It’s no secret that cats adore treats.
But what exactly makes a cat treat the right choice for your feline companion?
This comprehensive guide offers everything you need to know about cat treats—from selecting healthy options to making homemade delights.
Some are crafted to support dental health with scientifically backed formulas.
Some are high-value treats ideal for training and rewarding good behavior.
Some are made especially for kittens or senior cats with specific dietary needs.
Some offer calming effects to ease your cat’s anxiety during stressful events.
Let's dive right in.
What Are Cat Treats and Why They Matter
Cat treats are small food rewards given to cats outside their regular meals, often used for bonding, training, or health benefits. Though they might seem like just a snack, the right treats play a crucial role in your cat's wellbeing and happiness.
Since cats are obligate carnivores—meaning they need nutrients from animal sources—cat treats typically feature meat or fish flavors that appeal to their natural diet. Moreover, treats can provide functional benefits, such as supporting dental health, reducing hairballs, or calming anxiety.
However, treats must be given thoughtfully, as they should never exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake, to avoid weight gain and related health issues.
Experts recommend choosing treats that align with your cat’s specific needs and preferences for optimal results (PetMD Vet Advisory Panel).
Why Are Treats Important For Cats?
- Bonding: Giving treats strengthens your relationship and trust with your cat.
- Training: Rewards make training fun and effective by motivating your cat.
- Health Support: Certain treats target issues like dental care, hairball control, or anxiety relief.
- Enjoyment: Some treats simply delight your cat’s palate, adding variety to their diet.
Treats are more than just tasty snacks; they can enhance your cat's quality of life when chosen wisely.
Choosing the Best Cat Treats for Your Feline Friend
With the overwhelming variety of cat treats available, how do you pick the perfect one? The best cat treats match your cat’s unique needs, preferences, and health status.
Here are key factors to consider when choosing cat treats:
1. Purpose of the Treat
The intended use shapes your choice:
- Training: Opt for small, low-calorie, highly palatable treats that your cat can eat quickly during sessions.
- Dental Health: Look for treats that carry the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, proving their effectiveness in reducing plaque and tartar.
- Health Support: Specialized treats can target hairball control, anxiety relief, or weight management.
- Daily Reward: Choose low-calorie treats for frequent use without risking obesity.
2. Calorie Content
A crucial point: treats should never exceed 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Over 60% of pet cats are overweight or obese, making calorie counting vital. Choose treats with around 2 calories or less per piece, especially for cats needing weight control (PetMD).
3. Ingredient Quality
Check for natural ingredients, without artificial colors or preservatives. Animal-based proteins should lead the ingredient list, avoiding fillers like grains or byproducts that add little nutritional value and can upset digestion.
4. Texture and Palatability
Cats have diverse preferences and dietary needs. Consider textures that suit their age and health—crispy for dental benefits, chewy or soft for seniors or dental issues, and lickable purees for hydration and engagement (like Churu treatments).
5. Flavor Variety
Cats often prefer meat flavors such as fish, chicken, or liver. Introducing a variety of flavors early in kittens can prevent pickiness. Transition flavors gradually to prevent stomach upset.
Remember always to consult your veterinarian before introducing new treats, especially if your cat has health issues like diabetes or sensitivities.
Pro Tip: Use treats as rewards to reinforce positive behavior and strengthen your bond rather than just snack fillers.
Cat Treat Textures and Flavors Explained
Understanding treat textures and flavors can help you pick the perfect match for your cat’s tastes and physical needs.
Textures
- Crunchy: Ideal for cats that like dry food. These treats help to scrape plaque off teeth and are often used for dental health. Example: Feline Greenies Dental Treats (Greenies).
- Soft and Chewy: Easier for kittens, seniors, or cats with dental issues to eat. They typically come in bite-sized pieces that dissolve quickly.
- Lickable Purees: High moisture content, great for hydration and picky eaters, often used to provide enrichment or administer meds. Products like Churu are popular favorites among cats and vets alike.
- Freeze-Dried: These treats maintain nutrients while offering a crunchy yet natural experience. They are usually made of pure proteins such as chicken or fish, favored for being bio-appropriate .
Flavors
Cats tend to prefer protein-rich flavors that mimic their natural prey. Common favorites include:
- Tuna – Often irresistible due to its strong aroma.
- Chicken – Popular and versatile.
- Salmon – Provides omega-3s and a delicious flavor.
- Liver – Highly palatable and nutrient-dense.
Introducing a balanced mix of flavors from an early age prevents food fussiness later, but always transition slowly to avoid digestive upset.
Special Health Considerations When Giving Cat Treats
Some cats have unique health needs requiring carefully selected treats. Here are several concerns and what to look for:
Weight Management
Supporting a healthy weight is vital. Choose low-calorie treats (around 2 calories or less) and adjust regular food portions accordingly to keep treats within 10% of daily calories, preventing obesity-related complications (PetMD).
Dental Health
Tartar and plaque buildup can begin early. Dental treats with the VOHC seal are scientifically proven to maintain oral health. Crunchy textures encourage chewing that mechanically reduces plaque, while ingredients like natural enzymes support gum health.
Hairball Control
Long-haired or shedding cats often suffer from hairballs. Specialized treats containing fiber and omega fatty acids (like VetriScience’s Hairball Control Soft Chews) help move ingested hair through the digestive system safely.
