Do you have a finicky kitty? Or is your feline pal always interested in food? Fluffy can be fussy, but that doesn’t mean she doesn’t enjoy snacks. You may just need to experiment a bit to find out what your cat enjoys. A Bellaire, TX vet offers some suggestions for safe options in this article.

Frozen Treats

You can whip up quite a few freezable snacks for your furry buddy. One option is to just drizzle tuna and the tuna ‘juice’ over shaved ice. You can also combine them in a blender. This also works with canned cat food. Another option would be to mix tuna with fat-free plain yogurt and some parsley. Divide it into small portions and freeze. (Note: bottlecaps can be very helpful for portioning out serving sizes.) While exploring cooling treats for your cat, don’t forget your canine companion might also need help beating the heat. Check out our tips in ‘Helping Fido Beat The Heat‘ for keeping your dog cool and comfortable.

Store-Bought Options

You can also freeze many lickable cat treats or mousse-style canned cat food. Plain canned tuna, chicken, crab, or shrimp also works chilled.

Cold Meats

Kitties are carnivores, so it only makes sense that chilled meats can be a good treat. Most kinds of meat are fine, as are fish and poultry. You do want to limit organ meat, such as liver and kidney, as well as heavily processed or fatty meats, such as sausage. Make sure there are no skin, bones, or fat.

Fruits/Veggies

Many fruits and veggies are safe for kitties in small doses, though whether or not Fluffy actually cares for them is a different story. Some safe options include blueberries, strawberries, spinach, cucumber, and peas.

Broth Options

Sodium-free broth is also a good option for your feline friend. It contains electrolytes, which is also good for keeping Fluffy hydrated. You can just offer your furball a chilled bowl. Or, put kibble or shredded meat into a small ice cube tray, pour the broth into that, and freeze overnight.

Tips

Treats can be a great way to brighten up Fluffy’s day, but it’s important to pay attention to calorie counts. Even giving your feline buddy a few extra calories a day can cause her to gain weight. Also, stick with things you’re certain are safe. Some things to avoid include avocado; grapes, currants, and raisins; chocolate; caffeine; alcohol; meat on the bone; and anything with seeds or pips. To keep your cat healthy while enjoying summer treats, make sure they’re up to date on their wellness checks and vaccinations. Learn more about our ‘Veterinary Wellness & Pet Vaccinations’ services at your local Bellaire, TX veterinarian.

Our Advice on Summer Snacks For Cats in 2024

What are some frozen treat ideas for cats?

For feline companions, consider frozen treats like drizzling tuna juice over shaved ice or blending it for a smooth texture. Another delightful option is mixing tuna with fat-free plain yogurt and parsley, portioned into small sizes for freezing. Lickable cat treats or mousse-style canned food also serve as excellent frozen snacks. Offering these chilled delights, especially during the warmer months, provides a refreshing way to keep your cat hydrated and satisfied, ensuring they receive a tasty and safe indulgence.

Can store-bought treats be modified for a cooler snack option?

Absolutely, store-bought treats can be transformed into cooler snack options for pets. Freezing lickable treats or mousse-style canned cat food offers a refreshing twist for your feline friends. Similarly, plain canned seafood like tuna, chicken, crab, or shrimp can be served chilled for an enjoyable, cool treat. This method not only provides a delightful way to beat the heat in Bellaire, Houston, TX but also adds variety to your pet’s diet, ensuring they remain hydrated and happy during the warmer months.

What types of cold meats are safe and appealing for cats?

For cats, chilled meats that are safe and appealing include cooked poultry, beef, and fish, ensuring they are free from skin, bones, and excess fat. It’s advisable to limit organ meats like liver and kidney, as well as avoid heavily processed or fatty meats, such as sausage, due to potential health risks. Offering these in moderation provides a nutritious and satisfying treat, especially during the warm months, keeping your feline companion content and healthy.

What are the guidelines for giving treats to cats to avoid weight gain?

To avoid weight gain in cats while giving treats, monitoring the portion size is crucial, ensuring treats do not exceed 10% of their daily caloric intake. Opt for low-calorie options and incorporate treats into their total daily food allowance. Choose nutritious treats that complement their balanced diet. Engage your cat in playful activities to burn off extra calories. Consistently monitoring your cat’s weight and adjusting treat frequency and portion size accordingly will maintain their optimal health, especially in the warm climate of Houston, TX.

Which foods should be avoided when preparing snacks for cats?

When preparing snacks for cats, certain foods must be avoided to maintain their health. These include avocados, grapes, currants, raisins, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, and any food containing seeds or pits. Also, steer clear of meat on the bone, as bones can splinter and cause internal harm. Fatty, heavily processed meats like sausages should be excluded due to their potential to induce pancreatitis. Adhering to this guidance helps prevent dietary mishaps, ensuring your feline friends in Meyerland, Houston, TX, stay healthy and happy.

If you have questions about your cat’s diet, please reach out to us, your Bellaire, TX veterinarian. We’re here to help!