13 Easy Pumpkin Cat Treats Recipes

Your cat deserves more than bland, boring store-bought treats, especially when fresh ingredients are in season.

The number one reason to make homemade pumpkin cat treats at home is that you’ll have 100% control over what goes into the recipes.

There are no mystery fillers, zero preservatives, and no questionable ingredients that are often found in commercial cat treats.

Besides knowing the ingredients, making fresh pumpkin cat treats also yields healthier and tastier snacks for your little fur ball.

Continue reading this post to discover our collection of 13 easy-to-make pumpkin cat treats recipes.

With each recipe, you’ll find a bulleted list of common ingredients you may already have in your kitchen and a clear method to follow.

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13 Pumpkin Cat Treats

1. Pumpkin & Salmon Bites for Cats

Ingredients

• 1 (4 oz) can of salmon
• ½ cup old-fashioned oats
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 1 egg
• 2 tablespoons avocado oil

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 325°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or prepare silicone molds for baking. This will prevent sticking and simplify cleanup.
2. Add oats to a blender or food processor and pulse to make flour. This will help the treats hold together and give a smoother texture for your cat.
3. Open a can of salmon and drain away the excess liquid. Add the salmon to a medium bowl and flake with a fork to separate into smaller pieces, making it easier to mix with other ingredients.
4. Add oat flour, pumpkin puree, egg, and avocado oil to the bowl with the salmon. Stir to combine all ingredients until the mixture is uniform and has a soft, moldable consistency.
5. Scoop out small amounts of dough and roll into bite-sized balls or press into silicone molds. Place the balls or molds evenly spaced on the prepared baking sheet or mold tray.
6. Bake for 25 to 30 minutes, or until the treats are firm and cooked through. Edges may appear lightly golden depending on your oven and the type of pan used.
7. Allow treats to cool completely before feeding one to your cat as a test. If no ill effects occur, store the remaining treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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2. DIY Cat Treats Recipes

Ingredients

• 1¼ cups oat flour, divided
• 5 ounces of skinless salmon
• 1 large egg
• ¼ cup pumpkin puree

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 325°F (165°C) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Open and drain the canned salmon. Using a fork, break the salmon into small pieces. If needed, pulse the salmon in a blender a few times to get it to a uniform, chunky texture.
3. In a mixing bowl, add 1 cup of oat flour, the salmon, egg, and pumpkin. Stir to combine, using your hands or an electric mixer. You should have a soft, sticky dough.
4. Transfer the dough to the lined baking sheet. Dust with a small amount of the remaining oat flour, and then press it out to about ¼ inch thick, smoothing the surface with your fingers.
5. Prick the surface all over with a fork to allow moisture to escape while baking, and help the treats dry out evenly while holding their shape.
6. Bake for 15 minutes, then remove the pan from the oven. Cut the dough into 1 cm squares using a pizza or pastry cutter.
7. Arrange them evenly spaced on the tray and return to the oven. Continue to bake for another 15 to 20 minutes or until firm and lightly crisp. Cool before serving.

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3. Pumpkin Cat Treats Recipe

Ingredients

• 2 boneless, skinless chicken breasts
• ⅓ cup pure pumpkin puree
• ½ cup water or reserved cooking liquid

Instructions

1. Place the chicken breasts in a saucepan with just enough water to cover them. Heat over medium heat, cover, and cook until the internal temperature reaches 160°F.
2. Remove the chicken from the pan and let it cool a bit. Reserve the cooking liquid. Chop the chicken roughly into smaller pieces to make it easier to blend and to achieve a more even texture.
3. Put the chopped chicken, pumpkin puree, and ½ cup of the cooking liquid or water into a blender. Blend until smooth, adding more liquid if needed to achieve a soft, creamy consistency.
4. Spoon the mixture into molds or individual portion-sized containers that are freezer-safe. Leave about ½ inch of space at the top to allow for expansion as the treats freeze.
5. Serve immediately for a soft treat, or freeze until firm. Store in the freezer for up to four months and thaw before serving. Sprinkle with catnip on top, if desired.

