Homemade Cat Food You Can Put Together With Ingredients From Your Fridge

Sometimes your cat's dinner plans hit a snag. Maybe the kibble bin is running low, or perhaps your feline critic has decided today's meal isn't up to its standards. When that happens, you can turn to a few human foods that are safe for cats, including small amounts of lean cooked meats like chicken, plain cooked pumpkin, and other unseasoned options. These foods are simple to prepare, often already in your kitchen, and can give your cat a meal that feels both comforting and nourishing.

They may also help in certain situations, such as with cats experiencing gastrointestinal upset. Cooked chicken and rice without seasoning is pretty easy to digest and can encourage eating when a cat's appetite is low, especially when offered with a veterinarian's approval.

High-protein meals, typically meat-based, can help support a cat's nutritional needs — they are carnivores, after all — while ingredients like pumpkin provide fiber that supports healthy digestion. Offering these approved foods in small portions can add variety without upsetting your cat's stomach. Chosen with care, they can be a satisfying part of your cat's menu rotation, offering helpful nutrients and keeping your cat eager to eat — almost like a natural appetite stimulant for cats.

With its mild flavor and soft texture, chicken and rice can win over even the pickiest of eaters. Boneless chicken breast is easy for cats to eat, and its warm aroma often sparks interest at mealtime. Combined with rice, it creates a mash that's easy to portion and enjoy.

Chicken is a nutritious source of animal protein for cats, providing the amino acids they need for strong muscles and good overall health. Rice offers easily digested carbohydrates and, when fully cooked, can be gentle on the stomach. Together, they make a soft, comforting meal that's often a good choice for cats with delicate digestion.

Now, let's talk about substitutions. White rice contains less fiber, while brown rice has more of the grain's bran layer, providing a higher fiber content. Brown rice also trumps white rice in its magnesium and B vitamins, but more fiber and nutrients can be added in the form of peas and finely diced carrots. Meanwhile, turkey breast prepared the same way as chicken can add variety to your cat's menu, and for a moister texture, stir a splash of warm, unsalted chicken broth into the rice-and-fowl mash. Serve in small portions, and store leftovers in an airtight container in the refrigerator for three to four days. Slightly warming refrigerated portions before serving can help release the aroma and make the mash more inviting.

Mild in flavor and easy to digest, an egg and pumpkin mash can be a gentle option when you want to give your cat something both wholesome and simple. Fully cooked and prepared without oil or seasoning, eggs can be a healthy choice for cats. Eggs offer high-quality protein that helps maintain muscle strength and provides nutrients such as vitamin B12, iron, zinc, and selenium. When paired with plain pumpkin purée, it creates a creamy mixture that may help support healthy digestion, which is why pumpkin is sometimes added to cat food recipes. Top off the meal with a pumpkin-flavored cat treat, and your furry friend will adore you.

For extra appeal, you can mix in a few flakes of tuna packed in water or a small amount of salmon, keeping the flavors subtle. Adjust the mash to your cat's preference by blending it until smooth or leaving soft bits for a variety of textures. Serve in small portions to avoid overwhelming your cat with too much new food at once. Gradually increasing the amount over several days can help your cat adjust, making this a tasty way to add variety and gentle nutrition to its menu.

Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your pet's diet, exercise, or care. To find an accredited veterinarian in your area, you can search the American Animal Hospital Association's online database.