Anxiety and Stress Relief
For cats with situational stress—such as vet visits or travel—certain calming treats contain natural ingredients like L-theanine and Magnolia extracts that promote relaxation without sedation, improving your cat's comfort and behavior.
Always consult with your vet before selecting treats for health concerns to ensure nutritional compatibility and avoid adverse reactions.
Dietary Sensitivities: For cats allergic or sensitive to certain ingredients, opt for limited-ingredient or single-protein treats, such as freeze-dried chicken breast or 100% natural tuna treats (PetMD).
Homemade Cat Treats: Easy and Healthy Recipes
Making your own cat treats can be rewarding, fun, and reassuring because you control every ingredient. Simple recipes don’t require fancy ingredients or advanced cooking skills.
Here is a popular recipe for homemade tuna cat treats that your cat will love, naturally grain-free, gluten-free, and dairy-free:
Two-Ingredient Tuna Cat Treats Recipe
- Preheat oven to 170°C (330°F) and line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
- Separate one egg white and beat it until stiff peaks form.
- Blend a can of tuna with two tablespoons of the whipped egg white until smooth.
- Gently fold the tuna paste into the rest of the egg white, keeping the mixture airy.
- Pipe small rounds onto the baking sheet using a piping bag with a star nozzle.
- Bake for 20-25 minutes until dry and easy to remove from parchment.
- Cool on a wire rack and store in airtight containers for up to two weeks.
These crunchy tuna nuggets delight even the pickiest cats, and the simple ingredients ensure digestibility and safety (Supakit).
You can explore other homemade recipes such as chicken cookies or pumpkin & turkey no-bake treats, but always remember treats are snacks, not meal replacements.
Interested in creating more homemade delights? Check out our detailed guide on cat food nutrition for safe feeding tips.
Top Vet-Recommended Cat Treat Brands
Veterinary experts frequently recommend trusted brands backed by scientific research and high-quality ingredients. Here are some favorites across various categories:
Dental Treats
Feline Greenies Dental Treats: These oven-roasted chicken-flavored treats help clean teeth, reduce tartar buildup, and freshen breath. With less than 2 calories per treat and the VOHC seal, they are top choice for dental health (Greenies).
Training Treats
Purina Pro Plan Crunchy Bites: Bite-sized, low-calorie treats with enticing liver and chicken flavors ideal for training sessions. They’re easy to eat quickly and help maintain weight.
Lickable Treats
Inaba Churu Variety Pack: Creamy fish protein purees that promote bonding and are excellent for medication delivery. Highly palatable and hydrating, particularly useful for stressful events.
Hairball Control
VetriScience Hairball Control Soft Chews: Contain essential omega-3 fatty acids and fiber to aid hair movement through the digestive tract, reducing hairball formation.
Freeze-Dried Treats
Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Raw Chicken Breast Treats: Single-protein, raw treats that many cats find irresistible due to their crunchy texture and purity. Consult your vet before offering raw products.
Choosing well-researched brands ensures safety, nutrition, and palatability. For a thorough list of licked cat treats, you can also explore this vet-endorsed review.
Cat Treats for Training and Behavior Management
Training your cat can be fun and rewarding with the right treats. High-value, low-calorie treats that your cat finds irresistible make learning new behaviors smooth and positive.
When training, use small, soft or chewy treats that can be consumed quickly, keeping your cat engaged and focused. Having treats that come in strong-smelling, meaty flavors helps pique their interest immediately.
Examples of excellent training treats include tiny chicken liver bites or soft, lickable tuna purees that are easy to carry and dispense. Remember, the goal is to reward frequently but keep calories low to maintain healthy weight.
Fun Fact: Cats can learn tricks like walking on a leash, sitting, or even fetching—training powered by tasty rewards.
Want to dive deeper into cat training techniques? Check out our ultimate guide to cat toys to pair techniques with stimulating play.
Dental Health Benefits of Cat Treats
Did you know cats can develop periodontal disease early in life? Dental treats designed to control plaque and tartar buildup play a vital role in your cat’s oral hygiene.
Treats with the VOHC seal have been scientifically tested to reduce tartar when used alongside regular dental care. Products like Feline Greenies offer these benefits, combining tasty flavors with dental functionality.
The mechanism involves crunchy textures that encourage chewing, helping to mechanically scrape off plaque deposits. Nutrients like zinc and antioxidants support gum health and freshen breath.
Regular use of dental treats, combined with veterinary dental checkups, can extend your cat’s oral health and overall well-being.
FAQ About Cat Treats
How often can I give my cat treats?
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Adjust meal portions to keep overall calories balanced and avoid overfeeding.
Are homemade cat treats safe?
Yes, homemade treats can be safe and healthy when made with simple, vet-approved ingredients like tuna or chicken. Avoid seasonings, sugars, or toxic ingredients like onions or garlic.
Can treats help with anxiety in cats?
Certain treats contain calming ingredients like L-theanine and Magnolia extracts that promote relaxation. They’re effective when combined with behavior modification.
What’s the best flavor of cat treats?
Most cats prefer protein-rich flavors such as chicken, tuna, salmon, or liver. Test a variety to discover your cat’s favorite.
Is freeze-dried better than dry treats?
Freeze-dried treats retain more nutrients and mimic natural prey closer than many processed dry treats. They are often preferred for their bio-appropriate qualities but can be pricier.
What's Your Next Step?
Tell us in the comments: How will you apply this to your cat treats journey? For personalized advice, contact us!
