Cat treats are more than just snacks; they are tools for bonding, training, and rewarding your feline friend. Choosing the right treats can improve your cat’s health, happiness, and behavior, while adding variety to their diet.
Whether you’re looking for healthy cat treats, soft snacks for kittens, grain-free options, or high-protein treats for picky eaters, this guide covers everything you need to know to make safe and informed choices.
Treats should complement your cat’s diet, not replace regular meals. Moderation is key.
Benefits of Cat Treats
Cat treats are more than tasty morsels—they serve multiple practical purposes:
- Bonding and Affection: Offering treats strengthens the emotional connection with your cat. Treat time can become a daily ritual of love and attention.
- Training Aid: Positive reinforcement is effective for teaching cats new behaviors or discouraging unwanted habits. A small treat after a desired action reinforces learning.
- Nutritional Support: Many treats are fortified with vitamins, minerals, and supplements that promote healthy skin, coat, or dental hygiene.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys challenge your cat physically and mentally, preventing boredom.
Example: Giving a high-protein treat after a cat learns a new trick rewards the behavior while providing essential nutrients.
Types of Cat Treats
Cats have unique tastes and dietary needs. Choosing the right treat depends on age, health, and preferences.
Soft Cat Treats
- Ideal for: Older cats, kittens, or cats with dental issues.
- Benefits: Easy to chew and digest; often enriched with nutrients.
- Tip: Use soft treats for bonding or training sessions where your cat can eat quickly.
Grain-Free Cat Treats
- Ideal for: Cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs.
- Benefits: Free from corn, wheat, and soy; reduces digestive upset.
- Example: Freeze-dried meat strips with no fillers.
Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- Ideal for: Cats that enjoy high-protein snacks.
- Benefits: Preserve natural flavor and nutrients; often single-source proteins like chicken, salmon, or tuna.
- Tip: Great for training rewards because they are lightweight and highly palatable.
Lickable/Squeeze Puree Treats
- Examples: Churu, lickable tuna puree, or chicken puree.
- Benefits: Hydrating, soft, and easy to administer; ideal for picky cats or disguising medication.
- Why It Matters: Reflects modern treatment trends and provides practical solutions for hydration or administering medicine.
10 Best Cat Treats
Selecting high-quality treats ensures your cat stays healthy while enjoying delicious rewards. Here are the 10 top cat treats trusted by pet owners and veterinarians:
1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Soft Cat Treats
- Type: Soft, high-protein
- Best For: Adult cats, picky eaters
- Benefits: Grain-free, made with real chicken, supports healthy skin and coat
- Use: Ideal for training or bonding sessions
2. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
- Type: Crunchy, dental
- Best For: Cats needing oral health support
- Benefits: Reduces tartar and plaque, helps freshen breath
- Use: Give as a daily dental snack to maintain teeth health
3. Temptations Classic Cat Treats
- Type: Crunchy and soft inside
- Best For: Cats that love a flavorful snack
- Benefits: Variety of flavors, low-calorie
- Use: Perfect for rewarding good behavior or snack time
4. Wellness Kittles Cat Treats
- Type: Crunchy, grain-free
- Best For: Cats with food sensitivities
- Benefits: Made with natural ingredients, no fillers or artificial additives
- Use: A safe, everyday treat for sensitive stomachs
5. Churu Lickable Puree Treats
- Type: Lickable/squeeze puree
- Best For: Hydration, medication administration, picky cats
- Benefits: Soft, flavorful, easy to feed
- Use: Great for giving medications or bonding time
6. Orijen Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
- Type: Freeze-dried, high-protein
- Best For: Cats needing a protein-rich snack
- Benefits: 100% natural, single-source animal proteins
- Use: Excellent as a training reward or dietary supplement
7. PureBites Freeze-Dried Treats
- Type: Freeze-dried, single-ingredient
- Best For: Cats with allergies or dietary restrictions
- Benefits: Grain-free, gluten-free, no additives
- Use: Perfect for health-conscious cat owners looking for clean treats
8. Halo Liv-a-Littles Cat Treats
- Type: Soft, grain-free
- Best For: Kittens and adult cats
- Benefits: Made with cage-free chicken, supports overall health
- Use: Ideal for training or occasional snacks
9. Feline Greenies SmartBites
- Type: Crunchy, dental + nutrition
- Best For: Cats needing both dental care and nutrition
- Benefits: Fortified with vitamins, minerals, and antioxidants
- Use: A balanced treat for health and enjoyment
10. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats (Crunchy Bits)
- Type: Crunchy, grain-free
- Best For: Adult cats, weight management
- Benefits: High-protein, supports healthy skin and muscles
- Use: Perfect for snacks during playtime or training
Choosing the Best Cat Treats
Selecting the right treat ensures your cat enjoys flavor and stays healthy. Here’s how:
- Ingredients Matter: Look for real meat or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid onion, chives, and garlic powder, even in small amounts, as these are toxic to cats and can cause anemia or digestive issues.
