A cat treat isn’t food from your plate, even if it’s “just a little bit” or “just this once.” Treats aren’t a meal, they’re a reward: a way to spoil your cat, build your bond and encourage good behavior. Here’s how to choose cat treats and how to give them without upsetting your cat’s diet.
Why Give Your Cat Treats?
- as a reward when training, for example to come when called, use a scratching post or get into a carrier;
- to make vet visits, grooming, nail trims and giving medication less stressful;
- for enrichment, using treat balls and puzzle feeders;
- for bonding and play;
- some treats have extra benefits, such as dental treats that help reduce tartar.
Types of Cat Treats
- Crunchy treats, which are easy to store and handy for training.
- Soft and chewy treats, which are good for older cats or cats with sensitive teeth.
- Lickable treats (creamy purees in tubes or sachets), which many cats love and which are useful for distracting a cat during grooming or hiding medication (only if your vet says it’s fine to give the medicine with food).
- Freeze-dried and dried meat or fish treats, often made from a single ingredient.
- Dental treats: look for the VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) seal, which shows a treat has been proven to reduce plaque or tartar.
- Functional treats, such as hairball treats.
- Catnip and cat grass, which aren’t food but are a popular reward.
How to Choose Treats
- choose treats made specifically for cats;
- check that the treats suit your cat’s age, and choose small pieces for kittens;
- if your cat has a health condition, food allergy or a prescription diet, ask your vet which treats are safe;
- check the calories per treat, which are often listed on the pack;
- avoid treats with a lot of added sugar, salt or fillers.
How Many Treats Can a Cat Have?
A good rule of thumb: treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. For a typical 10 lb (4.5 kg) adult cat, that’s only around 20–25 calories a day, which may be just a few small treats.
Too many treats can lead to weight gain, an unbalanced diet and a cat that refuses its normal food. If you give treats regularly, cut back your cat’s main meals slightly. Read more about obesity in cats.
Tips for Giving Treats
- use treats as a reward for good behavior, not to stop unwanted behavior such as yowling for food;
- break larger treats into small pieces;
- use part of your cat’s daily dry food ration as treats or in puzzle feeders;
- don’t let family members give treats without checking how many your cat has already had;
- store treats sealed, according to the pack instructions;
- introduce new treats gradually, and stop if your cat has vomiting or diarrhea.
Can I Give My Cat Human Food as a Treat?
Small amounts of some plain foods are fine as an occasional treat, such as a little plain cooked chicken, turkey or white fish, without skin, bones, seasoning, onion or garlic. But many human foods are dangerous for cats. Read more: foods cats should never eat.
