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How to Make Cat Treats That Even Fussy Felines Adore

Photo of Susan Gast
Susan Gast, Author and Food Preservation Enthusiast
Susan has been dehydrating and preserving foods for over a decade, sharing practical, tested methods that help readers make healthy, long-lasting meals at home.

If you’ve ever wondered how to make cat treats at home, you’re in the right place. You can turn plain, fully cooked meat or fish into small dehydrated treats without adding salt, seasonings, fillers, or preservatives.

Homemade treats should supplement—not replace—your cat’s complete and balanced food. Keep portions small and check with your veterinarian before introducing new treats if your cat has allergies, digestive problems, kidney disease, diabetes, or another medical condition.

✅ Quick Answer: How do you make tasty cat treats at home?
Cut plain, fully cooked chicken, turkey, beef, or fish into small, thin pieces. Dehydrate at 145°F until completely dry and firm, checking frequently because drying time varies with the meat and thickness. Allow the treats to cool completely, then refrigerate or freeze them in an airtight container.

Below, I’ll show you how to choose cat-safe ingredients, prepare and dry the treats, recognize when they’re done, and store them safely.

Jimmy - a happy cat - eating homemade cat treatsJimmy - enjoying homemade treats!

Jimmy, our handsome tabby above, is thoroughly enjoying his bowl of treats.

But the real inspiration behind this page is Gracie (shown below), who is my picky little food critic and always on the hunt for something new and exciting to nibble on.


Gracie the cat, on the couchHi, I'm Gracie!

Whether your cat is as treat-loving as Jimmy or as selective as Gracie, you’ll find plenty of ideas here to delight your furry friend.

Let’s get started on making something special! 🐾

Recipe How-To

How to Make Cat Treats: A Simple Step-by-Step Guide

Making cat treats at home is surprisingly simple. For the easiest and most cat-friendly version, start with one plain animal protein your cat already enjoys. Using a single ingredient also makes it easier to identify the cause if your cat experiences digestive upset.

1. Choose a Cat-Safe Protein

Good choices include:

  • Boneless, skinless chicken or turkey
  • Lean beef
  • Plain fish, such as salmon

Remove bones, skin, and as much visible fat as possible. Fat does not dehydrate well and can cause stored treats to become rancid.

Do not add salt, garlic, onion, sauces, marinades, oil, butter, or seasoning.

2. Cook the Meat or Fish First

Cook the protein thoroughly before dehydrating it. Use a food thermometer to make sure it reaches a safe internal temperature:

  • Poultry: 165°F
  • Ground beef: 160°F
  • Whole cuts of beef: 145°F, followed by a three-minute rest
  • Fish: 145°F

Allow the cooked protein to cool until it is comfortable to handle.

3. Cut It into Small Pieces

Cut the cooked meat or fish into thin, evenly sized pieces appropriate for your cat. Small, uniform pieces dry more evenly and are easier for your cat to chew.

Pieces will shrink as they dry, so avoid making them so small that they could crumble into sharp fragments.

4. Dehydrate the Treats

Arrange the pieces in a single layer on the dehydrator trays without allowing them to overlap.

Set the dehydrator to 145°F. Begin checking after four hours. Depending on the protein, thickness, moisture content, and dehydrator, the treats may take approximately 4 to 10 hours.

If your dehydrator’s instructions specify a different setting for meat or fish, follow the manufacturer’s guidance.

5. Check for Doneness

Remove one piece and allow it to cool before testing it. The treat should be completely dry and firm, with no visible or squeezable moisture in the center.

If you find any soft, moist, or spongy areas, return the treats to the dehydrator and continue drying.

6. Cool and Store the Treats

Let the treats cool completely before placing them in a clean, airtight container. Warm treats can create condensation inside the container, allowing moisture to return.

Because homemade cat treats contain no commercial preservatives—and meat and fish may retain some fat—store them in the refrigerator and make only a small batch at a time. For longer storage, freeze them in meal-sized portions.

Label the container with the ingredient and preparation date. Discard the treats if you notice moisture, mold, an unusual odor, or any other sign of spoilage.

