the treats up for them? I bet the original recipe had sardines because they are stinky and cats like fish stinky! Looks like a great idea and it’s all healthy!
Yes, I broke them apart in their dish. I skipped the sardines – I’m a vegetarian, so I’m a little squeamish when it comes to handling meat or “whole” things like sardines. Used salmon instead! But the main ingredient is tuna. They definitely liked them!
When I make tuna salad (for humans) I give my cats the drained liquid from the cans (I use tuna in water). They go crazy for it! I agree with you about sardines. My mother ate them and I wouldn’t go near her for a day afterward! Yuk!
Oh that’s a good idea! I never thought of that. I used to like tuna sandwiches, but my tuna-eating days are over. One of the things I miss since going veggie — a good tuna melt!
Kitties seem to like it!
They do! :-)
Forget the cats, I’m going to make this for myself… maybe even include the catnip!
Ha! Let me know how you like it! :-)
My cats love tuna – I might give these a go :)
Super cute pans!
That’s one of the benefits of being a “crazy cat lady” – people get you fun cat-related gifts! :-)
I will try this! My Boris Jimeno loves tuna… So… He’ll be happy… They look like little burgers for kitties
My cats would absolutely love these! I too will omit the catnip, one of my cats becomes really ill from any contact with catnip.
I love your baking tin, where did you find it?
Yeah, I’ve never tried catnip with my cats — not even in toys. But I think I may introduce them to it sometime soon and see what happens. The baking tin was a gift, but I’m pretty sure it came from the GreaterGood site, which I love!
http://theanimalrescuesite.greatergood.com/store/ars/category/3039/catthemed-home-and-kitchen
I will think about trying that! My cats would love it. They are getting tired of the food they eat.
Dear Olive, Dexter and Sophie: You have made our day! We’re sending the Food Lady to the store right now for the ingredients! Love, Aine, Emmett, Seamus, Dickens, and Poe
Oh good, hope you like them!