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4. Tuna & Pumpkin Cat Treats Homemade

Ingredients

• ½ cup oat flour
• ⅓ cup canned pure pumpkin puree
• 1 (5 oz) can of tuna in water
• 1 teaspoon dried catnip (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350 degrees Fahrenheit and grease a cookie sheet or line with parchment paper.
2. You can skip the parchment paper step if you prefer, but the treats might stick to the cookie sheet as they bake.
3. Mix the oat flour, pumpkin puree, tuna, and catnip (if using) in a mixing bowl. Stir until combined and a thick dough forms that can hold its shape when removed from the mixing bowl.
4. Roll the dough between two sheets of wax paper until it is approximately ¼ inch thick. Cut into small squares with a knife or cut out shapes with a small cookie cutter.
5. Place dough pieces an inch or two apart on the prepared baking sheet.
6. If you prefer not to use wax paper, roll small round balls of dough and then press them slightly flat before placing them on the baking sheet.
7. Bake for 15 minutes or until the treats feel firm and the edges have browned.
8. Remove from the oven and cool completely before storing in an airtight container in the refrigerator. Use within several days or freeze for longer storage.

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5. Pumpkin & Turkey Healthy Treats for Cats

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) cooked, drained, or canned pumpkin
• 75g (2.5 oz) cooked turkey or chicken
• Gelatin powder or sheets to set 100ml (3 fl oz) liquid

Instructions

1. Remove the flesh from the fresh pumpkin and dispose of the skin. Mash flesh with a fork to smooth out the texture.
2. When using canned pumpkins, you can move directly to the next step and skip the mashing process.
3. Place the pumpkin in a clean cheesecloth or tea towel, and squeeze down to remove excess liquid. Reserve the strained pumpkin pulp as well as the liquid for later use.
4. Refer to the instructions for your gelatin powder. If the powder must be bloomed, rehydrate it in the reserved pumpkin juice for 5 minutes.
5. Puree the cooked turkey or chicken in a small food processor to turn the meat into fine crumbs. We do this step so the protein will be evenly dispersed in the soft pumpkin mixture.
6. In a small saucepan, combine the meat, pumpkin pulp, and prepared gelatin. Place over low heat and add pumpkin juice as needed to prevent sticking.
7. As soon as the gelatin has completely melted into the mixture, remove the pan from the heat, and allow it to cool for 10 minutes or until it’s safe to handle.
8. Line a tray with foil or baking paper. Roll small balls (approximately the size of a pea) with your fingers.
9. Place the shaped bites on the prepared tray and store in the fridge for 8 to 24 hours or until completely set.
10. Once the treats are set, place them in an airtight container and store them in the fridge for up to 1 week.

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6. Chicken & Cranberry Pumpkin Treats for Cats

Ingredients

• 1 teaspoon canned pumpkin
• ½ cup rolled oats
• 1½ tablespoons unsweetened dried cranberries
• 2 oz cooked plain chicken
• 1 tablespoon + ¼ teaspoon olive oil
• ½ tablespoon dried catnip
• 1 egg

Instructions

1. Heat oven to 350 degrees F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper to help prevent sticking and make clean-up easier.
2. Place oats in the blender or food processor and process until finely ground. Add the cranberries and process until they are finely chopped.
3. Add the pumpkin, cooked chicken, olive oil, catnip, and egg to the oat and cranberry mixture in the processor. Blend until the mixture forms a thick, sticky dough.
4. Roll teaspoons of dough into small balls and place them about one inch apart on the prepared baking sheet.
5. Bake for about 16 minutes or until firm and lightly golden brown. Remove from oven and cool completely in pan before serving.
6. Give as a snack or stir into your cat’s meal. Store leftovers in the refrigerator and use them within a few days, or freeze for longer storage.

