Around 96 million cats are owned across the USA. They’re so cute and weird and at times, kind of evil. But we love them all the same.
As cat owners, the love we give comes in the form of cuddles, stroking, grooming, playing, vet care and a great diet. We also provide our cats with treats, because we love them.
Treats can definitely provide many benefits for your pet including:
- Strengthening their bond with you
- Helping them take medicine
- Helping with dental care
- Providing them with useful vitamins and minerals
- Aiding in training
Of course, not all cat treats are made equal and you probably want to ensure you get the very best cat treats for your treasured pet.
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To help you, we’ve got everything you need to know about cat treats, including information on how to buy them, and the lowdown on the best treats on the market. Let’s take a look:
How Do You Choose The Best Cat Treats?
See It As A Treat
Although some treats have extra benefits, realistically they should only be seen as a treat. They aren’t your cat’s regular food, and shouldn’t be purchased as such.
When you choose treats, buy them as occasional items given in addition to your cat’s regular food.
Don’t Worry Too Much About Calorie Content
As treats should only be given occasionally you don’t need to choose low calorie treats. There are healthier versions of treats of course. But realistically, as you are only giving them occasionally you don’t need to worry too much about those nutritional numbers.
Do Avoid Any Potentially Dangerous Treats
You should always check the ingredients of a treat, even if it seems safe. This is especially true if you give your cat any human food, or any treats that aren’t regulated or are from a foreign country. All kinds of ingredients can be toxic to cats including:
- Onions
- Garlic
- Tea
- Coffee
- Chocolate
- Alcohol
- Raisins
- Grapes
Do Look For High Quality
Although treats are just treats, that doesn’t mean you can’t choose higher-quality versions for your pet. Look for treats that don’t have cereals or grains listed as their first few ingredients. Usually, the higher up the list meat or fish sits, the higher quality the treat.
Take Treat Benefits With A Pinch Of Salt
Some treats may well have extra benefits, but marketing can be very clever. Do keep benefits in mind, but don’t allow them to dictate your treat choices, as they may not always be as beneficial as stated by the brand.
The Best Cat Treats Available To Buy
TEMPTATIONS MixUps Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats
Cat Treats All Kitties Love
Colorfully packaged Temptations MixUps combine three types of the delicious temptation flavoured treat range, into one cute little mix tub.
Treats are crunchy on the outside, and soft on the inside which cats love. They also contain a host of added vitamins and minerals that are great for your kitty.
Owners will love that the treats come in a resealable tub, keeping them fresher for longer. The treats are also listed as 2 calories each, making it easier to keep an eye on your cat’s food intake.
Why We Like It:
- Added vitamins and minerals
- Resealable tub
- Clear calorie information
- Cats really love them
What We Don’t Like:
- Some cats can become hooked on these and reject their regular food
- Cereal is listed as a second ingredient
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats
The Best Healthy Cat Treats
If your cat has a sensitive tummy, these treats might be a perfect choice.
These crunchy snacks come in a wide range of delicious flavors, none of which contain any grain.
Customers will love that the ingredients consist of zero meat by-products, preservatives, artificial colours and no grain. Instead, they are jam-packed full of meat, fruit, and vegetables.
For the health-conscious cat owner, these treats are a great choice.
Why We Like It:
- Meat is the number 1 ingredient
- Contains no nasties
- A wide range of tasty flavours
- Trusted brand
What We Don’t Like:
- Quite high starch content
- Very natural ingredients may not tempt some cats
ORIJEN High-Protein Grain-Free Freeze-Dried Cat Treats
Ethically-minded Cat Treats For Conscious Consumers
Orijen is a great brand to consider if you are a conscious consumer as the meat and fish inside their cat treats are sourced with sustainability and ethics in mind.
Your cat will love the taste of these nourishing snacks which are designed to work with their biological needs. Even better, they are grain free and so sensitive on kitty’s tummy.
Why We Like It:
- Ethically sourced ingredients
- Whole prey ratios
- Over 2 thirds of ingredients are fresh or raw
- Cats love the smell
What We Don’t Like:
- In a higher price bracket
- Owners may find the strong scent a struggle
FELINE GREENIES Natural Dental Care Cat Treats
The Best Cat Dental Treats
Cats will love Feline Greenies natural dental care cat treats for their delicious flavour.
The benefits don’t end there though. Whilst your cat is munching away on these savory snacks, their teeth are also benefiting. Over 70% of cats over 3 suffer from gum disease, and Feline Greenies are designed to combat that issue.
The treats come in a unique shape designed to clean their teeth and break down tartar.
As if that wasn’t enough, the treats also contain a complete nutritional profile and are totally free of artificial flavors and preservatives.
Why We Like It:
- Dental benefits
- Free from artificial flavours and preservatives
- Freshens kitty’s breath
- Complete nutritional profile
What We Don’t Like:
- Older cats may struggle with how hard they are
- Some cats eat these small treats whole
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Grain Free Cat Treats
The Best Natural Cat Treats
Blue Buffalo have created a treat for cats designed to be brimming with the most natural of natural ingredients.
They contain no grain, soy, corn, artificial flavors or preservatives, no gluten, and plenty of chicken and salmon.
