Our furry friends are members of the family, so of course we want to reward them with treats – often regardless of whether they've done something to warrant it. Cat treats are popular items, from food to catnip, and are available everywhere in many varieties. However, you need to understand the nuances of cat treats so that you don't feed your pet anything harmful—and that you don't turn your cat into a strangler. From commercial cat treats to homemade treats, we'll talk about what treats you can feed your cat and best practices for how to do it.
Types of treats
Cat treats come in several styles. If your cat is a fan of dry food but won't eat wet food, you can get dry treats to make his palate comfortable and familiar. Conversely, wet treats can be given to cats that do not prefer dry food. Some wet treats come in pouches, while others can be served in long tube containers.
How often should I feed my cat treats?
Most of the time, cat treats don't provide much, if any, nutritional value. They are simply delicious. But because many cats can develop a taste for them, they may want their treats more than normal food, which can cause them to become deficient in vitamins and nutrients. To prevent this, you should make giving treats a semiregular occurrence, or use treats as rewards.
Most cats need about 200 calories a day to maintain their weight. If you add too many treats, they will start to gain weight, which can be unhealthy for your cat.
Don't feed your cat treats every night after dinner or before bed. They may associate time with food, which may cause them to beg or meow until they get treats. Give your cat a few treats two or three times a week, and remember to keep the bag out of reach - many curious and persistent kitties have gotten into cupboards and shelves to rip the bags open and eat them until they can't move!
If you are trying to train your cat, give treats after each success. When they give you a paw shake, when they play dead, or when they stand up and shoot in the air, give them a treat - but be careful to accompany the treat with a verbal command, or you'll end up with cats who perform their tricks unprompted and constantly expect treats!
Additionally, if you have to put your cat through an unpleasant experience, it's a good idea to reward her with treats to help calm her down. You can give your cat treats if you've just taken them to the vet or if they've had surgery (but check with your vet first!), trim their nails, bathe them, move homes and more. Cats are creatures of habit and will become anxious or agitated if their routine or space is disrupted. Treats can help take their mind off the change.
Can I give my cat human food as a treat?
You should be aware that some types of human food cats cannot eat and are toxic. Do not feed your cat treats such as chocolate, grapes and raisins, and do not prepare any food with onions, garlic or chives.
However, you can give your cat a light portion of cheese, cooked fish (salmon, tuna, shrimp), cooked meat (chicken and beef, bacon and ham) and the like.
Always consult your veterinarian to determine what is safe for your cat.
What are good cat treats?
The best cat treats do more than just taste great. Some treat manufacturers deliberately add nutrients to benefit cats. For example, treats made from organic chicken will provide your cat with enough protein. Some treats will not contain any preservatives, artificial flavors, artificial colors or additives that can support your cat's overall health. Others will have a single ingredient to ensure your cat doesn't ingest anything dangerous.
In addition, treats that support dental health are very beneficial. These treats are designed to help fight tartar, promote oral health, keep your cat's teeth strong and prevent decay. However, you will need to keep an eye on the rest of your cat's diet to ensure their teeth don't suffer too much from other foods.
Is catnip a delicacy?
Cat chew stick
Cats get into trouble with catnip. A picture from
Fernando Vega on Unsplash.
Yes, catnip is a treat! Many cats like to swallow it, lick it or roll around in it. They will rest and relax, or become very hyper and play with everything in sight. But as with all treats, it's important not to overdo it with catnip. Do not give it to your cat every day or use too much at once. And make sure you keep the container or bag closed and out of reach or your cat will try to find a way to steal it!
Real meat jerky (beef, lamb/liver, chicken/game, fish/game)
Delicacies from the wild meadow (beef, chicken, duck, turkey)
ORI JEN delicacies (lamb, tundra, six fish, regional red, original)
INA BA Chu Ru delicacies (chicken alone or with cheese or crab, or tuna alone or with salmon)
Vital Essentials Treats (AHI Tuna, Chicken Breast, Chicken Giblets, Chicken Heart, Duck Liver, Minnow, Rabbit Bites, Wild Alaskan Salmon)
My Pet Naturally brings all-natural, healthy and holistic products to people and their pets (dogs and cats) with knowledgeable and friendly staff, a welcoming space, good prices and genuine LOVE for the four-legged family members we consider family.
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