Bottom of Recipe

Why Make Homemade Cat Treats?

When you make cat treats at home, you know exactly what they contain. A simple, one-ingredient treat made from plain chicken, turkey, beef, or fish contains no mystery fillers, artificial colors, or unnecessary seasoning.

Homemade treats can also be useful when you want to:

  • Reward good behavior
  • Add variety without changing your cat’s regular food
  • Break treats into tiny portions
  • Avoid a particular ingredient your cat cannot tolerate
  • Tempt a selective cat with a familiar protein

However, treats are extras—not a complete and balanced diet. Cornell University’s Feline Health Center recommends limiting treats to no more than approximately 10% to 15% of a cat’s daily calorie intake.

Introduce any new treat gradually. Offer one tiny piece first, then watch for vomiting, diarrhea, itching, swelling, unusual tiredness, or another unexpected reaction.

If your cat has a medical condition, follows a prescription diet, or has previously experienced food allergies, ask your veterinarian before offering homemade treats.

⚠️ Never add onions, garlic, chives, chocolate, alcohol, caffeine, grapes, raisins, xylitol, excess salt, or seasonings. Also avoid cooked bones, which can splinter and cause choking or internal injury.

Can You Add Fruit or Vegetables to Cat Treats?

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found in animal-based foods. Fruit, vegetables, grains, and herbs are therefore unnecessary when making simple homemade cat treats.

Some cats may safely tolerate a tiny amount of plain pumpkin or another veterinarian-approved plant food, but that does not mean every fruit or vegetable makes a suitable dehydrated treat.

The simplest approach is to use one plain, fully cooked animal protein that your cat already eats comfortably.

If you want to include pumpkin, catnip, cat grass, cheese, egg, or another additional ingredient, ask your veterinarian whether it is appropriate for your individual cat—especially if your cat has digestive problems, diabetes, kidney disease, food allergies, or follows a prescription diet.

Foods to Avoid in Cat Treats

Many everyday ingredients are unsuitable or dangerous for cats. When making homemade treats, avoid:

  • Onions, garlic, chives, and leeks—including powdered forms
  • Chocolate, cocoa, coffee, tea, and other sources of caffeine
  • Alcohol or uncooked yeast dough
  • Grapes, raisins, and currants
  • Xylitol and other added sweeteners
  • Citrus fruit, peels, seeds, and essential oils
  • Macadamia nuts and other nuts
  • Cooked bones or fish bones
  • Raw or undercooked meat, poultry, fish, or eggs
  • Heavily salted, smoked, seasoned, or processed meat
  • Sauces, gravy, marinades, butter, and cooking oils

Dairy products can also cause digestive upset because many adult cats do not tolerate lactose well. Avoid adding milk, cream, or cheese unless your veterinarian has confirmed that a small amount is appropriate for your cat.

When in doubt, leave an ingredient out and ask your veterinarian. If you believe your cat has eaten something poisonous, contact your veterinarian or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435. A consultation fee may apply.

For more information, see the ASPCA’s guide to people foods pets should avoid.

Tips for Introducing Picky Eaters to New Treats

Cats can be suspicious of unfamiliar smells, flavors, and textures. If your cat walks away from a homemade treat, it doesn’t necessarily mean the experiment has failed.

Try these gentle approaches:

  • Start tiny: Offer one very small piece rather than placing several treats in front of your cat.
  • Use a familiar protein: Begin with the same plain meat or fish found in your cat’s regular food.
  • Let your cat investigate: Place the treat nearby and allow time for sniffing without pushing it toward your cat.
  • Crumble it over regular food: A light sprinkling can introduce the aroma without replacing the normal meal.
  • Adjust the texture: Some cats prefer a thinner, crisper treat, while others manage a slightly thicker piece more comfortably.
  • Try again later: Remove an uneaten treat and offer a fresh piece on another day.
  • Watch for reactions: Stop offering the ingredient if your cat develops vomiting, diarrhea, itching, swelling, or another unusual symptom.

