Does your cat’s purr get even louder when you shake that little bag of goodies? For many cat parents, cat treats are more than just a snack; they’re a powerful tool for bonding, training, and showing a little extra love. But navigating the endless aisles of crunchy kibbles, soft chews, and savory pastes can feel overwhelming. What’s truly healthy? What will your finicky feline actually eat? And how do you choose treats that are good for them, not just a fleeting moment of joy?
Choosing the right cat treats can be a puzzle. You want to spoil your furry friend, but you also worry about their health and well-being. Are you accidentally giving them too many sugary or artificial ingredients? Are you sure they’re getting the nutrients they need? This post is here to help you solve that puzzle. We’ll break down what makes a great cat treat and help you find the perfect pick-me-ups for your beloved companion.
By the end of this guide, you’ll feel confident in your treat choices. We’ll explore different types of treats, what to look for on the ingredient list, and how to pick the best options for your cat’s age, activity level, and any special dietary needs. Get ready to discover how to make treat time a win-win for both you and your feline friend!
Our Top 5 Cat Treats Recommendations at a Glance
Top 5 Cat Treats Detailed Reviews
1. Purina Friskies Grain Free Wet Cat Food Lickable Cat Treats Variety Pack
Rating: 9.3/10
Give your feline friend a delicious and exciting mealtime experience with Purina Friskies Grain Free Wet Cat Food Lickable Cat Treats Variety Pack, Lil’ Soups. This pack offers three delightful flavors: Salmon, Tuna, and Shrimp. Each cup is a treat designed to complement your cat’s regular food, adding a burst of flavor and moisture.
What We Like:
- Made with real seafood for a taste cats love.
- Grain-free formula.
- No artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives.
- Convenient, single-serving cups make feeding easy.
- Velvety broth adds extra yumminess.
- Variety pack lets your cat try different flavors.
- Contains no poultry by-products.
What Could Be Improved:
- These are complements, not a full meal, so they need to be paired with a balanced diet.
- Some cats might prefer chunkier textures over broth.
These lickable treats are a fantastic way to pamper your cat. They offer a tasty and healthy addition to your cat’s diet, ensuring happy purrs at every meal.
2. Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats Tasty Chicken Flavor
Rating: 9.3/10
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats in Tasty Chicken Flavor are a hit with cats everywhere. This 16 oz. tub is packed with irresistible treats that will have your feline friend purring for more.
What We Like:
- Cats go wild for the crunchy outside and soft inside texture.
- Each treat is under 2 calories, making them a guilt-free reward.
- They are a complete and balanced food for adult cats.
- The resealable tub keeps treats fresh and your cat out of them.
- The tasty chicken flavor is a proven winner for most cats.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might develop a strong preference, making other foods less appealing.
- The enticing smell might attract more than just your intended feline recipient!
If you’re looking for a way to spoil your cat and know they’ll love it, this is a fantastic option. These treats offer a delightful way to bond with your cat.
3. InstrumenteNrw Cat Grass Treats
Rating: 9.0/10
InstrumenteNrw Cat Grass Treats offer a healthy and convenient way to give your indoor cat the benefits of fresh greens. These treats are designed to help with common cat issues like hairballs and promote good dental health. They are made with natural ingredients, making them a wholesome snack for your feline friend.
What We Like:
- These treats are packed with natural fiber. This helps your cat manage hairballs safely and supports their digestion. It’s a great solution for indoor cats.
- The crunchy texture of these treats encourages chewing. This action helps clean your cat’s teeth and freshens their breath. It also satisfies their natural chewing instincts.
- They have a delicious taste and a satisfying dual texture. This makes them ideal for training your cat or just giving them a special reward.
- The ingredients are natural and safe. They include organic cat grass, real chicken, and egg yolk. There are no artificial additives, preservatives, or pesticides. You can trust these snacks for cats of all ages.
- These treats save you the trouble of growing cat grass. They are ready to serve anytime, providing all the goodness of greens without the mess.
What Could Be Improved:
- The treats are designed for indoor cats. Outdoor cats might not find them as appealing as fresh grass.
- While the taste is irresistible to many cats, some picky eaters might still need some encouragement to try them.
Overall, InstrumenteNrw Cat Grass Treats are a smart choice for cat owners. They provide essential benefits in a tasty and easy-to-serve format.
