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Cat treats can be worth it, as they serve as rewards for good behavior, act as aids in training, and can help strengthen the cat’s responsiveness in critical situations.

Many high-quality treats also offer health benefits, such as dental care or added nutrients. However, excessive treats can lead to obesity and other health issues, so portion control is essential.

Ultimately, the value of cat treats depends on the specific treats, your cat’s dietary needs, and how they fit into your overall pet care routine. Meet your vet for guidance on the best treats for your cat, and also try baking some cat treats at home.

Keep your feline’s health in mind and consider being equipped with cat insurance so you can handle any health emergencies more effectively. Contemplate purchasing a policy because pet insurance costs can be much lesser than potentially hefty vet costs you may have to deal with during unplanned vet visits.

In the meantime, try these lip-smacking cat treat recipes at home!

Homemade cat treat recipes

Homemade cat treats provide a healthier, more personalized, and budget-friendly way to reward your feline friend while ensuring their well-being, however, they should be served in moderation, so why not prepare some for your feline friend?

#1 Tuna treats

Ingredients

1/2 cup canned tuna (in water, drained)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 egg

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine the tuna, flour, and egg in a food processor until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough on a floured surface and cut into small shapes.
• Place the treats on a baking sheet and bake for about 10-12 minutes until they turn golden brown.
• Let them cool before serving.

#2 Chicken and catnip treats

Ingredients

1/2 cup cooked chicken, shredded

1/4 cup chicken broth (unsalted)

1 cup oat flour

1 tbsp dried catnip

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Blend the shredded chicken, chicken broth, and dried catnip in a food processor.
• Add the oat flour and mix until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough, cut into small shapes, and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes until it is crispy. Allow them to cool before offering them to your cat.

#3 Salmon treats

Ingredients

1/2 cup canned salmon (undrained)

1 cup whole wheat flour

1 egg

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Blend the canned salmon, whole wheat flour, and egg in a food processor until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough, cut into small shapes, and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-12 minutes until they’re firm. Let them cool before serving.

#4 Cheesy treats

Ingredients

1/2 cup shredded cheddar cheese

1/2 cup whole wheat flour

1/4 cup grated Parmesan cheese

1/4 cup plain yogurt

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine cheddar cheese, whole wheat flour, and Parmesan cheese in a food processor.
• Add plain yogurt and blend until a dough forms.
• Roll out the dough, cut into small shapes, and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 10-15 minutes or until it’s golden brown. Cool them before serving.

#5 Sweet potato treats

Ingredients

1 small sweet potato, cooked and mashed

1 cup oat flour

1 egg

Instructions

• Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C).
• Combine the mashed sweet potato, oat flour, and egg to form a dough.
• Roll out the dough, cut into small shapes, and place them on a baking sheet.
• Bake for about 20-25 minutes until they’re firm. Allow them to cool before offering them to your cat.

Store any homemade cat treats in an airtight container to keep them fresh for your feline companion.

Although homemade treats allow pet owners to control the ingredients, ensuring that the treats are free from artificial additives, preservatives, and fillers, which can be unhealthy for cats, you should still consider being equipped with cat insurance. Pet insurance costs can be more affordable than unexpected vet bills during medical emergencies,  which is why you should consider purchasing a policy.