4 Ingredient Microwave Mince Pies for Cats

It is traditional at Christmas to share a celebratory meal with family and friends. But is your furry feline feeling left out?

Make these simple, microwave-cooked festive treats to keep your kitty purring all Christmas Day!

These delicious meaty treats require just a microwave and a few simple ingredients. Paws to the ready... let's go! 🐈

Food Ingredients: Washed & skinned sweet potato, drained tinned Tuna in spring water*, plain flour, your cat's favourite wet food, carrot/peas/sweetcorn (optional).

Other Equipment: Microwave oven, silicone mini cup cases, metal fork, microwave-proof glass jug, plate, paper towel.

Use equal weights of each of the ingredients, eg 30g sweet potato, 30g Tuna, 30g flour, and add half the weight of additional vegetables (eg 15g).

Remember to give this to your cat only if you are certain they have no allergies to the ingredients.

*Don’t discard the tuna-infused liquid- pour it into a bowl and keep it in the fridge for your cat to enjoy alongside their mince pies!

There are many foods that humans can eat and enjoy, which are toxic to cats. That's why I researched the ingredients.

According to Battersea Dogs and Cats Home, all the ingredients used in this recipe are 100% cat-safe (although they should only be consumed in small, treat-sized portions). Some of the ingredients have bonus health benefits for your furry friend to flourish:

1. Sweet potato- added fibre can help with constipation, and their naturally bright orange colour comes from the antioxidant beta carotene, which can help with vision, skin, and bone health.
2. Tuna- rich in omega-3 essential fatty acids promoting good skin and coat health, as well as being low in carbohydrates, reducing risk of obesity and related health issues.

Paws to it, here we go!

1. Cut sweet potato into small chunks & pop these into a glass jug half-filled with water. Cover this with a plate and leave to boil in the microwave for a few minutes, until soft. Check the potato regularly to see if it is cooked by poking a chunk with a fork. If you choose to use carrots as well, boil them now.
2. Once boiled, dab the sweet potato chunks dry with paper towel & mash with a fork until no lumps remain.
3. Mix thoroughly the sweet potato, drained tuna, and plain flour in equal proportions (by weight). The mixture should be smooth and stiff- it mustn't be sloppy. If it is, add more flour. If it is too stiff to manipulate, add some water.
4. Should you wish, stir in any other vegetables, making sure to cut them finely. Peas and sweetcorn can be mashed into a paste.
5. Press the mixture into the mini silicone cup cases to make the "pastry" shells. Make them thin to allow for a very small amount of expansion, and plenty of room inside for filling.
6. Make topper decorations on baking paper from leftover "pastry". Use premade cookie cutters, download and 3D print one I designed on Tinkercad (attached). Or make one of your own- I experimented with marking my cat's initials on her pies!
7. Pop these into the microwave for ~10-15 minutes or until crisp and golden-brown. Baked “pastry” should be soft but hold its shape.
8. Allow to cool before removing from the cases & filling with wet cat food of your choice. If you would like to freeze any for later, do this now before adding any decorations/filling.
9. Place on top other decorations, and sprinkle with plain flour to finish.
10. Serve, and watch them enjoy! 😸

My cat -Misty- loves these extra-special festive treats and has since gone on to become a true connoisseur of these fishy delights! I hope your cat does too!

What I like about this recipe is that it's so adaptable- sweet potato could be substituted with butternut squash, for example. They are quick, simple, and easy to make with a few left-over ingredients. Your feline friend is bound to enjoy these truly scrumptious treats on Christmas Day. 🎅