Preparation
1Drain the canned tuna over a bowl to catch every drop of that precious tuna water. In a separate bowl, mash the tuna with a fork until it's a flaky paste — leave some small chunks for texture.
2Add the Greek yogurt, tuna water, and catnip to the mashed tuna. Stir until combined. The mixture should be thick but pourable, like a lumpy smoothie. If it's too thick, add a splash of plain water.
3Pour the mixture into small silicone molds, popsicle molds, or even ice cube trays. If you're feeling fancy, insert a wooden popsicle stick or a thick straw into each one so you can dangle it later. Freeze for at least 4 hours until solid.
4Pop the freezes out of their molds, place one on a plate or in a shallow dish, and step back. Your cat will approach cautiously, sniff intensely, and then commit fully. Expect 15-25 minutes of focused licking.
Best Time to Serve
Hot afternoons, or any time your indoor cat looks existentially bored
Purpose
Cats don't pant, don't sweat (much), and absolutely will not drink more water just because it's 90 degrees outside. These frozen fish pops bypass their stubbornness entirely by delivering hydration through something they actually want to put in their mouth. The slow-lick format forces extended engagement, which is enrichment gold for indoor cats.
When to Use
Use during heat waves, for indoor cats who need stimulation, or whenever your cat gives you the "entertain me" stare. Also fantastic for cats recovering from dental procedures who need cold comfort on sore gums.
What to Expect
A slender, pale-pink frozen cylinder with visible flecks of fish throughout, frosted on the surface like a tiny frozen salmon cigar. When your cat licks it, the surface melts into a creamy slick that they'll chase around the plate with their tongue.
Does Not Fix
Will not teach your cat to share. If you have multiple cats, make one per cat or prepare for a small war.
Time to Effect
Immediate cooling and hydration. Enrichment benefits (reduced boredom behaviors) noticeable within a few days of regular use.
Safety Risks
Never use tuna packed in oil or brine — the sodium and fat levels are unsafe for cats.
Limit to 1-2 popsicles per week. Tuna is a treat, not a staple, due to mercury accumulation risk.
Supervise the first few times in case your cat tries to bite off chunks instead of licking. Some cats are ambitious and need to learn the popsicle lifestyle gradually.
Enrichment Ideas
Easy: Place the popsicle on a plate and let your cat lick at will. Simple, effective, and mesmerizing to watch.
Medium: Wedge the popsicle inside a puzzle feeder or a toilet paper roll so your cat has to paw it out. The melting creates urgency — they can see it disappearing and must problem-solve faster.
Hard: Hold the popsicle by its stick and make your cat reach for it. Move it slowly, let them bat at it, create a little "heist" scenario where they have to earn every lick. This is why it's called The Tuna Heist.
Owner Tips
Serve on a plate with a lip — as the popsicle melts, the fish-flavored puddle is almost as exciting as the popsicle itself.
For cats who've never had frozen food, let the popsicle sit out for 2-3 minutes before offering. A slightly softened surface is less intimidating than a rock-hard ice block.
Make a batch of 8-10 at once and store in a freezer bag. Pull one out on hot days and you're a hero with zero effort.
Catnip-infused popsicles may cause your cat to rub their face on the plate afterwards. This is normal and extremely entertaining.
If you don't have silicone molds, pour the mixture into the fingers of a clean rubber glove, tie each finger off, and freeze. Weird? Yes. Effective? Also yes.
Dog
Snack Only (not a meal)
