10 Healthy Thanksgiving Treats For Cats: Easy 2025 Recipes
Key Takeaways
- Thanksgiving is a wonderful time to include your cat in the celebration with homemade treats made from cat-safe ingredients like turkey, pumpkin, and sweet potato.
- Cats are obligate carnivores, so treats should prioritize high-quality animal proteins while avoiding toxic ingredients like onions, garlic, and grapes.
- Homemade treats allow you to control portions and ingredients, supporting your cat's digestive wellness without the fillers and additives found in many commercial options.
- Simple recipes using ingredients you're already preparing for Thanksgiving dinner make it easy to share the holiday spirit with your feline companion.
- Bailey's CBD offers veterinarian-formulated products with single-source USDA organic hemp and subcritical CO₂ extraction to support your cat's overall wellness naturally.
Why Make Homemade Thanksgiving Treats for Cats
Thanksgiving brings families together around tables filled with delicious food, and your cat deserves to feel included in the festivities, too. Homemade treats have several advantages over store-bought options. You control exactly what goes into each bite, ensuring your cat receives wholesome ingredients without unnecessary preservatives, artificial colors, or fillers that might upset their sensitive digestive system.
Cats are obligate carnivores with specific nutritional needs centered around animal protein. When you make treats at home, you can focus on protein-rich ingredients that naturally appeal to your cat while incorporating seasonal flavors that make the occasion special. Plus, preparing treats for your pet creates a meaningful way to celebrate together and shows your commitment to their wellness.
Many traditional Thanksgiving foods can be adapted into cat-friendly treats with simple modifications. The key is understanding which ingredients support feline health and which should be avoided entirely.
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SHOP BAILEY'S CBD COLLECTION →10 Easy Thanksgiving Treat Recipes for Cats
1. Simple Turkey Bites
Nothing says Thanksgiving like turkey, and your cat will appreciate these protein-packed morsels. Use plain, cooked turkey breast (no seasoning, skin, or bones) and cut it into small, bite-sized pieces. Turkey provides lean protein that supports muscle maintenance and satisfies your cat's carnivorous nature.
Cook turkey breast thoroughly, let it cool completely, and cut into pea-sized pieces. Store in the refrigerator for up to three days or freeze for longer storage.
2. Pumpkin Puree Treats
Plain pumpkin (not pumpkin pie filling) can help support healthy digestion in cats. Mix a small amount of pure pumpkin puree with cooked, shredded chicken for a festive treat that combines seasonal flavor with essential protein.
Combine 1 tablespoon plain pumpkin puree with 2 tablespoons finely shredded cooked chicken. Form into small balls and serve immediately or refrigerate.
3. Sweet Potato Coins
Sweet potatoes offer natural sweetness and beneficial nutrients. Slice sweet potato into thin coins, bake until tender, and let cool completely before offering to your cat in small amounts.
Slice sweet potato into ¼-inch rounds. Bake at 350°F for 20–25 minutes until tender. Cool completely and serve as an occasional treat.
4. Salmon Celebration Bites
If you're serving salmon for Thanksgiving, set aside a small piece for your cat. Cooked salmon provides omega-3 fatty acids that help support healthy skin and coat.
Cook a small piece of salmon thoroughly without any seasoning. Remove all bones carefully, flake the salmon, and offer a teaspoon-sized portion.
5. Green Bean Crunchies
Plain green beans offer a low-calorie crunch that some cats enjoy. Steam fresh green beans until tender, cool completely, and cut into small pieces.
Steam 5–6 green beans for 5–7 minutes. Cool and cut into ½-inch pieces. Serve 2–3 pieces as a light treat.
Plain cooked turkey, pumpkin puree, and steamed green beans make wholesome, cat-safe Thanksgiving treats when prepared without seasonings or additives.
6. Turkey & Cranberry Blend
While cats shouldn't have sweetened cranberry sauce, a tiny amount of fresh cranberries mixed with turkey creates a festive combination. Use fresh cranberries sparingly, as most cats prefer the turkey portion.
Finely mince one fresh cranberry and mix with 2 tablespoons of diced cooked turkey. The cranberry provides a hint of tartness while the turkey delivers protein.
7. Chicken Broth Ice Cubes
Make a hydrating treat by freezing low-sodium, cat-safe chicken broth into small ice cubes. This helps support hydration while offering a cool, refreshing treat your cat might enjoy.
Pour low-sodium chicken broth (no onions or garlic) into an ice cube tray. Freeze and offer one small cube as an occasional treat.
8. Carrot Nibbles
Some cats enjoy the mild sweetness of cooked carrots. Steam carrots until very soft, cool completely, and mash into a small amount that can be mixed with their regular food.
Steam 2–3 baby carrots until very soft. Mash and mix a small amount (½ teaspoon) with wet food for variety.
