Every cat lovers knows the immense joy and comfort that our feline companions bring into our lives. National Cook for Your Pets Day is the perfect opportunity to express our love and gratitude for our furry friends by preparing a special homemade treat for them. While homemade dog treats often get center stage, cat lovers can also cook up a delicious and safe treat for their beloved felines. In this article, we’ll look at the foods that should never be fed to cats, and provide a simple and wholesome cat treat recipe that your kitty is sure to adore.
When is National Cook for Your Pets Day?
National Cook for Your Pets Day is held every year on November 1. This pet holiday was originally developed by a site called Cook for Your Pets as a day dedicated to spoiling our four-legged family members with homemade, pet-friendly meals and treats.
Foods Cat Lovers Should Never Feed Their Cats
Before we dive into the delicious homemade treat recipe for your cat, it’s crucial to understand what foods should never be given to felines.
Cats have specific dietary requirements that differ from humans, and some common human foods can be harmful or even toxic to cats. Here’s a list of foods to avoid:
- Chocolate: Chocolate contains theobromine, which is toxic to cats. It can cause vomiting, diarrhea, seizures, and even death if ingested.
- Onions and Garlic: These vegetables can lead to a condition called hemolytic anemia in cats, which causes the destruction of red blood cells. Even small amounts should be avoided.
- Grapes and Raisins: These can cause kidney failure in cats.
- Alcohol: Alcohol consumption can lead to alcohol poisoning in cats, causing a range of health issues, including coma and death.
- Bones: Cooked bones can splinter and cause choking, intestinal blockages, or internal injuries in cats.
- Caffeine: Like chocolate, caffeine is toxic to cats and can lead to severe health problems.
- Raw Eggs and Raw Fish: Raw eggs may contain salmonella or cause biotin deficiency, while raw fish can lead to thiamine deficiency in cats.
- Dairy Products: Many cats are lactose intolerant, and dairy can cause digestive upset. It’s a myth that milk is good for cats.
A Simple Cat Treat Recipe
Now that you know what foods to avoid, let’s explore a simple and nutritious cat treat recipe that your feline friend will adore. These homemade treats are packed with protein!
Ingredients:
- 1 cup cooked and shredded chicken breast (no seasoning)
- 1/4 cup pureed pumpkin (unsweetened, unseasoned)
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1/4 cup oat flour (you can make this by grinding oats in a blender)
- 1/4 cup dried organic catnip (optional, for added flavor)
- Water, as needed
Note: Be sure to use pure pumpkin, never pumpkin pie filling. You can make your own pumpkin puree or purchase pumpkin puree–just look for cans with ONLY pumpkin listed in the ingredients list.
Instructions:
- Preheat your oven to 350°F (175°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded chicken, pureed pumpkin, beaten egg, oat flour, and dried catnip (if using). Mix well to form a dough-like consistency. If the mixture is too dry, add a small amount of water to moisten it.
- Roll small portions of the mixture into bite-sized balls or shape them as desired.
- Place the treats on the prepared baking sheet and flatten them slightly with the back of a fork.
- Bake in the preheated oven for about 10-12 minutes or until the treats are firm and lightly browned.
- Allow the treats to cool completely before offering them to your cat. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to one week.
National Cook for Your Pets Day is an excellent opportunity for cat lovers to show their feline friends how much they are loved and appreciated.
More November Pet Holidays
Here on CatTipper we feature hundreds of cat holidays, observances and awareness days, weeks and months including these other November events:
International Pet Groomer Appreciation Day
- Protecting Birds with Birdsbesafe Cat Collars - April 24, 2024
- Are Eclipses Dangerous to Cats? - March 4, 2024
- 80 Names for Cats with Spots and Speckles - March 3, 2024