What Treats Are Best for Cats? A Simple Guide to Choosing Cat Treats
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Anyone who lives with a cat knows that they can be rather particular about what they eat. One cat might come running at the slightest rustle of a treat packet, while another will inspect your carefully chosen offering and walk away as though you've personally offended them.
With so many options available — from lickable cat treats and soft treat sticks to crunchy biscuits and meat or fish-based treats — it isn't always obvious which ones to choose.
The good news is that there doesn't have to be one "best" cat treat. The important thing is choosing something suitable for your cat, understanding what you're feeding and remembering that treats should complement their normal diet rather than replace it.
What should you look for in a good cat treat?
The ingredients list is a sensible place to start.
Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning they rely on nutrients found in animal-based foods. When comparing treats, look at the composition rather than relying solely on the flavour written on the front of the packet.
Products that clearly identify their meat or fish ingredients can make it easier to understand exactly what you're giving your cat.
You'll also often see the words complete or complementary on pet food packaging.
Complete foods are formulated to provide the nutrients your cat needs when fed according to the manufacturer's instructions. Most treats, however, are complementary foods. This means they're designed to be enjoyed alongside your cat's normal complete and balanced diet, rather than used as their main food.
Are lickable cat treats a good choice?
Lickable cat treats have become increasingly popular, particularly with cats that prefer softer foods.
They're usually served directly from a small pouch or tube and can also sometimes be added to your cat's normal food. Their soft consistency provides a very different experience from a crunchy biscuit or chewy treat stick.
They're also quite interactive. Rather than simply putting a treat into a bowl, you can often feed a lickable treat directly to your cat.
As with any treat, check the ingredients and follow the manufacturer's feeding guidance. Just because something disappears in seconds doesn't mean your cat needs another one — regardless of what they may tell you!
What about cat treat sticks?
Soft or semi-moist cat treat sticks are another popular option.
Depending on the product, they can usually be given whole or broken into smaller pieces. Breaking a stick up can be useful when you only want to offer a small reward or want to spread treat time throughout the day.
Different treat sticks can contain very different ingredients, so it's worth checking the composition and recommended feeding amount rather than assuming they're all the same.
Are crunchy cat treats and biscuits okay?
Many cats love the crunch of a biscuit-style treat, while others aren't remotely interested.
Crunchy treats are convenient, easy to portion and can work well as occasional rewards. They can also be useful with suitable treat-dispensing toys to make your cat work a little harder for their reward.
The main thing to remember is portion size. A few little cat treat biscuits might not look like much, but repeated treats throughout the day can quickly add up.
What about meat and fish-based cat treats?
Meat and fish-based treats can be another good option, particularly when the packaging clearly tells you what's inside.
Treats containing clearly named ingredients such as chicken, salmon, tuna or other meats and fish make it easier to understand what you're feeding.
However, terms such as "natural" shouldn't be taken to mean unlimited. Even simple meat or fish treats should still be given in appropriate amounts alongside your cat's normal diet.
How many treats should a cat have each day?
There isn't one number that's right for every cat or every treat.
The appropriate amount will depend on the particular product as well as factors such as your cat's size, age, activity level and normal diet. Always check the feeding instructions supplied with the treats you've chosen.
Treats should remain a relatively small part of what your cat eats rather than gradually replacing their normal complete food.
If your cat is overweight, has a medical condition or follows a special diet, speak to your vet about suitable treats and quantities.
Why does my cat only like certain types of treats?
Because they're a cat!
More seriously, cats can have very definite preferences when it comes to smell, flavour and texture.
A cat that ignores crunchy treats might enthusiastically eat a soft meat treat. Another might reject both but love a lickable fish treat.
If you've bought several different flavours without success, consider changing the texture rather than simply trying another flavour. Sometimes that's what your cat actually has an opinion about.
Can cat treats be used for enrichment?
Treats don't always have to be handed directly to your cat.
Depending on the type of treat, you can use them with suitable puzzle feeders and treat-dispensing toys or hide small amounts in safe places for your cat to discover.
This can turn a simple snack into an activity and encourage your cat to explore and interact with their environment.
Just remember that treats used for enrichment still count towards the total amount you're feeding.
So, what are the best treats for cats?
Ultimately, the best treat is one that your cat enjoys, is appropriate for them and fits sensibly alongside their normal diet.
Check the ingredients and feeding guidance, and don't be afraid to experiment with different textures as well as flavours. Your cat might prefer lickable treats, soft sticks, crunchy biscuits or meat and fish-based treats — and they'll probably make their preference quite clear.
At Nose & Whisker, we've carefully selected a range of cat treats covering different flavours and textures, helping you find something worthy of your cat's approval.