4. Hartz Delectables Bisque Variety Pack Lickable Cat Treat
Rating: 8.6/10
The Hartz Delectables Bisque Variety Pack offers a delicious and healthy way to treat your feline friend. This 30-count pack ensures you always have a tasty option on hand for your cat, whether they’re a picky eater or just deserve a special reward.
What We Like:
- Versatile uses: It works great as a food topper, a standalone treat, or a special bonding reward. Your cat will love the lickable texture!
- Premium ingredients: Made with high-quality proteins, these treats support your cat’s overall health.
- Boosts hydration: The bisque delivers a lot of moisture, helping your cat drink more water. This is great for their health!
- Free from unwanted additives: You won’t find grains, fillers, by-products, or preservatives in these treats.
- Great variety pack: The 30-count pack includes three popular flavors: cage-free chicken & tuna, wild-caught tuna, and tuna & shrimp. Your cat can try them all!
What Could Be Improved:
- Individual pouch size: While convenient, the 1.4oz pouches might be a bit small for some cats who love their treats.
This variety pack is a fantastic way to spoil your cat with healthy and delicious treats. Your feline will surely purr with happiness!
5. Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats
Rating: 9.2/10
Treat your feline friend to the delicious taste and satisfying crunch of Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy Cat Treats. These treats are specially made with real chicken as the first ingredient, making them a hit with even the pickiest eaters. The unique combination of a crunchy outer shell and a creamy, lickable center offers a delightful texture experience that cats adore. They’re also a fantastic tool for training, helping you reward good behavior with a healthy, wholesome snack.
What We Like:
- Real chicken is the primary ingredient, ensuring a savory flavor cats love.
- The dual texture of crunchy outside and creamy inside keeps cats engaged and excited.
- These treats are packed with wholesome ingredients, free from corn, wheat, soy, and artificial additives.
- They’re an excellent choice for positive reinforcement training sessions.
- The 5-oz bag provides a good amount of treats for ongoing rewards.
What Could Be Improved:
- Some cats might be sensitive to the chicken flavor if they have specific dietary needs.
- The “creamy” center could potentially be messy if not handled carefully.
Overall, Blue Buffalo Bursts offer a high-quality, tasty, and beneficial treat option for your cat. They are a great way to spoil your furry companion while supporting their health and training goals.
The Ultimate Buying Guide: A Purrfect Choice for Your Feline Friend
Treating your cat is a wonderful way to show love. It also helps with training and bonding. But with so many options, how do you pick the best cat treats? This guide will help you choose wisely.
1. Key Features to Look For
When you’re looking at cat treats, keep these important features in mind.
a. Ingredients
- High-Quality Protein: Cats are carnivores. Their treats should have real meat as the first ingredient. Look for chicken, salmon, turkey, or beef.
- Limited Ingredients: Some cats have sensitive stomachs or allergies. Treats with fewer, simpler ingredients are often better.
- No Artificial Additives: Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors, or preservatives. These don’t offer any good for your cat.
- Nutritional Value: Some treats offer added vitamins or minerals. This can be a nice bonus, especially for older cats or those with specific needs.
b. Texture and Shape
- Crunchy Treats: These are great for dental health. They can help clean your cat’s teeth.
- Soft and Chewy Treats: These are easier for older cats or kittens to eat. They are also good for training.
- Fun Shapes: Some cats enjoy treats in fun shapes. This can make treat time more engaging.
c. Size and Portions
- Bite-Sized: Treats should be small enough for your cat to eat easily. This prevents choking.
- Portion Control: Many treats are calorie-dense. Be mindful of how many you give your cat to avoid weight gain.
2. Important Materials
The “materials” in cat treats are the ingredients.
- Meat-Based Proteins: As mentioned, real meat is crucial. This provides essential amino acids for your cat.
- Fish: Salmon, tuna, and other fish are good sources of omega-3 fatty acids. These help with skin and coat health.
- Vegetables and Fruits: Some treats include small amounts of vegetables like sweet potato or peas. These can add fiber and vitamins. Limited fruit is also sometimes used for flavor or natural sweetness.
- Grains (Use with Caution): While not essential for cats, some treats contain grains like rice or oats. If your cat has a grain sensitivity, choose grain-free options.
