Listen up, fellow cat moms-we all know our feline overlords deserve nothing but the absolute best. And let’s be real, store-bought treats? They’re so last season. Today, we’re diving into the world of homemade cat treats that’ll have your kitty doing a happy dance-or, you know, that classic cat side-eye of pure contentment.
Why Homemade Treats Are Totally Worth It
Imagine: You are meal-prepping for yourself, you are on Pinterest, and then it just hits you-why should not your cat be getting the gourmet treatment too? These homemade catnip treats are, like, avocado toast for cats: simple, wholesome, and sure to make your furry little friend feel like the queen she is.
1. Vegan Catnip Pumpkin Bites
Vegan Catnip Pumpkin Bites are a fun yet healthy way to spoil your kitty. This vegan recipe is easy to make and is prepared with ingredients that your cat will love.
Ingredients:
- 1 cup oat flour (or grind rolled oats into a fine powder)
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 1/4 cup pumpkin puree (unsweetened and plain)
- 1/4 cup mashed sweet potato (cooked and cooled)
- 1 tablespoon olive oil or coconut oil
- 2 tablespoons water (or as needed for consistency)
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Baking sheet
- Parchment paper
- Rolling pin
- Cookie cutter-small shapes, such as fish or hearts
Instructions:
- Prepare the Baking Sheet:
- Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
- Mix the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, combine oat flour and dried catnip. Stir well to evenly distribute the catnip. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Add pumpkin puree, mashed sweet potato, and olive oil to the dry mixture. Stir until combined. The mixture needs to form a thick dough. If it is too dry, add a little water, 1 teaspoon at a time. - Roll Out the Dough:
Lightly flour a clean surface with oat flour. Roll out the dough to about 1/4 inch thickness. - Cut Into Shapes:
Use a small cookie cutter and cut into desired, bite-sized shapes. If you don’t have a cookie cutter, use a knife to cut the dough into small squares or triangles. - Arrange on Baking Sheet:
Line the cut shapes on the prepared baking sheet, leaving some space between. - Bake the Treats:
Bake in a preheated oven for 15-20 minutes or until the treats are firm and a bit golden brown. Be careful not to overbake, for overbaking could make the treats too hard. - Cool Completely:
After removing them from the oven, let the treats cool entirely on a wire rack. That will allow the treats to firm up properly. - Store the Treats:
Store the cooled treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 1 week or refrigerate for longer freshness.
Serving
Offer your kitty 1-2 treats as an occasional snack. Always monitor their reaction to new treats to ensure they agree with your pet’s tummy.
Enjoy treating your furry friend with these delightful homemade catnip bites!
2. Vegan Catnip Coconut Balls for Cats
These no-bake Catnip Coconut Balls are a quick and easy way to spoil your feline friend. They’re made with simple, cat-safe ingredients and require no oven, making them purr-fect for a mess-free treat!
Ingredients:
- 1/2 cup oat flour (or ground rolled oats)
- 1/4 cup unsweetened coconut flakes (finely shredded)
- 1 tablespoon dried catnip
- 2 tablespoons unsweetened applesauce
- 1 tablespoon coconut oil (melted)
- 1-2 teaspoons water (optional, for consistency)
Tools Needed:
- Mixing bowl
- Small spoon or cookie scoop
- Plate or tray
- Wax paper or parchment paper
Instructions:
- Combine the Dry Ingredients:
In a mixing bowl, whisk together oat flour, unsweetened coconut flakes, and dried catnip until well combined. - Add the Wet Ingredients:
Stir in the applesauce and melted coconut oil. Mix until the dough starts to come together. If the mixture is too dry, add water 1 teaspoon at a time until it forms a moldable consistency. - Shape the Treats:
Using your hands or a small spoon, scoop out small portions of the dough and roll them into bite-sized balls, about 1/2 inch in diameter. - Set the Balls:
Line a plate or tray with the wax paper and place the rolled balls on it. Refrigerate for 30 minutes to firm them up. - Store the Treats:
Transfer the treats, once firm, to an airtight container and store them in the refrigerator for up to 1 week.
Serving:
Offer your cat 1-2 balls as an occasional snack. These treats are rich, so a little goes a long way!
Your cat will love the combination of catnip and coconut, while you’ll appreciate how easy these treats are to make.
Catnip and Cats: Common Questions Solved
Catnip is a perennial herb in the mint family. Its active compound, nepetalactone, stimulates cats’ sensory neurons. This often results in playfulness, euphoria, or relaxation after they smell or ingest it. Around 30% of cats are not affected due to genetics, but those that are may show behaviors like rolling, purring, meowing, or zooming around. These effects typically last 10-15 minutes and wear off, with cats becoming temporarily immune to its effects for a few hours after exposure.
Is Catnip Safe for Cats?
Yes, catnip is safe for cats! It is non-toxic and does not cause dependency or harm with regular use. Overindulging in large quantities may cause minor digestive upset. Providing catnip in moderation allows your cat to enjoy its benefits without discomfort.
How Much Catnip is Safe?
A small pinch of dried catnip or a teaspoon mixed with treats is usually enough. For fresh catnip, one or two leaves will suffice. Catnip is available in various forms, including dried, fresh, infused in toys, baked into treats, or in rubber toys.
How Often Can Cats Have Catnip?
Cats can safely have catnip 2 to 3 times a week. Frequent use may lead to desensitization, so daily exposure is unnecessary and may reduce their response over time. Save catnip as a special treat for playtime, training, or relaxation rather than making it constantly available.
When used thoughtfully, catnip is a fantastic way to enhance your cat’s mental and physical well-being.
Disclaimer: Always check with your vet about any dietary restrictions. We’re going for “cool cat mom,” not “accidentally gave my cat a food issue.”
Now go forth and treat your fur baby like the Instagram-worthy companion they are. Your cat will thank you – probably with a look that says, “I’m tolerating this display of affection, but keep the treats coming.”
If you’re looking for more vegan homemade cat treat recipes, you can check Sweet Potato and Catnip Homemade Cat Treats and Healthy Homemade Cat Treats.
