There are as many cat treat varieties as there are the purrsonalities who want to nibble on them, so how do you choose the best cat treat for your cat? The number one criterion is finding a treat that adds nutritional value to your cat’s daily diet – a treat that supports her health and wellbeing. Secondly, give your cat a treat she enjoys – does she prefer a liquid or gel treat? A crunchy treat? A chewy treat? Is she drawn to catnip?
Answer these questions to help you to narrow down your cat’s treat selection.
What are good treats to give your cat?
Cat food and treat makers have long recognised that all cats are different and will have varying tastes and preferences, especially when it comes to high-value food morsels like treats. Fortunately, this is why there is so much to choose from when it comes to cat treats for sale online and in pet shops. The most popular types of cat treats include:
Crunchy treats
In the wild, the main function of cats’ teeth is to bite down on prey and tear flesh from bone. Domestic cats, however, no longer have to worry about hunting for food and have acclimatised to eating crunchy kibble – in fact, a lot of cats enjoy the crunchy texture of crispy treats.
In some crunchy treats, the texture of the treat is part of its functional benefit of cleaning teeth and reducing dental plaque. Bonus!
Chewy treats
Cats derive pleasure from chewing – it offers them mental and physical stimulation. Add to that the intense flavour released with each bite and it’s no wonder that many cats love chewable treats with a dense texture.
Soft treats
Purrhaps not as chewy as chewy treats, soft treats offer cats another option for juicy, meaty flavour. Soft treats work excellently as rewards while treat training or in puzzle toys. Offer your kitty a soft treat and she’ll do your bidding!
Dried treats
Dried and freeze-dried treats are like biltong… but for cats. Pure meat, no preservatives and unnecessary additives, dried treats give your carnivorous kitty exactly what she wants – a protein-based nibble to suit her taste. These treats are best served up after playtime, which will trigger the same reward centre in her brain as when she hunts. Save the wild – give your cat a meaty treat!
Catnip
Whether your cat needs to be pepped up or calmed down, catnip treats are the answer! Some cats go crazy on catnip, while others calm down from crazy – it all depends on the individual cat’s reaction. Catnip treats give your cat the pleasure of a reward with the buzz of the herb.
Liquid cat treats
Some cats do not like dry kibble and prefer the taste and texture of wet food. It would be tough to expect them to enjoy a chewy or crunchy cat treat, which is why gel or liquid cat treats may be their ultimate preference. Giving creamy cat treats to cats is a little more hands-on, plus they have the benefit of adding hydration to your cat’s daily diet.
If you have a fussy eater on your hands, liquid or pureed cat treats may just be the answer.
What treats do cats like best?
The treats that cats like best will depend on the cats themselves. To find the perfect cat treat for your cat, you may have to do some trial-and-error testing to see what she enjoys the most. The best strategy is to buy a variety of cat treats with different flavours, textures and sizes, and see which your cat gravitates towards naturally. Cat treats will have rich, meaty flavours to entice your cat’s tastebuds, and a variety of textures – from crunchy to chewy to soft and even pureed – and the only way to find the purrfect treat for your cat is to treat her and find out what she likes best!
Cats’ treat preferences may also change over time. Teething kittens will need a different treat compared to enthusiastic adults, while senior cats may prefer the reduced need to chew that pureed treats offer their aged teeth and jaws.
What is the best way to treat your cat?
Did you know you can heighten your cat’s sense of reward when you treat her? Your domestic kitty’s wild ancestors would hunt and then eat – it’s the natural order of the reward process. You can help your cat to relive her wild days by employing the same method: first play and then reward. A vigorous game of ‘chase the feather toy’ or ‘catch the mobile mouse’ will trigger your cat’s hunting instincts, so just imagine the full-circle satisfaction of giving her a treat afterwards – pure wildcat bliss! Puzzle toys also offer the same experience of physical and mental stimulation with the yummy treat as a reward.
Hot tip: If your cat really loves her treats, she can be trained to earn treats by doing what you ask her to. Not only is positive reinforcement a great obedience training technique, but spending time training your cat and learning to communicate effectively with her will deepen your bond.
Can you give a sick cat treats?
If your cat is prone to hairballs, kidney dysfunction, joint problems or dental disease, this does not mean she has to miss out on the deliciousness of cat treats. If your objective is to feed your cat a healthy, nutritious diet that does not interfere with her medical regimen, then choose cat treats designed to suppawt your cat’s health. Just remember to run it by your veterinarian first!
What human treats are safe for cats?
It’s not uncommon to want to share your human snacks with your cat, especially if she’s snoozing on your lap or is looking at you expectantly while you chew on a piece of apple. Little chunks of pumpkin, watermelon, cantaloupe and banana are fine for your cat, granted you don’t overfeed them. Blueberries also offer your cat a bite-sized nibble of juicy fruit.
However – cats can’t taste sweetness, so don’t think that’s why they’re after your fruit. Also, everything your cat eats contributes towards her dietary profile, so while fruits are relatively high-sugar carbohydrates, your cat is naturally better off with a protein-based snack.
A final word on cat treats
Yes, your purry friend will be drawn to the hand that feeds her snacks, and you’ll probably feel really good about giving your cat a great treat experience. Just remember that cat treats don’t offer your cat a complete and balanced diet like her kibble and wet food do, so limit the number of treats you feed her per day (always check the recommendations on the treat packaging) and focus on her whole-cat wellbeing.
Always have fresh water available to keep your cat hydrated after play- and treat time!
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