Most cats love cheese and the addition of a teaspoon of Marmite into this recipe makes this a winner with every cat I’ve tried it on (with the possible exception of Lilly the Birman who did turn her nose up at it – but she only eats fresh fish from her owner’s hand, so it wasn’t really a fair test!)

You can freeze this, so make up a dish full and bag it up into single servings and store until next time.

You will need:

150g (5.3oz) pasta (any shape will do)

150g (5.3oz) chicken mince

60g (2.1oz) cheddar cheese, grated

½ pint milk

20g (0.7oz) plain flour

20g (0.7oz) butter

¼ teaspoon Marmite

1. Cook the pasta according to the instructions on the packet and set it aside to cool once drained.

2. Meanwhile, make a start on the cheesy chicken sauce by melting the butter in a small pan over a low heat. Stir in the flour and gently cook for 2-3 minutes. Then take it off the heat and gradually add in the milk, stirring continuously to avoid lumps.

3. Return to the heat and bring to the boil, still stirring, and simmer for five minutes, stirring occasionally. When smooth and creamy, stir in the cheese a little at a time until melted.

4. Brown the chicken mince in a frying pan (you shouldn’t need any oil as there is plenty of fat in the mince), and, after five minutes or so, add it into the cheese sauce along with the Marmite. Mix it all in together and them pour over the pasta in an oven-proof dish.

5. Bake in a moderate oven for about 25 minutes, until brown on top, and then set aside to cool thoroughly before serving.

Serve once cool or alternatively, pour into paper cupcakes or an ice-cube tray and place in the freezer. For easy storage remove the frozen treats and store in a freezer bag.

Be sure to clearly label the bag with the date. Can be kept frozen for up to 2 months.

The content of this article should not replace the advice given to you by your vet. If you are in any doubt, please refer back to your pets veterinary surgeon