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7. Pumpkin & Carrot Homemade Cat Treats Easy

Ingredients

• 55g grated carrots
• 60g applesauce (xylitol-free)
• 145g canned or pure pumpkin
• 160g rice flour
• 25g oats
• 20g plain flour (for rolling)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 150°C (Gas Mark 2). Line a baking tray with parchment paper or non-stick foil to help the biscuits not to stick when baking.
2. Place the grated carrots, applesauce, and pumpkin into a blender or mixing bowl. Blend or whisk until it becomes a smooth mixture.
3. Mix the rice flour and oats in a large bowl. Add the pumpkin mixture and stir until a soft dough forms.
4. Lightly dust a clean surface with plain flour. Place the dough on the surface and use a rolling pin or bottle to roll out the dough to about ¼ inch thickness.
5. Cut the dough into 20 shapes with cookie cutters or a small household item, such as a bottle cap. Cut the biscuits into small and even pieces for easier serving.
6. Place the biscuits on the prepared baking tray. Bake in the oven for 12 minutes, turning over at the 6-minute mark to help them firm up on both sides.
7. Cool the biscuits completely before serving. Keep any extras in the freezer and break larger biscuits into smaller pieces.

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8. Tuna & Pumpkin Cat Treats

Ingredients

• 200g (7 oz) cooked fresh tuna
• 20g of Pumpkin
• 1 egg
• 1½ tablespoons spinach
• 1½ tablespoons broccoli
• 1½ tablespoons olive oil
• 200g (1 cup) whole oat flour

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Grease a baking tray or line it with parchment paper so treats don’t stick when baking.
2. Chop spinach and broccoli roughly, then combine them with cooked tuna and pumpkin. Stir well and let sit aside for a few minutes to cool.
3. Beat egg in a large bowl, add tuna/veggie mix and olive oil, and stir until combined. Add oat flour and stir until it forms a thick dough.
4. Let it sit for five minutes so the flour can absorb any moisture. Roll out to about ½ inch thickness and use a small cookie cutter to cut out shapes.
5. Transfer cookies to a prepared baking tray, leaving a little space between each. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes until firm and lightly golden.
6. Cool cookies to room temperature before serving. Store in a sealed container for up to one week.

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9. Pumpkin Oat Mini Muffins

Ingredients

• 1 cup gluten-free rolled oats
• ½ teaspoon baking powder
• ⅛ teaspoon salt
• ¼ cup pure maple syrup
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons reduced-fat lactose-free milk
• 2 tablespoons + 2 teaspoons coconut oil
• ¼ teaspoon pure vanilla extract
• ¼ cup cooked or canned pumpkin

Instructions

1. Turn your oven on to 375°F and prepare a mini muffin tin with paper liners.
2. Add pumpkin, maple syrup, lactose-free milk, coconut oil, and vanilla to a high-speed blender. Blend until smooth and creamy. Set aside.
3. Wash and dry the blender, then add oats and blend until the oats become a fine flour. Pour oat flour into a large bowl.
4. Add baking powder and salt to the bowl and stir to combine. Add the pumpkin mixture to the bowl and stir to combine.
5. Spoon batter into the prepared muffin pan, filling each about 2/3 of the way full. Tap the pan on the counter to even out the tops.
6. Bake for 12-15 minutes or until the tops are set and lightly golden brown. Let cool completely before removing the paper liners and serving. Store leftovers in the fridge.

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10. Tuna & Pumpkin DIY Cat Snacks

Ingredients

• ½ cup oat flour
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 425g of tuna in water
• 1 teaspoon dried catnip (optional)

Instructions

1. Preheat oven to 175°C (approx. 350°F). Line a baking sheet with parchment paper or lightly grease it to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the oat flour, pumpkin puree, tuna (drained), and catnip if used in a bowl. Stir until the ingredients are combined into a soft and uniform dough.
3. Roll out the dough on a lightly floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Cut into small squares or use a mini cutter to make treat-sized shapes.
4. Place the pieces on your prepared baking sheet with a little space in between. Bake for 15 minutes or until the treats are firm and lightly golden.
5. Allow the treats to cool completely before serving. Store in an airtight container in the fridge and consume within a few days.

