We all want the best for our beloved dog or cat, and nothing says love to our furry pals than a nice, homemade pet treat. The trouble is, giving your cat or dog “people food” isn’t always the best option, and store-bought pet treats are expensive and usually not very healthy for your pets. But you can help your pet stay happy or healthy by making their treats at home. Below are a few suggestions for pet treats that are not only tasty, but inexpensive and easy to make.

For Dogs

Hot Dogs — Bring your franks to room temperature, and cut into pieces the appropriate size for your dog. Turkey or reduced fat kosher hot dogs are best, but hot dogs are generally higher in fat, so limit your serving size.

Vegetables — While we usually think of our furry friends primarily as meat eaters, most dogs will gladly eat a green bean or carrot, fresh or frozen. To make sure you are not accidentally giving them an unhealthy treat, check out this list of foods poisonous to dogs.

Ice Cubes — Simple ice cubes are a great dog treat on a hot day, but you can also make them with chicken or beef broth, low sodium and onion free, of course. Then you can freeze them and save them for the next time he brings you your slippers.

Chicken — Plain cooked, boneless chicken breast is a special treat that will make your dog love you forever. The next time you are making a chicken dish for yourself, just set aside a small amount to cook without seasoning or oil. Allow it to cool, then cut into appropriate sizes.

For Cats

Tuna Pops — Drain the liquid from a can of tuna and pour into a plastic pill organizer with dividers and freeze. Once they’re frozen, pop them out into a bowl so your cat can lick them.

Tuna Balls —Take the tuna you just drained and add half a cup of cut turkey or chicken and two thirds of a cup of dry cat food. You can even add sliced vegetables if you want. Mix the ingredients in a bowl, roll into balls and chill in the refrigerator for half an hour. Cover in crackers or bread crumbs, and serve.

Giving your dog or cat the occasional pet treat doesn’t have to break the bank. You can make your own pet treats at home that are safe and healthy, and will make your dog or cat love you even more.

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Tina_Rencelj

There’s nothing quite like the affection and joy you’ll receive from a lovable new kitten. Whether you’ve taken a long time to decide which furry friend to adopt, or received a kitten as a gift, you should have your camera ready to capture a flurry of feline antics! Bringing your kitten to the vet for a checkup is also a good idea within its first week under your care, so be sure to schedule an appointment as soon as possible.

Before she arrives, stock up on food, toys, a litter box, grooming tools, a collar with ID tag and a crate with a bed that includes a warm blanket or towel so your kitten can start getting comfortable right away.

By now you may feel prepared to welcome home a new kitten…but is your apartment ready? Here are a few tips to help your kitten (and your furniture) get through the transition unscathed.

Prior to Arrival: Kitten-Proofing 101

Before your kitten arrives, be sure to remove any items she might chew or swallow. Paper towels, tissues, paper clips or pencils lying around may pose choking hazards. Tape exposed wires or electrical cords to baseboards and put caps on outlets. Remove household plants that might be toxic to pets and put away cleaning products, medications and any food that can be easily opened.

In the laundry room, remember to keep washer and dryer doors closed, as a kitten may climb into a warm dryer for a nap.

Save your furniture and curtains from your kitten’s claws by providing a sturdy, rough-textured scratching post—at least three feet high—to allow her to stretch completely while scratching.

Privacy Please

Without littermates or a mother nearby for comfort, your kitten needs to feel secure as well as warm. Choose a low-traffic room that children and other pets don’t frequent to become your kitten’s own area as she gets her bearings. Arrange her bed, food and water bowls, toys and litter box here.

Give her some time alone in her room to get comfortable before you come in to play. If you have other pets, it’s a good idea to keep your kitten separated for a few days and allow the other animals in the house to become familiar with her sounds and scent.

Many people may want to hold and play with your new kitten, but it’s important to limit handling for the first few days while she adjusts. Introduce one family member at a time, allowing the kitten to come to each person gradually.

The Grand Tour

After you’ve kitten-proofed and your new pet seems at peace in her own space, introduce her to the rest of your apartment one room at a time. Place the open carrier in whichever room you are introducing her to so she has a retreat available, and let her explore while you sit quietly.

A Little Routine Goes a Long Way

Give your kitten a little structure to start out with. For the first few weeks, provide her with a consistent brand of food and litter, and stick to a regular feeding schedule. Later on, if you wish to switch to different products, try to make a slow transition.

The Scoop on Litter

Litter training is relatively easy since cats instinctively bury their waste, but a little patience helps. Place the litter box in a corner or other sheltered spot. After your kitten wakes from a nap, or shortly after eating, place her in the box. If she doesn’t dig or scratch, gently hold one of her front paws and simulate digging with it. Praise her if she uses the box, but never punish her if she doesn’t. She may need to be placed in the box every couple hours until she gets the hang of it.

Should I Stay or Should I Go?

Leaving your new kitten alone may be difficult after you’re treated to a few hours of cuddling and purring. But when you’re away, be sure to secure the kitten in one room with a bed, litter box, scratching post, food and water. If you’ll be gone until evening, add a nightlight.

Turn on a radio with soft music and make sure to have enough safe toys nearby to keep Kitty’s attention focused on playing instead of tackling the furniture. If you are away for the majority of the day, remember to spend extra time petting and playing with your kitten when you return!

A new kitten will depend entirely on you to ease the transition from mother’s side to an unfamiliar new place. With a little planning and a lot of love, you and your kitten will enjoy a purr-fectly happy relationship!

Photo credit: iStockphoto/Xseon