Cat owners love to give treats to their furry companions. Watching the look of relish on their faces while they eat, listening to the appreciative purr, and getting that "blinkie-eye" which says "I-wuv-you" is worth the expense. Unfortunately, commercial treats have risen in prices over the years while additives have been known to cause health problems.
Avoid giving a cat unhealthy treats by making them in the kitchen from available and natural products. The process is no more difficult than making cookies. Here are cat treats anyone can make in his or her own kitchen.
Meat bites: Combine one egg, two tablespoons finely ground oats, three ounces of leftover non-spiced meat or sausage, and a pinch or two of catnip. The last ingredient is optional, of course. Combine in a bowl and mix well. Spray a broiler pan with non-stick spray and using a half-teaspoon measuring spoon, roll mixture into balls. Broil for approximately five minutes, or until the outside is crisp. Allow to cool and store in airtight container.
Liver treats: Use liver pulverized in a blender or baby food without onion powder. Combine one-half cup powdered milk, one-half cup wheat germ, one teaspoon honey and three ounces liver. Preheat the oven to 350 and spray a pan with non-stick spray. Use a half-teaspoon measuring spoon and roll into balls. Flatten with finger or fork. Bake for eight to ten minutes. The treats should have the consistency of fudge. Store in an airtight container. A zip lock bag or vacuum bag works well also.
Senior chicken soup: For older kitties that have trouble chewing crunchy treats, finely shred a half-cup cooked chicken. Dissolve a bullion cube in one-half cup warm water and pour over chicken. Top with one tablespoon finely grated cheese (the kind kitty likes most), mix and serve.
Cheesy balls: In one bowl, combine two tablespoons olive oil, one-half cup finely grated cheddar or cheddar jack (whichever cheese kitty likes most), and one egg. Mix well. In another bowl, combine one-half cup whole-wheat flour and one-half teaspoon catnip (or one teaspoon fresh; more is okay). Add the flour mixture to the wet mixture a little at a time and mix well. The consistency should be soft dough. Preheat oven to 300. Using a half-teaspoon measuring spoon, roll mixture into balls, and place on ungreased cookie sheet. Flatten balls and bake for 25 minutes. Allow to cool, and store in airtight container.
Tuna nips: Spray cookie sheet with non-stick cooking spray and preheat oven to 350. In one bowl, combine one can tuna in oil (do not drain tuna first) and one large egg. Mix well, mashing the tuna into tiny bits. In another bowl, mix one-half cup each powdered milk and whole- wheat flour. Add one-half teaspoon dried catnip. Mix the dry ingredients into the tuna mixture. Add small amounts of water until mixture is a soft, sticky dough. Drop one-half teaspoonfuls onto cookie sheet and bake for 25 minutes. Cool completely and store in airtight container.
Making cat treats saves money, but also gives the owner peace of mind by knowing that kitty is receiving treats without potentially harmful additives or preservatives. It is also a great way to take care of leftovers any time of year. If children get into the treats, they will not be harmed
