How to make cat crunchies (with added cat!)

Have you ever wondered how they make cat treats? What do they taste like, what’s really in it? Well wonder no more! With this simple and quick recipe you can make cheap and tasty cat treats at the touch of a paw.

This recipe is really as simple as it could get. Simply take one tasty thing, and mix it with two floury things and bake. I chose mackrel this time around, as it is a welcome change to the salmon and tuna treats you can find out there. But if your cat is not fond of fish, you can easily replace it with cooked chicken. Whatever ingredient you choose, make sure you get the option with the lowest salt content. We don’t want to have a thirsty kitty! My mackrels already came in sunflower oil, but if yours don’t, just add a splash before adding the rest of the ingredients. Now, if you find your mixture to be too dry, you can add water. If you want to go all out and use milk, please only use cat milk, or full fat milk in very small doses. Cats are naturally lactose intolerant and too much milk can upset their digestion. The lower the fat content of milk, the higher the lactose content – so if you want to go all natural, opt for a mix of full fat milk and water.

Last but not least please remember that I am in no way qualified to give you expert advice on cats – you as the owner know what your cat likes and dislikes. If you are unsure about any of the ingredients or simply want a bit of advice before you start cooking, please do go see your vet. They will be more than happy to help you out.


Makes approx 200g of cat crunchies:

1 tin mackrel in sunflower oil (you can also use tuna, salmon, sardines or chicken)
50g whole wheat flour, plus more for dusting
50g cornflour
1 egg
small tub of catnip (use as little or as much as you like!)


Bake in the oven on a medium to high heat until crunchy (about 15-20 minutes)