DIY toy guide
Frozen Broth Lick Block
A cooling, hydrating summer treat frozen from unsalted broth
Freeze cat-safe broth into a lick block or cubes for a hydrating, enriching treat on hot days — cheap to make and a gentle way to sneak extra water into a reluctant drinker.
- Difficulty
- Easy
- Time
- 10 minutes + freezing
- Cost
- Under £2
🧺 You will need
- Unsalted, onion- and garlic-free bone broth or plain chicken/fish broth
- A shallow silicone mould, ice-cube tray or small bowl
- Optional: a few flakes of cooked fish or a little wet food to embed
- A shallow dish or lick mat to serve it on
🔧 How to make it
- Make or buy a genuinely cat-safe broth — no salt, no onion, no garlic, and no added seasoning of any kind.
- Let the broth cool completely to room temperature.
- Pour it into a silicone mould, ice-cube tray or shallow bowl.
- Press a few flakes of cooked fish or dabs of wet food into the liquid if you want to add interest.
- Freeze for several hours until solid.
- Pop out a block or a couple of cubes and serve on a shallow dish or lick mat where your cat likes to relax.
💡 Tips
Serve on tile or in a spot that is easy to wipe down, as it will melt into a puddle. Smaller cubes suit warm days; a larger block on a lick mat lasts longer and doubles as slow enrichment. Rotate it in only occasionally so it stays a novelty.
Safety: Never use stock cubes or shop broths intended for humans — they are loaded with salt and often contain onion and garlic, which are toxic to cats. Offer frozen treats in moderation, and let very cold blocks soften for a minute so sensitive teeth are not shocked.
📝 Notes
A useful trick for tempting fluids into cats prone to dehydration or urinary problems, and a welcome bit of cooling enrichment during a heatwave.