Never try to force a cat to eat a new treat. If your cat repeatedly refuses it, choose another familiar protein rather than adding salt, gravy, seasoned broth, or another flavoring.

A sudden loss of interest in all food is different from refusing a new treat. Contact your veterinarian promptly if your cat stops eating or shows other signs of illness.

"If we measured our affection toward others
by how many nicknames we bestow upon them,
our pets would be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein

"If we measured our affection
toward others by how many
nicknames we bestow upon
them, our pets would
be the most loved."

— Carrie Brownstein

FAQ: Common Questions About Homemade Cat Treats

How long does it take to dehydrate cat treats?

Small pieces of fully cooked meat or fish generally take approximately 4 to 10 hours at 145°F. The exact time depends on the ingredient, thickness, moisture content, dehydrator, and humidity.

Begin checking after four hours. Allow a test piece to cool before checking it—it should be completely dry and firm, with no soft or moist area in the center.

Can I make cat treats without a dehydrator?

Yes, provided your oven can maintain a suitably low temperature. Arrange the fully cooked pieces on an oven-safe rack over a baking sheet and use the oven’s lowest setting.

Monitor the treats closely because ovens often run hotter than dehydrators. Drying time will vary, and the finished pieces must be completely dry in the center.

Do not leave an oven door propped open if children or pets can reach it, and check the oven manufacturer’s instructions before doing so.

Do homemade cat treats need to be refrigerated?

Yes. Homemade meat and fish treats contain no commercial preservatives and may retain enough fat or moisture to spoil. Once the treats have cooled completely, place them in an airtight container and refrigerate them.

Make small batches and freeze any portion you will not use promptly. Discard treats that develop moisture, mold, discoloration, an unusual texture, or an unpleasant odor.

How many homemade treats can I give my cat?

Treats should remain a small part of your cat’s daily food intake. Cornell University’s Feline Health Center recommends keeping treats to approximately 10% to 15% or less of a cat’s daily calories.

Because calorie needs vary, ask your veterinarian for an appropriate amount if your cat is overweight, has a health condition, or follows a prescription diet.

What if my cat refuses the homemade treats?

Try a tiny piece made from a protein your cat already knows. You can also crumble a little over your cat’s usual food or make the next batch thinner.

Don’t add gravy, salt, butter, cheese, or seasonings to make the treat more appealing. If your cat rejects that protein repeatedly, try another veterinarian-approved option.

Can dogs eat these homemade cat treats?

A tiny piece of plain, fully cooked meat may be suitable for many healthy dogs, but cats and dogs have different dietary needs. Check every ingredient for dog safety and ask your veterinarian if your dog has allergies, digestive problems, pancreatitis, or another medical condition.

For treats created specifically for dogs, see my How to Make Dog Treats guide.

Make Simple Cat Treats with Confidence

Learning how to make cat treats doesn’t require a complicated recipe. Start with one plain animal protein, cook it thoroughly, cut it into small pieces, and dehydrate it until completely dry.

The most important points are to:

  • Use a cat-safe ingredient your cat already tolerates
  • Cook meat and fish before dehydrating
  • Leave out salt, seasonings, oils, and sauces
  • Make the pieces small and evenly sized
  • Check carefully for remaining moisture
  • Refrigerate or freeze the finished treats
  • Offer treats only in small amounts

Jimmy may enthusiastically approve the first batch while a choosier cat like Gracie requires a little patience. Either response is perfectly normal—cats do like to keep us humble!

Want to make something tasty for the humans in the household, too? Download my free 5 Dried Food Recipes That Actually Taste Great PDF below—featuring carrot soup, minestrone, split pea soup, spicy beef jerky, and even banana cinnamon rolls.

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

5 Free Dried Food Recipes
That Actually Taste Great

Put your dried food to delicious use!
Five very different recipes.
Not one dull bite...

← Get your free copy now!

5 Free Dried Food Recipes
That Actually Taste Great

5 Easy Dried Food Recipes free PDF

Put your dried food to delicious use!
Five very different recipes.
Not one dull bite...

Get your free copy now!

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