Ice Cream for Cats: 5 Easy Homemade Recipes

With the summer heat, we often look for refreshing ways to treat our pets. Homemade cat ice cream can be a refreshing alternative, as long as it's made with ingredients that are safe for cats.
In this blog, we'll tell you everything you need to know about this special snack: whether they're suitable, what benefits they offer, what ingredients to use (and which ones to avoid), and of course... 5 easy recipes to make them at home!

Are ice creams suitable for cats?

It depends. Cats have a very different digestive system than ours, and many of them are lactose intolerant, so the typical vanilla ice cream we eat isn't a good option. However, if prepared with safe ingredients and in moderate quantities, homemade ice cream can be a fun snack for your kitty. The key is to choose the right ingredients, avoid those that can cause discomfort, and introduce them as an occasional treat, not a regular part of their diet.

Advantages of ice cream for cats

If made correctly, cat ice cream can offer some practical benefits:

• Extra hydration: Many cats don't drink enough water, especially in hot climates. Liquid-based ice creams (such as low-sodium broth or water) can help keep them hydrated in an appealing way.

• Enrichment and Stimulation: Ice cream treats can be a fun way to enrich your cat's environment, especially if you make them in different textures, shapes, or even hide them to encourage their hunting instinct. This kind of mental and sensory stimulation helps keep your cat active, curious, and less prone to boredom, especially indoors.

Additionally, you can complement this type of enrichment with interactive dog and cat toys like Waggy's Crazy Mouse . Its erratic movement and soft texture are designed to awaken your cat's natural hunting instinct, keeping him entertained and moving. It's an excellent tool for releasing pent-up energy and promoting your kitty's physical and emotional well-being.

• A different way to reward them: If your cat is already bored with their usual treats, homemade ice cream can be a refreshing new way to reward them, as long as the ingredients are safe and they tolerate it well.

What ice creams can cats eat? Best ingredients

These ingredients are safe for most cats and easy to use in homemade recipes:

• Chicken or fish broth (no salt or seasoning): A tasty, hydrating, and easy-to-freeze base. You can pour it into small molds and freeze it.

• Tuna or salmon in water: Both are appealing flavors for many cats. You can blend them with a little water and freeze the mixture in cubes or molds.

• Lactose-free natural yogurt: For cats that tolerate it, sugar-free and lactose-free natural yogurt can be a creamy and appealing base. If the yogurt contains probiotics, it may provide additional benefits.

• Suitable fruits like melon or watermelon (in small amounts): Some cats enjoy soft fruits like melon. Just be sure to remove the seeds and rind and offer them in moderation.

• Catnip: You can sprinkle some on ice cream or mix it with other ingredients for a stimulating touch.

You may be interested in: benefits of catnip .

What ingredients should you avoid?

While making homemade ice cream for your cat sounds fun, it's essential to know the ingredients you should avoid:

• Dairy products with lactose: Most adult cats don't digest lactose well. Traditional milk-based ice cream can cause stomach upset, gas, and diarrhea.

• Sugar, honey, or sweeteners: Cats don't need sugar, and many artificial sweeteners (like xylitol) are toxic to them. Plus, their palates aren't designed to taste sweets.

• Chocolate, coffee, or tea: These ingredients contain substances toxic to cats, such as caffeine and theobromine. Even small amounts can be dangerous.

• Grapes, raisins, onion, and garlic: These ingredients are associated with toxic effects in cats and can affect organs such as the kidney or liver.

• Preservatives, colorings or processed foods: Avoid industrial products not formulated for cats. It's always best to opt for natural, simple, and unseasoned products.

You may be interested: Can cats eat chocolate ?

Can cats with health problems eat ice cream?

It depends entirely on the type of health problem and the type of ice cream. If your cat has conditions such as kidney failure, food allergies, diabetes, or gastrointestinal issues, it's best to consult your veterinarian before introducing any new treat, even if it's homemade.

Some cats may better tolerate ice creams made with natural broth or pure proteins (such as unseasoned tuna or chicken), but in cases of delicate health, every ingredient counts. It's important not to replace a medically or controlled diet with treats, even if they're natural or homemade.

You may be interested in: homemade cat snacks .

5 Homemade Ice Cream Recipes for Cats.

• Stock cubes

• Ingredients: Chicken or fish broth (no salt, no garlic or onion)

• Preparation: Pour the broth into small molds or ice trays and freeze.

• Extra tip: You can add some Waggy's Bites treats for more flavor.

• Tuna ice cream

• Ingredients: ½ can of tuna in water, 1 tablespoon of water

• Preparation: Blend the tuna with the water until smooth. Freeze in small molds.

• Ideal for: Cats that love intense flavors.

• Yogurt with catnip

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of lactose-free yogurt, a pinch of dried catnip

• Preparation: Mix both ingredients and freeze in silicone molds.

• Recommendation: Offer only to cats that tolerate lactose-free dairy well.

• Salmon ice cream

• Ingredients: 2 tablespoons of cooked and shredded salmon, 2 tablespoons of water or natural broth

• Preparation: Blend until smooth and freeze.

• Refreshing melon cubes

• Ingredients: 2 small cubes of ripe melon without seeds or peel, 1 tablespoon of water

• Preparation: Blend well and freeze.

• Note: Only for cats that accept fruit, and in very small quantities.

How much ice cream can you give a cat?

Although these treats are designed to be safe, they should be offered as occasional treats. The ideal portion depends on the cat's size and overall health, but as a general rule:

• 1 or 2 small cubes per week are sufficient.

• If this is your first time giving your child ice cream, offer only a small portion and see how they react.

• They should always be a complement, not a substitute for your balanced diet.

Tips for giving ice cream to your cat

• Every cat is different. Some may love ice cream, others won't even look at it. If you notice vomiting, diarrhea, or changes in behavior, discontinue the treat.

• Use cold plates or lick mats to serve the ice cream. This promotes stimulation and makes the moment more enjoyable.

• Freeze in small portions, such as ice cubes, bottle caps, or silicone molds. This way, you avoid waste and have better control over the amount.

What do I do if my cat doesn't want to eat ice cream?

Don't worry, not all cats are fans of the cold! Just as they have very different personalities, they also have unique food preferences. If your cat completely ignores ice cream, here are some ideas for treating them without frustration:

• Try different textures. Some cats are more attracted to creamy mixtures than ice cubes. You can also let the ice cream soften a little before offering it to them.

• Offer it at a calm moment, not right after eating. If your child is relaxed or in exploratory mode, they're more likely to try new things.

• Opt for a functional snack like Waggy's Bites. These cat treats are specially designed for cats, with functional ingredients that support health issues such as skin, coat, and the immune system. A practical and safe way to pamper your cat, without the hassle.

Conclusion

Homemade cat ice cream treats are a great way to refresh, reward, and stimulate your cat during hot weather, as long as they're made with safe ingredients and offered in moderation. They can also become a time of enrichment and play if combined with toys or creative presentations.

And if your cat isn't a fan of ice cream, that's fine. The important thing is to find safe and positive ways to indulge them, whether it's with functional treats like Waggy's Bites, toys like Crazy Mouse, or simply spending time together.

Remember: every cat is unique, and part of the love we give them is knowing their tastes, respecting their limits... and continuing to look for ways to make them happy!