Thanksgiving is an exciting time of year for pet parents and their pets. They get to meet new people and possibly beg for some tasty turkey. Many pet parents (me included) want to share some of the wonderful food with our kitties, but this is not always a good idea. This blog will include what you can share with your kitty and some yummy treats so that your kitty can participate in the festivities.

What can you share with your cat? 

Cats can eat a very diverse diet including meat, fish, some fruit and vegetables. However, their diet cannot include processed human food, foods high in sugar or foods with extra salt or seasonings.

1. Green Beans

A few green beans, fed occasionally is actually good for fluffy, but these aren’t the green beans in your green bean casserole. Keep your kitty’s green beans simple by steaming them until soft. Before cooking cut the green beans into small, 1/2 inch chunks.  For a special treat mix in some chunk tuna or wet food. Feed these as a treat or with your cat’s meal for a special Thanksgiving treat.

2. Baked Squash and Carrots 

Again, feed in moderation squash and carrots are good for your kitty. Make sure the squash and carrots are fully cooked before feeding it, as undercooked veggies are indigestible for your cat. Some people like to bake the squash at 350 degrees until soft, but you can also steam them (again until soft). Make sure you do not add any oil or seasoning to these vegetables. The fully cooked squash and carrots can be served mashed up or cut up in small, 1/2 inch chunks.

3. Turkey 

Cats can join in on this aspect of Thanksgiving fun. Make your kitty his or her own special turkey or set some meat aside. Cats cannot handle the seasoning or baste you put on your turkey, so simply bake the turkey in the oven, plain. Bake the turkey until fully cooked, raw turkey can make your kitty sick. Make sure you choose lower fat portions of the turkey and remove any bones before feeding. Cut the turkey up into small chunks or shreds. This can be feed as a treat for a few meals, like on Thanksgiving day. Turkey can be high in calories so feed only a small amount.

 

 

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Special Thanksgiving Treats

Want to make your kitty something special for the holiday, try out these treat recipes special for cats.

Tuna Yum Yums

Ingredients:

• 1/2 cup of flour
• 1/4 cup of water
• 1/2 cup of non-fat milk
• 1/2 can of tuna
• 1 tablespoon of vegetable oil or fish oil
• 1 beaten egg
• Optional: a teaspoon of catnip, mint, or parsley

Directions:

1. Preheat the oven to 350 degrees and place parchment paper on a cookie sheet
2. Mash or cut the tuna into small pieces, mix in the flour and milk
3. Pour in water and vegetable oil, then mix well
4. In a separate dish, beat the egg
5. Mix the beaten egg into the tuna mix
6. Mix well, until the mix becomes dough-like
7. Shape the dough into small balls, about the size of blueberries, and place on the baking sheet
8. Cook the dough for 12 minutes or until golden brown. Stick a toothpick in to check that the treat is fully cooked
9. Cool for an hour before feeding to your kitty and make sure not to overindulge them

 

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Kitty Casserole

Ingredients:

• 1 can of tuna or salmon
• 1 teaspoon of honey
• 1/2 can of your cat’s favorite food
• 1 teaspoon of dry cat food or treats

Directions:

1. Combine all of the wet ingredients in a bowl
2. Pour into a Tupperware or small casserole dish
3. Top with dry food or treats
4. Serve a small amount to your kitty

Feed this casserole in moderation, 1-2 tablespoons per day. Store in a closed container, in the refrigerator, for up to a week.

 

While most foods on the Thanksgiving table are off-limits for your cat, these treats and tips can help make the holiday special for your cat. Let us know how your cat likes these treats by commenting on our Facebook page or commenting below!