Fun Ideas for a Christmas Lunch for Your Cat

Christmas is a time to share special moments with family, friends, and, of course, our beloved pets. For cat lovers, creating a Christmas lunch for your cat can be a fun and safe way to celebrate with them. With a bit of planning, you can make a meal that captures the festive spirit while catering to their dietary needs.

Cats are obligate carnivores, so a meat-based lunch is an ideal way to spoil them. Consider a small platter with a variety of meats, such as:

• Cooked Turkey or Chicken: These are safe meats for cats and are often a holiday staple for humans too. Ensure it’s plain, fully cooked, and free of seasonings, bones, and skin.
• Bits of Salmon or Tuna: A little salmon or tuna can be a festive treat, but stick to small portions as they’re rich and best as an occasional indulgence.
• Shrimp or Prawns: Many cats love seafood, and plain, cooked shrimp can be a tasty addition to their meal. Remove the shells and tails for safety.

Remember to serve these in cat-friendly portions—small, bite-sized pieces that they can easily chew.

Add a small side of cat-safe vegetables to make the meal balanced and colorful. While cats don’t necessarily need vegetables, some enjoy the taste and texture.

• Steamed Carrots: Cooked until soft, carrots add a bit of color and crunch to their plate.
• Peas: A small handful of peas can be fun for your cat and are safe to eat.
• Pumpkin Puree: This is a nutritious and safe option, especially good for digestion. Avoid pumpkin pie filling and use plain pumpkin puree only.

Make sure vegetables are cooked, served in small quantities, and free of any seasoning, butter, or oil.

To add a festive twist, prepare a small drizzle of homemade, cat-safe gravy:

1. Simmered Meat Broth: Take water and add a few pieces of the meat you plan to serve, simmering it to extract the flavors. Strain and let it cool before serving.
2. Pumpkin Broth Mix: Add a touch of pumpkin puree to the broth, stirring until smooth.

Drizzle a small amount over the meat and veggies. Avoid store-bought gravy, as it often contains onions, garlic, and other ingredients that are toxic to cats.

Prepare or purchase holiday-themed cat treats as a dessert:

• Catnip Christmas Cookies: Mix together a bit of catnip, a tiny amount of canned pumpkin, and tuna or chicken baby food (without any added salt or spices). Form into small balls or shapes and bake for a few minutes at low heat until they firm up slightly. Let them cool before serving.
• Freeze-Dried Treats: Look for freeze-dried treats like chicken or fish bites. These are festive and add a bit of crunch without any artificial ingredients.

To really get into the Christmas spirit, sprinkle a touch of catnip around their plate as a garnish. This can add an extra festive feel and encourage them to enjoy their special meal. Just be mindful not to overdo it if your cat is particularly sensitive to catnip.

To make it special, you might use a festive plate or arrange the food in a fun way—like shaping their food into a small Christmas tree or wreath. A holiday placemat could also make the setup cute without overwhelming your cat.

Safety Tips:

• Avoid Toxic Ingredients: No onions, garlic, raisins, grapes, chocolate, or alcohol.
• Limit Rich Foods: High-fat foods like cheese or fatty meats should be given in very small amounts, if at all, to avoid stomach upset.
• Serve Fresh: Cats can be particular about freshness, so serve the meal at a comfortable temperature soon after it’s prepared.

Final Thoughts
Creating a Christmas lunch for your cat is a simple way to include them in the holiday celebrations. By keeping the meal safe, healthy, and festive, you’ll make it a memorable day for both you and your furry friend. Just remember that this meal is a special treat and should complement their regular diet. Enjoy the holiday season together, and treat your cat to a Christmas lunch they’ll purr about all year long!