If you’ve got a picky cat on your hands, you’re definitely not alone. Some kitties turn their noses up at the fanciest store-bought treats and leave you wondering if you’re ever going to find something they’ll love. The good news? There are some super easy, no-cook DIY cat treats you can make at home that even the fussiest feline is bound to enjoy.
Yep, no ovens, no stovetops, and absolutely no stress. Just simple, wholesome ingredients, and a few minutes of your time. Let’s dive into these 7 DIY cat treat ideas that don’t require any cooking but are totally packed with flavor and fun. Bonus: they’re budget-friendly and customizable for your kitty’s preferences!
1. Tuna & Catnip Balls
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can of tuna in water (drained)
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1 tablespoon oat flour (or plain oats ground finely)
How to Make it:
1
Mash the tuna in a bowl.
2
Mix in the catnip and oat flour until you get a dough-like texture.
3
Roll the mixture into small, bite-sized balls.
4
Refrigerate for 15-20 minutes so they firm up a bit.
Store them in an airtight container in the fridge and let your cat enjoy a ball or two each day. Most picky eaters love this one because the tuna scent is just irresistible.
2. Chicken & Pumpkin Paste Treats
If your cat has a taste for chicken, this one might be a winner. It also helps with digestion thanks to the pumpkin.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup canned chicken (drained)
- 1 tablespoon pumpkin puree (NOT pie filling!)
- 1 teaspoon plain Greek yogurt (optional)
How to make it:
1
Blend all ingredients in a food processor until smooth.
2
Spoon the paste into a small silicone mold or ice cube tray.
3
Freeze for 20-30 minutes just to firm them up slightly (optional).
Serve a small spoonful at a time. These are especially good for senior cats who prefer soft textures.
3. Salmon Sprinkle Bites
Think of this one as a protein-packed seasoning that you can sprinkle over your cat’s food or offer as finger-licking bits.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 pouch or can of boneless, skinless salmon (in water)
- 1 tablespoon finely crushed freeze-dried chicken or shrimp (optional)
How to Make it:
1
Drain the salmon well.
2
Mash it into small flakes.
3
Mix in the crushed freeze-dried protein if you want extra crunch.
You can store this mix in a jar and keep it in the fridge. Just a sprinkle here and there adds a boost of flavor that may finally tempt your picky eater to finish their dinner.
4. Crunchy Cheddar Bites
Yes, cats can enjoy small amounts of cheese! Just be sure your feline friend isn’t lactose intolerant. These are a great occasional treat.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup finely shredded cheddar cheese
- 1 tablespoon oat flour
- 1 tablespoon plain mashed peas (optional, for texture)
How to Make it:
1
Combine everything in a small bowl.
2
Shape into tiny flattened circles.
3
Pop them in the fridge so they firm up.
These have a savory smell that might just be the trick for cats who turn away from the usual fishy stuff. Use as an occasional treat, not a daily staple.
5. Turkey & Cranberry Treat Balls
Sounds festive, right? These are great around the holidays or any time your kitty wants something different. The cranberry adds a tart twist, but make sure it’s unsweetened.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/2 cup shredded turkey breast (plain, no salt or spices)
- 1 tablespoon unsweetened cranberry puree or finely chopped fresh cranberries
- 1 tablespoon oat flour or crushed dry cat food
How to Make it:
1
Mix all ingredients together in a bowl.
2
Form small balls using your fingers.
3
Chill in the fridge for 30 minutes.
Cats that are bored of fish will often appreciate the change in flavor. Plus, cranberries are great for urinary health in small amounts.
6. Sardine & Olive Oil Mash
This one’s for the omega-3 lovers. Sardines are packed with healthy fats, and a little olive oil gives it a smooth texture and an extra boost of nutrients.
What You’ll Need:
- 1 can sardines in water (boneless)
- 1/2 teaspoon olive oil
- 1 tablespoon cooked plain rice (optional, for bulk)
How to Make it:
1
Mash everything together until you get a smooth, pate-like consistency.
2
Spoon small portions into a container.
3
Serve in tiny amounts, especially for smaller or less active cats.
Sardines can be a hit or miss depending on your cat’s tastebuds, but if they like them, this treat is like a spa day for their skin and coat.
7. DIY Lickable Treat Tubes
Ever seen those fancy lickable treats in pet stores that come in little pouches? You can totally make your own at home.
What You’ll Need:
- 1/4 cup plain cooked chicken or tuna (shredded)
- 2 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt or goat milk
- 1/2 teaspoon nutritional yeast (optional but cats love it)
How to Make it:
1
Blend all ingredients until smooth.
2
Pour into clean plastic squeeze tubes, small ziplock bags (cut a tiny hole in the corner), or reusable silicone tubes.
3
Store in the fridge for up to 3 days.
These are great for bonding, training, or sneaking in meds. Cats love the soft texture and bold flavors, and you know exactly what’s going into them.
Bonus Tips for Picky Eaters:
If your kitty still isn’t sold, try these tips:
- Warm it up a bit: Just a few seconds in the microwave (make sure it’s not hot!) can enhance the smell and make it more appealing.
- Smaller portions: Don’t overwhelm them. Start with a pea-sized bit and let them come to it.
- Add variety: Like humans, cats get bored too. Rotate between treats every few days.
- Try different textures: Some cats prefer pate-like pastes, while others want a little crunch.
Ingredients to Avoid:
Before you whip up any cat treat, steer clear of these no-go ingredients:
- Onions or garlic (toxic)
- Salt or seasoned meats
- Dairy with lactose (some cats can’t digest it)
- Chocolate (extremely toxic!)
- Artificial sweeteners (especially xylitol)
Always keep it simple and cat-safe.
Final Thoughts
Making cat treats at home doesn’t have to be complicated or time-consuming. With just a few pantry staples and a little creativity, you can whip up something your picky eater might actually look forward to. And the best part? You know exactly what they’re eating. Oh, and while you’re prepping treats for your fur baby, maybe grab a snack for yourself too. Something crunchy, buttery, and totally human-friendly like Farmer Jon’s Popcorn. Just don’t share that one with the cat!
