These crunchy treats get a double hit of appeal: real chicken and a generous pinch of catnip. Great for training cats to come or to use a carrier.
About one in three cats does not react to catnip, but the chicken still wins them over.
Why your cat will love this
- Double appeal: chicken and catnip
- Great for carrier training
- Crunchy for a week on the counter
Ingredient notes
- Cooked chicken, finely shredded Safe
Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.
- Egg Safe
Fully cooked only.
- Oat flour Caution
Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate.
- Dried catnip Safe
Dried catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, others ignore it.
- Water or onion-free broth Caution
Homemade or onion- and garlic-free low-sodium broth only.
Crunchy Catnip Cat Treats
Crunchy bites of chicken, egg, oat flour and catnip.
- 5 of 5 ingredients safety-checked, 3 marked safe
- Wheat-free
- Dairy-free
- Peanut-free
- Large Batch
- Contains: Egg, Chicken
Ingredients
Makes 80 treats
- SafeCooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast. Safe amount: Part of a balanced diet.
- SafeFully cooked only. Safe amount: A teaspoon or two.
- CautionFine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate. Safe amount: Treat amounts only.
- SafeDried catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, others ignore it. Safe amount: A pinch.
- CautionHomemade or onion- and garlic-free low-sodium broth only. Safe amount: A few tablespoons.
Equipment
- Rolling pin
Instructions
-
Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
-
Blend the chicken and egg, then mix in the flour, catnip and water.
-
Roll thin and cut into tiny squares.
-
Bake until crisp.
-
Cool completely and store airtight.
Tips for success
- Rub dried catnip between your fingers before adding to release the scent.
- Keep the dough thin so the treats bake through and stay crunchy.
- Store in a glass jar so the catnip scent lasts.
Nutrition per treat
- Calories
- 3.0 kcal
- Protein
- 0.3 g
- Fat
- 0.1 g
- Carbs
- 0.2 g
Storage
- Counter 7 days
- Fridge 14 days
- Freezer 90 days
How much to serve
Up to 8 treats a day.
| Small cat (7 lb) | up to 6 treats a day |
|---|---|
| Average cat (10 lb) | up to 8 treats a day |
| Large cat (14 lb) | up to 11 treats a day |
Last updated September 5, 2026.
How to make Crunchy Catnip Cat Treats
Crunchy Catnip Cat Treats takes about 35 minutes from start to finish and makes 80 treats. It is an easy recipe. You will need a rolling pin. Read through every step once before you start, and set out all the ingredients so nothing is missed.
Ingredients and why they are here
You need 5 ingredients. Each one is checked against the ingredient safety guide for cats.
- 1/2 cup cooked chicken, finely shredded: Cooked, boneless dark meat has more taurine than breast.
- 1 large egg: Fully cooked only.
- 3/4 cup oat flour: Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate.
- 1 tbsp dried catnip: Dried catnip is safe. Some cats get very excited, others ignore it.
- 2 tbsp water or onion-free broth: Homemade or onion- and garlic-free low-sodium broth only.
Step-by-step instructions
- Heat the oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Blend the chicken and egg, then mix in the flour, catnip and water.
- Roll thin and cut into tiny squares.
- Bake until crisp. Allow about 20 minutes.
- Cool completely and store airtight.
Tips for success
- Rub dried catnip between your fingers before adding to release the scent.
- Keep the dough thin so the treats bake through and stay crunchy.
- Store in a glass jar so the catnip scent lasts.
How to store it
Let everything cool completely before you pack it away, since trapped steam causes sogginess and mold. Keep it at room temperature for up to 7 days, in the fridge for up to 2 weeks, or in the freezer for up to 3 months. If anything smells off or shows mold, throw it out.
How much to serve
Up to 8 treats a day. Each treat has about 3 calories. Treats and toppers should stay under 10 percent of your cat’s daily calories, so cut back their regular food a little on days you serve extra.
Swaps and variations
No cooked chicken? Use cooked turkey. Change one ingredient at a time so you can tell how each swap affects the texture.
Why cats love it
Double appeal: chicken and catnip. Great for carrier training. Crunchy for a week on the counter.
Feeding tips for cats
Cats can be cautious with new foods. Offer a tiny amount next to something familiar, and be patient if your cat sniffs and walks away the first time. Warm refrigerated food to room temperature, since cats prefer food near body temperature. Cats with kidney, thyroid or urinary conditions may need a special diet, so ask your vet before adding new foods.
Make it ahead
To save time, measure and prep the ingredients the day before and keep them covered in the fridge. Label containers with the recipe name and date so you always know what to use first. Most of the work in this recipe is hands-off, so it fits easily around a busy week.
Safety notes
Oat Flour: Fine as a binder in treats. Cats need very little carbohydrate. Chicken Broth: Homemade or onion- and garlic-free low-sodium broth only. Never add onion, garlic, chocolate, grapes, raisins, xylitol or salt, and check the safety guide before trying a new ingredient with your cat. This recipe is general information, not veterinary advice.
Frequently asked questions
Why does my cat ignore catnip?
Sensitivity is genetic; about a third of cats do not respond.
Can kittens have catnip?
Kittens usually do not react until about 6 months old, but it is safe.
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