Owners keeping an eye on their cat’s weight will love that Blue Wilderness treats are only 1.5 calories each.
Why We Like It:
- Free from nasties
- High meat content
- Soft and easy to chew
- Low calorie content
What We Don’t Like:
- In a higher price bracket
- Short shelf life
Hartz Lickable Wet Cat Treats
Hartz wet cat treats are as much of a treat for cat owners, as they are for the cats. You’ve never seen pure joy on your kitty’s face until you’d seen them eat one of these.
They are stinky, wet and easily packaged in a tube which you can use to directly feed your kitty. They are especially ideal for when cats are off their food and need enticing. Kittens also do well with lickable wet cat treats when they are being socialised.
Why We Like It:
- Tube feeding can strengthen bond between owner and cat
- Strong flavour to entice cats
- Can be used as a treat or food topper
- Cats absolutely love them
What We Don’t Like:
- Can be messy
- May not be suitable for cats with sensitive stomachs
Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Oral Hygiene Chews for Cats
Fishy Treat To Aid Your Cats Dental Health
Virbac oral hygiene chews are designed to help protect your cat from tartar buildup, a leading cause of gum disease.
Using select freeze fried fish, the chews work to clean the teeth naturally. The bacteria that aggravate the gums is also tackled with an additional dual enzyme system.
Why We Like It:
- Bacteria-killing enzymes
- Naturally clean the teeth
- High-quality primary ingredients
- Strong scent entices cats
What We Don’t Like:
- Some cats find the dental wrapper off putting
- Quite large for cats
PureBites Chicken Breast Freeze-Dried Treats
One Ingredient Cat Treats For Simple & Satisfying Snackage
PureBites utilise just one ingredient which is chicken jerky.
The chicken is dried gently to turn a simple product into a satisfying and tasty snack for cats.
Customers will love the simplicity of the treats, and how the freezing process keeps nutrients intact to the benefit of kitty.
Why We Like It:
- Just one ingredient
- Drying process preserves nutrients
- Low calorie content
- Great texture
What We Don’t Like:
- Smaller crumbs may not get chewed
- Treat size is not consistent
Purina DentaLife Adult Cat Treats
Extra Porous For Extra-Clean Teeth
Purina is a popular and trusted brand. Cats love their adult cat treats designed to promote great dental health.
The treats are designed to be porous, which means they clean tartar more effectively than other dental snacks.
Even better, the treats have no artificial flavors and colors, so you can be sure your cat is getting no nasties when they enjoy Dentalife.
Why We Like It:
- Scientifically designed
- Trusted brand
- Free from artificial colours and flavours
- Contains added calcium and taurine
What We Don’t Like:
- They need a lot per day to effectively clean the teeth
- Can be quite large for cats to eat
Friskies Party Mix Adult Cat Treats
High Meat Content For High-Quality Cat Snacks
Friskies party mix have meat as their number one ingredient, which is a great sign of quality. Cats love the delicious flavor which come with added benefits. Whilst the cat munches on the snack, the shape helps to clean their teeth.
Customers who like to track their cat’s calorie intake will appreciate the clear nutritional content guidance.
Why We Like It:
- Less than 2 calories per treat
- Meat is the number 1 ingredient
- Helps keep the cats teeth clean
- Cats love them
What We Don’t Like:
- Cats may avoid chewing
- Flavours do not entice all cats
FAQ
In case we missed anything above, we have also answered these common FAQ’S about cat treats to help you with your choice:
Why are my cats thirsty after dry treats?
Owners should be careful that their cats do not consume too many dried cat food or dried cat treats.
Too many dried ingredients and not enough water can contribute to your kitty having urinary issues.
You should always leave fresh water out for your cat to drink. You can also use a good PH balanced dry cat food designed to minimise the risk of crystal build up in your cat’s bladder.
For more help, this article has lots of information about how to prevent your cat getting urinary problems.
Can I Use Treats To Train My Cat?
You can use treats to train a cat but you should keep a careful eye on how many you use each day. You don’t need any particular treat. Usually, the best cat treats for training are the treats your cat loves the most.
Can Cat Treats Substitute Regular Veterinary Dental Care?
No. Some cat treats can help keep your cat’s teeth healthier, but you should still have their teeth checked at the vets regularly.
Can Cat Treats Substitute Regular Cat Food?
No. You should ensure your cat has a high-quality cat food as their main diet. Treats should only be given as an occasional addition to a cats main diet.
What Are The Best Natural Cat Treats?
The best natural cat treats have meat as their number one ingredient.
Can Kittens Have Cat Treats?
You should always read the labels, and be careful about what you feed a kitten. In the same way, you would usually only give a kitten, special kitten food, you need to be careful with which treats you give them.
Usually, it is a case of ensuring the cat is old enough to enjoy certain treats. Many owners choose to begin with soft, fishy purée or yogurt type treats which can also help with kitten to human socialization.
With A Little Research, Your Cats Will Enjoy The Right Treats
By following our tips above, and by spending a little time researching, you can ensure your cat gets the best treats for his taste, and needs. At the very least he will enjoy the process of trying new snacks. At the most, what you give him will benefit his teeth, his health, overall wellbeing, and it will strengthen your pet to owner bond too.