How to Cook Cat Food Sons of the Forest

This guide teaches you how to cook cat food in Sons of the Forest, including where to find ingredients, how to prepare meals, and tips for keeping your virtual pet happy. Perfect for survival mode players who want to care for their in-game companions.

Learn how to how to cook cat food sons of the forest.

Key Takeaways

Cat food is essential for taming and feeding cats in Sons of the Forest: Without it, you cannot keep a cat as a companion, making it a valuable survival item.
You need tuna and a cooking pot to make cat food: These are the only two ingredients required, but you must have access to fire and water to cook.
Build a fire pit or use a campfire to cook: Cooking requires heat, so always ensure you have a safe, controlled fire source nearby.
Store cooked cat food in your inventory or stash: It doesn’t spoil quickly, so you can prepare batches in advance for convenience.
Feeding cats improves their loyalty and behavior: Well-fed cats are more likely to follow you and stay nearby during exploration.
Avoid using spoiled or raw ingredients: Only fresh tuna works—rotten fish will not create edible cat food.
Use cat food strategically during long expeditions: Bring extra to maintain your pet’s health and morale when venturing far from base.

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How to Cook Cat Food in Sons of the Forest: A Complete Guide

Welcome to your ultimate guide on how to cook cat food in Sons of the Forest! Whether you’re a new player trying to survive the island’s dangers or a seasoned explorer looking to bond with a furry companion, knowing how to prepare cat food is a game-changer. Cats aren’t just adorable—they’re loyal allies who can warn you of nearby threats, keep you company, and even help with small tasks like carrying items.

In this guide, we’ll walk you through everything you need to know: from finding the right ingredients to building a fire and cooking your first meal. We’ll also share tips on managing your cat’s needs, troubleshooting common issues, and making the most of your in-game pet. By the end, you’ll be a pro at feeding and caring for your virtual feline friend.

Let’s dive in!

Why Cook Cat Food in Sons of the Forest?

Before we get into the how-to, let’s talk about why cooking cat food matters. In Sons of the Forest, cats are more than just background animals—they’re interactive companions that can be tamed and cared for. But unlike dogs or other animals, cats are picky eaters. They won’t accept just any food. To earn their trust and keep them healthy, you need to feed them properly prepared cat food.

Cooking cat food does more than satisfy hunger. It strengthens the bond between you and your pet. A well-fed cat is more likely to follow you, stay close during dangerous encounters, and even bring you small gifts like bones or feathers. Plus, having a cat by your side can reduce stress and loneliness, which is especially helpful during long survival sessions.

Cooking also gives you control over your resources. Instead of relying on rare canned cat food found in loot boxes, you can make your own whenever you have the ingredients. This saves inventory space and ensures you’re never caught without food for your pet.

What You’ll Need to Cook Cat Food

To cook cat food in Sons of the Forest, you’ll need just a few key items. The good news? Most of these are easy to find once you know where to look.

Ingredients

Tuna: This is the main ingredient. You can catch tuna by fishing in deep ocean waters using a fishing rod. Look for schools of fish near the shore or dive into deeper areas with a rebreather. Tuna is also sometimes found in supply crates or abandoned camps, but fishing is the most reliable method.
Cooking Pot: You’ll need a metal pot to mix and cook the ingredients. Pots can be found in cabins, kitchens, or military outposts. If you can’t find one, you can craft it using metal scraps and a workbench once you’ve unlocked the recipe.

Cooking Equipment

Fire Source: You need an open flame to cook. This can be a campfire, fire pit, or even a torch placed near the pot. Make sure the fire is stable and won’t spread—dry grass and trees can catch fire easily.
Water Source: While not always required, having water nearby helps with cooking and safety. You can use a water bottle or collect rainwater in a container.

Optional but Helpful Items

Backpack or Storage Box: To carry extra ingredients and cooked food.
Fishing Gear: A fishing rod, bait, and rebreather make catching tuna much easier.
Workbench: Needed if you plan to craft your own cooking pot.

Step-by-Step Guide to Cooking Cat Food

Now that you know what you need, let’s go through the cooking process step by step. Follow these instructions carefully to ensure your cat food turns out perfectly.

Step 1: Gather Tuna

The first step is collecting tuna. Head to the coastline and look for areas with clear, deep water. Tuna tend to swim in schools, so watch for ripples or fish jumping near the surface.

Equip your fishing rod and attach bait (worms or small fish work best).
Cast your line into the water and wait for a bite. You’ll see a splash and hear a sound when a fish takes the bait.
Reel it in quickly—tuna are strong and can break your line if you’re not careful.
Once caught, store the tuna in your inventory. You’ll need at least one tuna per batch of cat food.

Tip: Fish during the day for better visibility. Night fishing is possible but riskier due to predators and low light.

Step 2: Find or Craft a Cooking Pot

Next, you’ll need a cooking pot. If you’re near a cabin or military base, check the kitchen area. Pots are often placed on stoves, tables, or shelves.

If you can’t find one, you can craft it:

Unlock the cooking pot recipe by progressing through the game and using a workbench.
Gather metal scraps from broken vehicles, weapons, or debris.
Use the workbench to craft the pot. It usually takes 3–5 metal scraps.

Tip: Keep a spare pot in your base for emergencies. You never know when you’ll need to cook on the go.

