Dear Kitten,
It’s hard to believe it’s been two years since you came into my life. Two years filled with your comforting purrs and gentle head nudges, alongside the less charming 5 AM food demands and your persistent belief that my couch spot is actually yours. Let’s not forget the endless battle with cat hair and the strategic placement of lint rollers everywhere I go!
But honestly, despite the shin attacks and acrobatic wall climbing, these two years have been incredible. You’ve charmed all my friends with your adorable antics, perfected the art of the belly rub ambush, and made every mealtime an adventure by attempting to sample everything – remember that pancake incident?
You’ve been the best company a person could ask for, even if you do terrify the catsitters and send my boyfriends running (just kidding… mostly!). And despite your best efforts to appear aloof, I know deep down you feel the love, because I certainly feel it for you. So, to celebrate our special bond, and your second birthday with me, I’ve made you something special: homemade Chewy Cat treats. No more complaining, and no, you still can’t go outside!
Love always,
Your Human.
P.S. Remember our legendary Cat Land adventures? Good times.
I’ll admit it: making cat treats might seem a little over the top. I mean, a quick trip to the pet store and I could easily grab a bag of commercial treats. But where’s the fun (and love!) in that?
Sometimes, the most ridiculous things are the ones we do out of love. Just like binge-watching an entire season of questionable reality TV – purely for entertainment, of course! (Send help!). And in this case, showering my feline companion with homemade goodness seemed like the purr-fect way to show my affection.
My little guy (okay, he’s not so little anymore, and definitely not a fan of being called “big-boned”) was definitely intrigued by the aroma wafting from the kitchen. Birthday boy got a sneak peek – some sniffs and licks of the pre-baked dough. It’s all downhill from here, kitten. Bad habits are being formed, one delicious chewy cat treat at a time.
Why Homemade Chewy Cat Treats?
Beyond the obvious display of affection, making chewy cat treats at home has several benefits. Firstly, you know exactly what goes into them. No mystery ingredients or questionable fillers! This is especially important if your cat has any sensitivities or if you simply want to ensure they are getting the healthiest snacks possible. Commercial cat treats can sometimes be loaded with artificial additives and preservatives, which aren’t ideal for your furry friend’s well-being.
Secondly, it’s a fun and rewarding experience for you! Baking these DIY cat treats is a simple process, and the look of pure joy (or at least feline satisfaction) on your cat’s face when they taste your homemade creation is priceless. Plus, the aroma of these treats baking is far more pleasant than some commercial cat food smells!
Finally, making your own healthy cat treats can be more economical in the long run, especially if you have multiple cats or a particularly enthusiastic treat consumer. You can buy ingredients in bulk and customize the recipe to suit your cat’s preferences and dietary needs.
He was such an innocent kitten once. Who knew he’d grow into such a… character?
Somewhere along the way, manners were lost. Is it even possible to teach a cat etiquette? Seriously, if anyone has tips, please share!
Just a little taste of the bowl. For quality control purposes, naturally. He’d probably lick a bowl of anything though, even if it contained things cats shouldn’t eat (like onions – note to fellow cat lovers, no onions or garlic for cats!).
Remember when he used to fit in punch bowls? Those were the days. So cute.
Now, he’s… well, let’s just say he’s grown. Sometimes I feel like I’m living with a miniature Bengal tiger. Perhaps unwise on my part.
He knows perfectly well this is MY spot on the couch. He’s just choosing to ignore that fact. Cats, right?
He’s strangely fascinated by the mail lady. If cats could bark, I’m pretty sure he would.
Does your cat sleep like this too? Please tell me this is normal cat behavior.
Despite the quirks, the strange sleeping positions, and the occasional chaos, he’s a good cat. Consistent, fluffy, and always there.
He even tolerated a rather… humiliating haircut. But he rocks it with confidence.
Extreme close-up featuring those tiny, but surprisingly sharp, teeth.
It’s because of those tiny teeth, the shaved belly (don’t ask), and the constant, adorable companionship that I decided to bake these chewy cat treats recipe.
Chewy Cat Treats Recipe: Spoil Your Kitty!
Now, let’s get to the recipe for these irresistible chewy cat treats. A word of caution: my cat is not a picky eater. He’ll try to steal anything from waffles to vegetables. So, while he loves these, your mileage may vary if you have a more discerning feline. For extra enticement, consider adding a tablespoon of catnip or a spoonful of wet cat food to the dough. Remember, these treats are intended as a supplement to your cat’s regular diet, not a replacement. Cats need a protein-rich diet, and these pet treat recipes are designed to be a tasty and healthy addition.
Yields: Approximately 50 small treats
Prep time: 15 minutes
Cook time: 20-25 minutes
Ingredients:
- 1 large egg
- 4 oz jar chicken and brown rice baby food (or substitute with wet cat food for a meatier flavor)
- ¼ cup fresh parsley, coarsely chopped
- 2 teaspoons olive oil
- 2 tablespoons water
- 1 cup brown rice flour (for a grain-free option, try chickpea flour, but texture may vary)
- ½ cup cooked white or brown rice
- Optional additions: 1 tablespoon catnip or 1 tablespoon wet cat food for extra flavor boost
Instructions:
- Preheat & Prep: Preheat your oven to 325°F (160°C). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Combine Wet Ingredients: In a medium bowl, whisk together the egg, baby food (or wet cat food), chopped parsley, olive oil, and water until well combined.
- Add Dry Ingredients: Add the brown rice flour and cooked rice to the wet ingredients. Stir until everything is just incorporated. The dough will be thick and somewhat sticky but should be spreadable.
- Spread the Dough: Spread the dough evenly onto the prepared baking sheet, forming a rectangle about ⅓ inch thick.
- First Bake: Bake in the preheated oven for 12-15 minutes.
- Slice & Second Bake: Remove the baking sheet from the oven. Let the dough cool slightly until it’s cool enough to handle. Use a pizza cutter or knife to slice the soft dough into small, bite-sized pieces (squares or strips work well). Return the sliced treats to the baking sheet, spreading them out slightly. Bake for another 8-10 minutes, or until the edges are lightly golden and the treats are firming up.
- Cool Completely: Remove from the oven and let the chewy cat treats cool completely on the baking sheet. They will firm up further as they cool and become perfectly chewy.
- Store: Store the cooled treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator to maintain freshness. They should last for up to a week in the fridge.
Enjoy spoiling your furry friend with these homemade chewy cat snacks! They are a simple and loving way to show your cat just how much you care. Happy baking!