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11. Sardine & Pumpkin Cat-Friendly Treats

Ingredients

• 1 (120g) can of sardines
• ½ cup oats
• 1 egg
• ⅓ cup pumpkin puree
• 2 tablespoons olive oil

Instructions

1. Add the oats to a blender or food processor and process until the oats resemble flour. Oat flour helps to bind the ingredients together, making the treats more firm and easier to shape.
2. In a large mixing bowl, combine the oat flour, sardines, egg, pumpkin puree, and olive oil. Use a spatula to mash the fish and stir to combine.
3. Transfer the mixture to a silicone mold and use a spoon or spatula to press down, removing any air pockets. Make sure the mixture is evenly shaped for baking.
4. Bake for 25 – 30 minutes at 320°F or until the treats are firm and hold their shape well.
5. Remove the treats from the oven and allow to cool completely before serving. Store any leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for up to 4 days.

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12. Tuna & Pumpkin For Cats

Ingredients

• 10 oz canned tuna (reserve the liquid)
• 1 egg
• 2½ cups whole wheat flour
• ⅓ cup pureed pumpkin

Instructions

1. Preheat the oven to 350°F and line a baking sheet with parchment paper or a reusable baking mat. This helps them not to stick.
2. Chop up the tuna into very small pieces with a knife or in a food processor. The smaller the better, so they can combine well into the dough and cook evenly.
3. In a large bowl, mix the chopped tuna, egg, flour, and pumpkin. Combine until a dough forms. If it’s too sticky, add a bit more flour, and if it seems dry, add a little water.
4. Flatten the dough out with a rolling pin on a floured surface until it’s about ¼ inch thick. Cut into small squares or desired shapes with a small cookie cutter.
5. Place on your lined baking sheet a little apart. This allows room for airflow and even baking.
6. Bake for 18 to 20 minutes or until the edges are a light golden brown and they have a crunchy texture but aren’t too hard. Allow to cool completely.

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13. Turkey & Pumpkin Grain Free Cat Treats

Ingredients

• ¼ cup pumpkin puree
• ½ cup ground turkey
• 1 large egg

Instructions

1. Preheat your oven to about 350°F and then line a baking sheet with parchment paper to prevent sticking.
2. Mix the pumpkin puree with ground turkey and egg in a bowl until completely combined. You should end up with a smooth, thick batter.
3. Fill a piping bag or a plastic bag with the corner cut off with the mixture. Pipe small, bite-sized drops onto the parchment paper.
4. Bake for 10 to 15 minutes or until the treats are set and lightly golden on top. (Cooking time may vary slightly depending on size.)
5. Allow to cool before serving. You can store leftovers in the fridge for a few days or freeze them for longer storage.

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Ensuring Complete Nutrition

Homemade pumpkin cat treats become easier to prepare once you understand the principles of balancing nutrition in animals.

Our feline friends require complete and balanced nutrition. 90% of their daily calories should come from vet-approved cat foods.

Pumpkin cat treats provide the chance to vary the flavor and texture of food. They are also packed with nutritional value which can benefit your kitty.

The building blocks of a healthy feline diet are high-quality animal-based protein, healthy fats for energy, a glossy coat, and limited fiber.

If whole food sources are not providing all of the required nutrients, veterinarian-approved supplements like fish oil or taurine can help to fill in any gaps.

Rotating your protein sources when making different treat recipes is a good way to make sure your cat gets a broader range of amino acids and micronutrients.

Occasional pumpkin cat treats are usually not a big deal. But, it’s important to remember that they are not a substitute for nutritionally complete meals.

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Conclusion

It’s always a pleasure to see your kitty’s eyes sparkle when you give them some homemade pumpkin cat treats made with your hands.

Consider snapping a photo of your finished pumpkin cat treats before the fur baby gets to them. Make more and store the leftovers in the freezer for later days.

We strongly recommend that you consult with your vet before adding any new ingredient to your cat’s diet.

In case of special issues, your vet may need to do some blood work to assess the situation and recommend further action.

We’d love to hear about your story from the kitchen. So, don’t be shy and leave us a comment or tag us on social media @fursnpaws.dxb when your cat gives these treats two paws up.