Delicious bites your cat will always purr for Treats for cats are a fun way of expressing affection and an innovative approach to promoting healthy habits. Picking the right treat is crucial, whether you use it as a bonding ritual, during training, or just as an incentive for good behaviour. Correctly chosen cat treats can improve dental health, digestion, hydration, and overall animal healthcare.

More than 70% of cat owners provide no less than one treat every day, according to recent pet surveys, and many use treats as training aids. However, every single treat is made equally. It’s simple to become overwhelmed by the variety of products available, ranging from crunchy dental sticks to freeze-dried salmon bites. Here are some tips to help you choose the best treats for your pet.

Different Types of Cat Treats for every cat’s taste & health

Cats love treats, and giving them the right one not only makes them happy, healthy, and loved but also strengthens your bond with them. Here are a few types you can choose from:

Crunchy Cat Treats: These are tiny, solid treats that produce a “crunch” sound when your cat bites them. They guarantee that satisfying bite while also maintaining healthy gums and teeth.

Meaty Cat Treats: These are juicy, soft, and loaded with authentic meat flavour. They taste like a typical diet, which is the reason why cats like them. They often have a lot of protein.

Chewy Cat Treats: They tend to be a little stretchy but soft. Cats who like to chew and nibble slowly are going to love these. Ideally suited for elderly cats with sensitive teeth as well.

Creamy Cat Treats: These have a silky, lickable texture and are packaged in tubes or sachets. They can be fed straight from the packet, which adds an unforgettable element to bonding time.

Jerky Cat Treats: They’re often Chewy, flavourful strips of dried meat. They keep cats engaged and entertained for longer than soft treats.

Grain-Free Cat Treats: They’re made without rice, corn, or wheat. Ideal for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs. They are less stressful to digest, but they still taste exceptional.

Kitty Licks: These are tasty pastes cats can lick from a dish or your hand. They often serve for covering up medication or bring in picky eaters to eat.

How to Choose the Best Treats for Your Cat

One of the easiest ways to convey your love for your feline companion is by providing them treats, but picking the right ones matters most for their overall well-being. The wrong treat can cause dental issues, gut problems, or even increased weight. The correct one will keep them happy, sound, and wishing more.

Look at the Ingredients

Treats with named proteins (like salmon or chicken) as the main ingredient should always come prior to anything else. As long as your cat is tolerant of them, stay away of generic meat by-products and search for minimal ingredients like maize meal or grains.

Take into considerations the below factors:

Weight management: Adjust meal portions or opt for low-calorie options.

Dental Care: Treats with an odd feel or crunch can help lessen plaque.

Sensitive Digestion: Search out treats with probiotics added that are made with a lesser number of or without grains.

Consider Your Cat’s Age and Health

The nutritional requirements of senior cats, adult cats, and kittens vary. For instance, senior cats may require low-calorie treats to help control their weight, while kittens may require smaller, softer treats for their smaller jaws. Certain veterinarian-approved treats may be vital for cats with medical conditions such as kidney problems or allergies.

Check the Calories

Due to their small size, cats can quickly gain weight from even very few extra calories. Mild treat intake is advisable, ideally not higher than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake.

Think About Purpose

While some treats have added perks, others are just for fun. Dental treats aid in tooth maintenance, hairball-control treats aid in digestion, and stress-relieving treats help lower discomfort.

Frequently Asked Questions

Can I feed my cat treats daily?

Yes, but keep treats under 10% of daily calories. Adjust their main cat food portion accordingly to avoid overeating.

My cat needs to lose weight. What treats are good?

Look for low-calorie, portion-controlled treats, like small crunchy bites or single-ingredient freeze-dried options.

How many treats can I give during training?

Keep them bite-sized and use up to ten small treats per session, just make sure to subtract those calories from their regular cat food.

Can treats help with dental health?

Yes. Crunchy treats designed to remove plaque can help, but they are not a substitute for regular brushing or vet dental care.