- Calorie Control: Treats should never exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
- Age-Appropriate: Kittens require smaller, softer treats; adults may enjoy firmer textures.
- Health Considerations: Consider dental treats for oral care or fortified treats for immune support.
Pro Tip: Create a simple table comparing popular treat types with texture, ingredients, and benefits for quick reference.
DIY Cat Treats
Making treats at home is fun, economical, and ensures full ingredient control.
Easy Tuna Bites Recipe:
- Preheat oven to 350°F (175°C).
- Mix 1 can of drained tuna with 1 egg and 1/2 cup oat flour.
- Form small bite-sized balls and place on a baking sheet.
- Bake for 10–12 minutes or until firm.
- Let cool completely before serving.
Tip: Freeze small batches to maintain freshness. DIY treats allow you to avoid harmful ingredients and customize nutrition.
How Many Cat Treats Should I Give?
Treats should be given in moderation:
- Use the 10% daily calorie rule.
- For an average adult cat weighing around 10 pounds (4.5 kg), 2–4 small treats per day is safe. Adjust portions for smaller or larger cats.
- Spread treats throughout the day or use puzzle feeders for stimulation.
Example: Using treats as part of training sessions spreads intake and prevents overfeeding.
Are Cat Treats Bad for Cats?
Treats are safe when chosen wisely, but some risks exist:
- Obesity: Overfeeding can cause weight gain.
- Nutritional Imbalance: Treats should complement, not replace, regular cat food.
- Allergic Reactions: Some cats may react to grains or artificial additives.
Tip: Read labels carefully and select treats made from high-quality, natural ingredients.
Where to Buy Cat Treats
- Online Stores: Amazon, Chewy, and Petco offer a wide variety of options, including subscriptions.
- Premium Brands: Hill’s, Blue Buffalo, and Wellness provide dental, skin, and coat-focused treats.
- Budget-Friendly Options: Many grocery or pet stores carry safe and nutritious treats.
Pro Tip: Check reviews and ingredients online before purchasing to ensure safety and quality.
FAQ Section
- Can kittens eat all types of cat treats?
No. Kittens need smaller, softer treats suitable for their developing teeth and digestive system. - What ingredients in cat treats should I avoid?
Avoid onion, chives, garlic powder, artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives. - How often can I safely give my cat treats?
Daily, keep treats within 10% of daily calorie intake. Spread them across the day or use puzzle toys. - Are freeze-dried treats better than soft treats?
It depends on your cat. Freeze-dried treats are nutrient-rich and lightweight; soft treats are easier for older cats to chew. - Can treats replace regular cat food?
No. Treats supplement training or enjoyment but should never replace balanced meals.
Conclusion
Cat treats are a fun, rewarding way to bond, train, and support your cat’s health—if chosen wisely. By understanding the types, carefully checking ingredients, feeding in moderation, and exploring DIY or modern treats like lickable purees, you can provide treats that are safe, nutritious, and enjoyable. Remember, treats are meant to supplement meals, not replace them. Treat your cat responsibly, and your furry companion will thrive with purrs, affection, and happiness.
Read Also:
