Ring in the New Year With This Alcohol-Free Calming Cat Cocktail

While you’re indulging in sweet strawberries and bubbly champagne as you wait for the clock to strike midnight, why not ring in the New Year with a tasty, cat-friendly dupe: a “pink champagne mocktail” made especially for your furry friend.

Created as a nod to this classic festive combination, this cat “cocktail” is an alcohol-free, strawberry-infused drink that includes a feline-friendly calming supplement and salmon oil.

Because booming New Year’s Eve fireworks can trigger noise-reactive kitties, we added a few drops of the Rescue Remedy® stress relief pet supplement, which is designed to help soothe anxious cats. The salmon oil contains omega-3 fatty acids to help support coat and heart health.

But before adding these supplements to your own cat cocktail, talk to your veterinarian—and remember to keep alcohol out of reach of pets.

Cheers to the new year!

• Yield: 4 Servings
• Serving size: 1/2 cup
• Prep time: 15 minutes
• Total time: 15 minutes

• 1/2 cup whole fresh or frozen strawberries, washed and hulled
• 2 cups cool water
• Zesty Paws® Pure Salmon Oil Skin & Coat Support Dog & Cat Supplement, or another salmon oil*
• Rescue Remedy® Stress Relief Pet Supplement

*If you opt for another salmon oil, ensure that it’s specially formulated for cats. The human-specific blends in your own health food store may contain additives that aren’t safe for feline consumption. Check with your veterinarian before giving supplements to your cat.

• Blender
• Fine strainer
• Measuring cup
• Spoon
• Serving bowl or dish
• Airtight container

1. Add strawberries and water to a blender and blend until smooth.
2. Pour mixture through a fine strainer twice to remove pulp and seeds.
3. For one serving, pour 1/2 cup of the mixture into a serving bowl or dish. If you have several cats and are making multiple servings, mix them one at a time to keep ratios accurate. Refrigerate any remaining liquid in an airtight container.
4. Add the recommended amount of salmon oil (per package instructions and your pet’s weight) to the 1/2 cup of the blended strawberries and water, then stir.
5. Add 4 drops of the calming supplement (per package instructions) and stir.
6. Serve to your kitty. Do not let your kitty’s serving sit out overnight. If not completely lapped up after a few hours, toss what remains.

As you would with any other treat, serve your cat a small amount.

Treats should only constitute a small percentage of your pet’s daily cat food. We’re talking no more than 10% of your pet’s diet (and if your pet is overweight, even less than that). Feeding too many treats can lead to nutrient deficiencies.

If your pet has health issues or if you have any concerns, consult your pet’s veterinarian before offering any new treats. Any sudden changes to your pet’s diet can cause digestive upset.

To ensure proper food safety, leftovers must be refrigerated within an hour of preparation and consumed within three days, or frozen in an airtight container for later use up to one month.

Looking for more tasty treats to gift, stuff into your cat’s stocking, or wrap and place under the Christmas tree?

Here are some of our favorite store-bought holiday cat treats:

This recipe was reviewed by a Chewy veterinarian. It is intended as a treat or snack.