Step 3: Build a Fire

Cooking requires heat, so you’ll need to build a fire. Here’s how:

Choose a safe location—away from trees, dry grass, and flammable structures.
Gather firewood, leaves, and tinder. You can find these in forests or break down wooden objects.
Use a lighter or matches to start the fire. If you don’t have one, craft a fire starter using cloth and sticks.
Place the firewood in a pile and light it. Wait for the flames to grow before placing the pot.

Tip: Use a fire pit if available. It contains the fire and reduces the risk of wildfires.

Step 4: Prepare the Cooking Pot

Once your fire is ready, it’s time to cook:

Place the cooking pot on or near the fire. Make sure it’s stable and won’t tip over.
Open your inventory and select the tuna.
Drag the tuna into the pot. The game will automatically recognize it as an ingredient.
Wait for the cooking animation to begin. You’ll see steam rising and hear sizzling sounds.

Note: Do not add water unless the recipe calls for it. Cat food only requires tuna and heat.

Step 5: Cook the Cat Food

Cooking takes about 30–60 seconds in real time. Watch the pot closely:

The tuna will change color from pink to brown as it cooks.
Once done, a notification will appear saying “Cat Food Ready.”
Use the action button (E on PC) to remove the pot from the fire.
Open the pot and collect the cooked cat food. It will appear as a new item in your inventory.

Tip: Cook multiple batches at once if you have extra tuna. This saves time and firewood.

Step 6: Store or Feed the Cat Food

Now that your cat food is ready, you have two options:

Store it: Place the cat food in your backpack or a storage box at your base. It doesn’t spoil quickly, so you can keep it for days.
Feed it: Approach your cat and open your inventory. Select the cat food and use the “Give” action. Your cat will eat it and show signs of happiness—purring, rubbing against you, or following you more closely.

Tip: Feed your cat regularly to maintain loyalty. Hungry cats may wander off or become less responsive.

Tips for Efficient Cat Food Cooking

Cooking cat food is simple, but a few smart habits can make the process even smoother.

Cook in Batches

Instead of making one meal at a time, cook several batches when you have extra tuna. This saves firewood and time, especially during long expeditions.

Set Up a Cooking Station

Designate a spot in your base for cooking. Include a fire pit, pot, water source, and storage box. This makes meal prep quick and organized.

Fish Strategically

Plan fishing trips when you’re near the coast. Bring extra bait and a rebreather to catch tuna more efficiently. You can also fish while exploring other areas.

Keep Your Cat Close

Once you’ve tamed a cat, keep it near your base or bring it with you. This way, you can feed it immediately after cooking, reducing the need to carry extra food.

Use Cat Food as Bait

In some cases, cooked cat food can be used to lure other animals or distract enemies. While not its primary purpose, it’s a handy trick in survival situations.

Troubleshooting Common Issues

Even experienced players run into problems. Here’s how to solve the most common issues when cooking cat food.

Issue: Tuna Won’t Cook

If the tuna doesn’t start cooking when placed in the pot:

Make sure the fire is lit and active. Dead fires won’t cook food.
Check that the pot is placed correctly—on or very close to the flames.
Ensure you’re using fresh tuna. Spoiled or rotten fish won’t work.

Issue: Fire Keeps Going Out

Fires can die quickly, especially in windy or rainy conditions.

Build a fire pit to protect the flames.
Use dry wood and tinder. Wet materials won’t burn well.
Keep extra firewood nearby to add as needed.

Issue: Cat Won’t Eat the Food

If your cat refuses to eat:

Make sure the food is cooked, not raw.
Check if the cat is already full or injured.
Try feeding it in a quiet, safe area—cats may avoid eating near threats.

Issue: Can’t Find a Cooking Pot

If you’re struggling to locate a pot:

Search cabins, military bases, and research facilities.
Craft one using metal scraps and a workbench.
Ask other players in multiplayer mode if they have a spare.

Advanced Tips for Cat Care

Once you’ve mastered cooking cat food, take your pet care to the next level with these advanced tips.

Name Your Cat

Giving your cat a name strengthens your bond. Use the interaction menu to rename it. Choose something memorable—like “Whiskers” or “Shadow.”

Build a Cat Shelter

Create a small shelter near your base with a bed, food bowl, and toys. This gives your cat a safe place to rest and return to.

Monitor Health and Mood

Watch your cat’s behavior. A healthy cat is active, playful, and follows you closely. If it seems lethargic or avoids you, it may be hungry or sick.

Use Cat Food in Multiplayer

In co-op mode, share cat food with teammates. A well-fed cat can benefit the whole group by alerting everyone to danger.

Conclusion

Cooking cat food in Sons of the Forest is a simple yet rewarding task that enhances your survival experience. With just tuna, a cooking pot, and a fire, you can create nutritious meals for your feline companion. Not only does this keep your cat happy and loyal, but it also gives you more control over your resources and gameplay.

Remember to gather ingredients early, cook in batches, and always keep your cat well-fed. Whether you’re exploring dense forests, surviving cannibal attacks, or building your dream base, a happy cat makes the journey better.

Now that you know how to cook cat food like a pro, it’s time to put your skills to the test. Grab your fishing rod, light a fire, and start cooking. Your virtual pet is waiting!