9. Turkey & Egg Scramble
Eggs provide high-quality protein that pairs beautifully with turkey. Scramble one egg without butter or oil, mix with diced turkey, and offer a small portion.
Scramble one egg in a dry pan. Mix with 1 tablespoon diced cooked turkey. Cool and serve a teaspoon-sized portion.
10. Cat Chews
If you are short of time to make a homemade treat for your cat, veterinary-formulated cat chews provide an enjoyable option to satisfy your cat.
Look for CBD-based chews from veterinary-backed brands like Bailey’s CBD. These chews can provide a calming effect and support the overall wellness of your cat.
Tips for Serving Thanksgiving Treats Safely
While homemade treats show your love, safety remains paramount. Always introduce new foods gradually and in small amounts to monitor your cat's response. Treats should comprise no more than 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake to maintain balanced nutrition.
Certain common Thanksgiving ingredients can be harmful or toxic to cats. Never give your cat anything containing onions, garlic, chives, leeks, grapes, raisins, chocolate, nutmeg, or excessive salt. Avoid rich, fatty foods that can upset your cat's digestive system or trigger other health concerns.
Even healthy ingredients become problematic in large quantities. Keep treat portions small, typically no more than a teaspoon or two, depending on your cat's size. Cats have different caloric needs than humans, and what seems like a tiny portion to us can represent a significant treat for them.
Watch your cat after introducing any new food. If you notice changes in litter box habits, decreased appetite, or unusual behavior, discontinue the new treat and consult your veterinarian if concerns persist.
Keep portions small and introduce new treats gradually to help maintain your cat's digestive comfort during holiday celebrations.
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When you select Bailey's CBD, you're choosing products made with the same care you put into preparing homemade treats for your pet. Our commitment to quality starts with single-source USDA organic hemp grown exclusively on a carefully selected farm in Boulder, Colorado. This dedicated sourcing ensures consistent purity and potency in every bottle.
We use subcritical CO₂ extraction, a specialized method performed at the only U.S. lab using this particular technique. This gentle process preserves valuable cannabinoids without introducing harsh chemical solvents, yielding exceptionally pure CBD oil that works naturally with your cat's body.
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Every product undergoes comprehensive third-party laboratory testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and potency. You can access detailed results via QR codes on every package, providing complete transparency about what you're giving your cat. We also hold a Department of Health license, offering regulatory oversight that many CBD manufacturers lack.
Our CBD Oil for Cats contains 100mg of full-spectrum hemp extract in a 15ml bottle, blended with organic coconut oil for easy dosing. Mix it into food, administer directly, or apply to a paw to support your cat's overall wellness and digestive comfort naturally. Our Calming CBD Cat Chews provide another convenient option, combining 1.5mg of CBD with beneficial ingredients in grain-free, soy-free soft chews infused with catnip, chicken, and cheese flavors.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQs)
Can I give my cat regular Thanksgiving turkey from the dinner table?
Plain, cooked turkey breast without seasoning, skin, or bones is safe for cats in small amounts. However, avoid turkey that's been seasoned with onions, garlic, butter, or other ingredients that might upset your cat's digestive system. Always remove bones completely to prevent choking hazards.
How much pumpkin is safe for cats?
A small amount of plain pumpkin puree (not pumpkin pie filling) can support digestive wellness. Start with ½ to 1 teaspoon mixed with regular food. Too much pumpkin may cause digestive upset, so keep portions modest and monitor your cat's response.
What Thanksgiving foods should I absolutely avoid giving my cat?
Never give your cat foods containing onions, garlic, grapes, raisins, chocolate, excessive salt, or rich gravies and sauces. These ingredients can be harmful or toxic to cats. Stick with plain, cooked proteins and cat-safe vegetables in small portions.
How can I help my cat stay calm during Thanksgiving celebrations?
Provide a quiet space where your cat can retreat from holiday activity. Maintain regular feeding schedules when possible, and consider natural wellness support like Bailey's CBD products to help promote a sense of calm. Our Calming CBD Cat Chews work with your cat's endocannabinoid system to support emotional balance during potentially stressful celebrations.
Why should I choose Bailey's CBD for my cat's wellness?
Bailey's CBD uses single-source USDA organic hemp from Boulder, Colorado, processed through subcritical CO₂ extraction for exceptional purity. Every batch undergoes rigorous third-party testing for heavy metals, pesticides, and potency, with results accessible via QR codes. Our full-spectrum formulas contain less than 0.3% THC and are specifically designed for feline wellness, providing safe, effective support for your cat's health journey.
*These statements have not been evaluated by the Food and Drug Administration. This product is not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
These products have not been evaluated by the FDA and are not intended to diagnose, treat, cure, or prevent any disease.
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