I’m back home, and my cat couldn’t be happier – he’s been my shadow ever since I walked in! To celebrate being reunited with my furry friend, I decided to bake him some special homemade treats. Funny enough, while these cheesy Cat Treats were baking, the delicious smell of cheese made me a little envious, wishing they were for me! But of course, sharing is caring, especially when my cat was meowing at my feet the entire time, clearly hoping for a taste.
However, in true cat fashion, after all that anticipation, he just sniffed the cheesy cat treats and gave me a look of utter confusion. Apparently, cheese isn’t his favorite, except maybe for the occasional lunch meat. He’ll meow for almost anything, but then often acts like my offerings are the strangest things he’s ever seen! Luckily, I know plenty of other cats who would go crazy for these homemade cat treats. Oh, Brady-cat, you silly feline!
If you’re looking to spoil your own kitty with some homemade goodness, these cheesy cat treats are a purrfect choice. They are simple to make with just a few ingredients you might already have in your kitchen. Plus, making your own cat treats is a great way to know exactly what your furry friend is eating.
Why Make Homemade Cat Treats?
Making homemade cat treats, like these cheesy delights, has several benefits:
- Control over ingredients: You know exactly what goes into your cat treats, avoiding any mystery ingredients or fillers that might be in commercial brands. This is especially helpful if your cat has any sensitivities or allergies.
- Freshness: Homemade treats are fresh and don’t contain preservatives like many store-bought options.
- Bonding with your cat: The process of baking something special for your cat is a wonderful way to show them you care and strengthen your bond. Plus, the aroma of baking treats is sure to get your cat’s attention and excitement!
- Cost-effective: Often, making your own cat treats can be more economical than buying premium brands from the store.
Cheesy Cat Treats Recipe
This recipe is incredibly easy and yields about 10 dozen tasty cat treats, perfect for spoiling your feline friend or sharing with other cat lovers.
Ingredients:
- 3/4 cup shredded cheddar cheese
- 3/4 cup whole wheat flour
- 1/4 cup sour cream or plain yogurt (plain Greek yogurt works great too!)
- 1/4 cup cornmeal
- 5 tablespoons grated Parmesan cheese
- A few tablespoons of water
Directions:
- Preheat the oven: Set your oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit (175 degrees Celsius). Line a cookie sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking and make cleanup easier.
- Combine ingredients: In a mixing bowl, combine the shredded cheddar cheese, whole wheat flour, sour cream (or yogurt), cornmeal, and grated Parmesan cheese.
- Form the dough: Mix the ingredients together. Gradually add water, one tablespoon at a time, until the dough comes together and forms a ball. You might not need all the water, so add it slowly until the dough is just right.
- Roll and cut: Lightly flour a surface and roll out the dough to about 1/4-inch thickness. Use a knife or pizza cutter to cut the dough into small, 1/2-inch pieces. You can make them square, rectangular, or even use mini cookie cutters for fun shapes.
- Bake: Place the cut-out cat treats onto the prepared cookie sheet. Bake for 25 minutes, or until they are lightly golden brown and firm.
- Cool and store: Let the cheesy cat treats cool completely on the cookie sheet before transferring them to an airtight container.
Tips for Perfect Homemade Cat Treats
- Dough consistency: The dough should be firm but pliable. If it’s too dry, add a tiny bit more water. If it’s too sticky, add a little more flour.
- Baking time: Oven temperatures can vary, so keep an eye on the treats while they are baking. They are done when they are lightly golden and firm to the touch.
- Cooling is crucial: Make sure the cat treats are completely cool before storing them. This prevents them from becoming soggy.
- Storage: Store the cooled cheesy cat treats in an airtight container at room temperature for up to 2 weeks. For longer storage, you can freeze them for up to a few months. Thaw them completely before giving them to your cat.
- Cheese variations: While cheddar and Parmesan are used in this recipe, you can experiment with other hard cheeses that are safe for cats in moderation.
Are Cheesy Treats Okay for Cats?
While cats are often portrayed as loving milk and cheese, many adult cats are actually lactose intolerant. However, small amounts of hard cheeses like cheddar and Parmesan are generally tolerated well by most cats as they are lower in lactose. These cheesy cat treats are designed to be given in moderation as a special snack, not as a meal replacement. Always observe your cat’s reaction to new treats and consult with your veterinarian if you have any concerns about your cat’s diet or allergies.
These homemade cheesy cat treats are a fun and easy way to show your feline friend some love. Enjoy baking and watching your cat enjoy these special snacks!
Source: Adapted slightly from Natural Pet Essentials.