3. Factors That Improve or Reduce Quality
Several things make a cat treat great or not so great.
a. Improving Quality
- Natural Ingredients: When treats use natural, whole food ingredients, their quality is higher.
- Transparency: Brands that clearly list all their ingredients and their sources show they care about quality.
- Veterinarian Recommended: Treats recommended by vets often meet high standards for nutrition and safety.
- Hypoallergenic Formulas: If your cat has allergies, hypoallergenic treats are a sign of quality for their specific needs.
b. Reducing Quality
- Fillers: Ingredients like corn, wheat, or soy used as fillers add bulk but little nutritional value.
- Artificial Additives: These ingredients can cause digestive upset or allergic reactions in some cats.
- Excessive Sugar or Salt: These are unhealthy for cats and lower the treat’s quality.
- Unknown Ingredients: If you can’t tell what an ingredient is, it’s probably not a good sign.
4. User Experience and Use Cases
How do people and their cats use treats?
a. Training and Behavior Modification
- Positive Reinforcement: Treats are excellent for rewarding good behavior. You can use them to teach your cat tricks or to encourage them to use a scratching post.
- Litter Box Training: A small, tasty treat can help reward your cat for using the litter box correctly.
- Reducing Anxiety: Some cats respond well to a calming treat during stressful times, like vet visits or car rides.
b. Bonding and Enrichment
- Strengthening Your Bond: Giving your cat treats by hand builds trust and affection.
- Mental Stimulation: Puzzle feeders that dispense treats can keep your cat entertained and prevent boredom.
- Daily Rituals: A few treats can be a fun part of your daily routine with your cat.
c. Health and Wellness
- Dental Care: Crunchy treats designed to reduce tartar are a practical way to support oral hygiene.
- Special Dietary Needs: If your cat has specific health issues, like kidney disease or a sensitive stomach, there are specialized treats available. Always consult your vet for these cases.
Frequently Asked Questions (FAQ) About Cat Treats
Here are answers to common questions people have about buying and using cat treats.
Q: What are the most important ingredients to look for in cat treats?
A: The most important ingredients are high-quality protein sources like real meat (chicken, salmon, turkey) and limited, natural ingredients. Avoid artificial additives.
Q: Are grain-free cat treats always better?
A: Not necessarily. Some cats do fine with grains, but if your cat has a known grain sensitivity or allergy, then grain-free is a better choice.
Q: How many treats should I give my cat each day?
A: Treats should only make up about 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Too many treats can lead to obesity. Check the treat packaging for recommended serving sizes.
Q: Can I give my cat human food as treats?
A: Generally, no. Human food can be too fatty, salty, or contain ingredients that are harmful to cats, like onions or garlic. Stick to cat-specific treats.
Q: What is the difference between crunchy and soft treats?
A: Crunchy treats are dry and can help clean teeth. Soft, chewy treats are easier for kittens, older cats, or cats with dental problems to eat. They are also often used for training.
Q: How can I tell if a cat treat is good quality?
A: Good quality treats have recognizable, natural ingredients listed first. They avoid fillers and artificial substances. Brands that are transparent about their ingredients are usually a good sign.
Q: My cat has a sensitive stomach. What kind of treats should I choose?
A: Look for limited-ingredient treats with a single protein source and easily digestible ingredients like hydrolyzed proteins or novel proteins (like duck or rabbit). Always introduce new treats slowly.
Q: Can treats help with my cat’s bad breath?
A: Some crunchy treats are specifically designed to help reduce plaque and tartar, which can contribute to bad breath. However, persistent bad breath should be checked by a vet.
Q: Are there any treats that are bad for cats?
A: Yes. Treats with too much sugar, salt, artificial colors, flavors, preservatives, or harmful ingredients like xylitol (found in some human products) are bad for cats.
Q: When is the best time to give my cat treats?
A: Treats are great for training, rewarding good behavior, or simply as a special bonding moment. They can be given at any time, but it’s good to avoid giving them right before a meal so your cat doesn’t fill up on treats instead of their nutritious food.
In conclusion, every product has unique features and benefits. We hope this review helps you decide if it meets your needs. An informed choice ensures the best experience.
If you have any questions or feedback, please share them in the comments. Your input helps everyone. Thank you for reading.