Choosing cat biscuits and cat treats: how to find the right reward for your cat

Buying a bag of cat treats seems simple enough – until you have to choose between crunchy biscuits, soft fillings, liquid cat snacks and wet cat treats. Marketing copy often focuses on flavour, natural ingredients or a practical benefit. Yet a flashy packet doesn't always tell you enough about whether it's suitable for your cat.

Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:

1. A treat is mistaken for a complete food. Many cat biscuits and cat treats are complementary pet food. They are not a substitute for a proper main meal.
2. A low calorie count per piece can be misleading. Some products recommend several treats a day. So factor the total amount into your cat's daily diet.
3. A functional claim is no guarantee. If a treat claims to help with hairballs or dental care, check the ingredients, usage instructions and target audience. According to a brand's own research, such a claim does not automatically mean the product works the same way for every cat.

What to look for in cat biscuits and cat treats

1. Check the nutritional status and calorie content

Look on the label for the phrase complementary pet food. Give this alongside the normal diet and adjust the main meal if necessary. As a general guideline, many products state that treats should provide no more than around 10% of daily calorie intake.

A crunchy treat like Whiskas Temptations Beef contains 411 kcal per 100g according to the product information, with 22% protein and 22% fat. Catisfactions cat treats, on the other hand, list less than 2 kcal per piece. That makes them practical for small rewards, but the recommended amount and the size of the treat still matter.

2. Choose the texture based on when you'll use it

• Crunchy cat treats: handy for a quick reward or training session.
• Soft filling: suitable for cats that find a creamy centre appealing.
• Liquid cat snack: can be given by hand or used as a topping on wet or dry food.
• Broth or soup-style snack: contains relatively high moisture and may suit cats that don't drink much on their own. It remains a supplement, not a replacement for water or complete food.

INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and 6 calories per treat according to the product specifications. The INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps variants list 93% moisture. These figures can be checked on the product information, but they don't mean every cat will drink more as a result.

3. Check age, ingredients and storage life

Not every cat treat suits every life stage. Catisfactions cat treats are suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old, according to the product information. Some Whiskas Cat Sticks, on the other hand, are intended for adult cats and not for kittens.

Also pay attention to the protein source. If you're looking for cat treats with chicken, cat treats with tuna or cat treats with salmon, check the ingredients list rather than just the flavour on the front. For a sensitive cat, a short ingredients list can be clearer, but discuss ongoing issues with a vet. A treat is not intended as a medical treatment.

Once opened, shelf life varies considerably:

• Liquid treats often need to be refrigerated and used within 24 hours, according to the product information.
• Dry treats should generally be stored tightly sealed, cool and dry.
• Individually wrapped portions are practical if you want to limit waste.

Our recommendations by cat owner type

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavour 60g

Why this fits the profile: An accessible crunchy treat for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old, with fewer than 2 calories per piece according to the product information.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion size is easy to control per piece. The product is described as complementary food, not a main meal.

Key benefit & plus points

Crunchy outside, soft cheese filling and no artificial colours, preservatives or flavourings according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why this fits the profile: A soft tuna treat for cat owners looking for a portion with high moisture and low energy content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specifications clearly state 91% moisture, 6 calories per treat and a recommended amount of 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Key benefit & plus points

Can be given by hand, as a topping or to hide medication. Refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.

Suitable for: Specific use & heavy users

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at adult cat owners who want to incorporate a dental care treat into their daily routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The usage instructions state a daily amount and advise supervision during eating. The claim about plaque is a brand claim; see the packaging for full substantiation.

Key benefit & plus points

Crunchy, porous texture; contains calcium and taurine according to the product specifications, and has a salmon flavour.

Suitable for: Cats that don't drink much

INABA Broth Chicken with Tuna Recipe

Why this fits the profile: A broth-style cat treat for anyone looking for a light, moist supplement alongside the regular diet.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states that this is complementary pet food. The portion is linked to the cat's weight, so you don't have to rely solely on the term 'hydrating'.

Key benefit & plus points

93% moisture and a recipe with chicken broth, chicken and tuna. Refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

That depends on the cat's weight, age, activity level and the energy value of the treat. Follow the packaging and keep to the practical guideline that treats together should provide no more than around 10% of daily calories. Reduce the main meal if necessary.

Are liquid cat treats suitable for extra hydration?

A liquid cat treat can add moisture to the diet. Products like INABA Churu and broths contain around 90% or more moisture according to their product information. However, they are not a substitute for fresh drinking water and are not a complete food.

Are anti-hairball or dental care cat treats necessary?

No. G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball and Purina Dentalife are examples of treats with a specific purpose. You should assess how they work based on the ingredients, usage instructions and any substantiation from the brand. For recurring hairballs, dental pain or difficulty eating, it's wise to seek advice from a vet.