Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat treats: practical tips on flavour, ingredients and how to use them

A cat may react enthusiastically to almost any rustling packet. That can make buying cat treats more difficult than expected. An appealing label does not always tell you how much you can give, which age group the treat is suitable for or what role the product is actually intended to play.

The most common purchasing mistakes arise from three pitfalls:

  • Confusing “light” with unlimited feeding: a treat that contains few calories per piece can still provide a lot of energy if you give your cat dozens every day.
  • Treating marketing claims as guarantees: terms such as dental care, anti-hairball or hydrating describe an intended use or a brand claim. A brand’s own research may support a claimed effect, but this does not replace advice from a vet.
  • Confusing complementary food with a meal: most cat biscuits, cat treats and liquid snacks are complementary foods. They do not replace a complete main diet.

Which cat treats are right for your cat?

1. Check the food category and age suitability

Look for “complementary food” on the packaging and check whether the treat is intended for adult cats, kittens or both. Some products are suitable from 8 weeks of age, such as certain Catisfactions cat treats. Others, such as Whiskas Cat Sticks, are not suitable for kittens according to the product information.

A kitten has different nutritional needs from an adult cat. So do not automatically give a young cat a treat intended for adult cats. Also check the recommended daily amount and reduce the main meal if necessary.

2. Look beyond the flavour name

“Chicken”, “fish” or “salmon” on the front of the pack does not always mean that it is the main ingredient. Check the ingredients list. When a product states a clear amount of chicken or fish, you can make a better-informed choice.

Examples from the range:

  • Cat treats with chicken: INABA Churu Cat Chicken lists chicken and chicken broth as its base ingredients.
  • Cat treats with fish: INABA Churu Cat Tuna uses tuna, water and tuna broth.
  • Cat biscuits: Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout have a light, crunchy texture, but the ingredients include cereals, animal by-products and fish by-products.
  • Soft treats: Catisfactions combine a crunchy outside with a soft filling.

Does your cat have a known food sensitivity? Always check the complete ingredients list. A statement such as “with chicken” does not rule out other animal ingredients.

3. Assess moisture, calories and portion size

A liquid cat treat can be useful for cats that drink little or enjoy extra moisture. INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna lists 93% moisture, while INABA Churu Cat Tuna lists 91% moisture. According to the product description, these treats are intended to be given as a reward or mixed into wet or dry food. Always provide fresh drinking water as well.

For cats that gain weight easily, calories per piece are more important than simply looking for the words “light” or “low calorie”. INABA Churu Cat Tuna and INABA CHURU CAT Chicken each list 6 calories per treat. According to the product description, Catisfactions contain fewer than 2 calories per piece. The total daily amount remains the deciding factor.

As a general practical guideline, product information for various treats states that treats should make up no more than approximately 10% of the daily calorie intake. Always use the feeding instructions on the packaging as your starting point.

Additional functions: what can you expect?

Dental care cat treats

Dental care cat treats often have a larger, porous or crunchy texture. Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor and Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon are intended for adult cats. According to the respective brands’ own research, claims about reducing tartar are supported by scientific evidence. Consider this an addition to daily care, not a medical treatment.

Give this type of treat under supervision and take the recommended amount into account. If dental or gum problems persist, consult a vet.

Anti-hairball cat treats

According to the product information, G'woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball contains 4% crude fibre and at least 4% lignocellulose, among other ingredients. The manufacturer positions this product as support for hairball management. This is a product claim, not a guarantee that hairballs will disappear. Follow the recommended amount and watch for changes in appetite, behaviour or stools.

Texture and when to use treats

Crunchy treats are suitable as a small reward or for use in a food puzzle. Soft sticks can often be broken into smaller pieces. Liquid treats are useful as a topper or for interactive feeding. So do not choose based on flavour alone: also consider how you want to give the treat.

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners
Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavor 60g

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavor 60g

Why it suits this profile: An accessible choice for anyone looking for a small daily reward for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states fewer than 2 calories per piece and gives a clear storage period after opening.

Main benefit & advantages

Crunchy outside, soft cheese filling and a size that is easy to portion piece by piece.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
INABA Churu Cat Tuna

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cat owners looking for a soft fish option with a high moisture content.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The label states 91% moisture, 6 calories per treat and a recommended amount of 1–2 sticks per day for adult cats.

Main benefit & advantages

Give it by hand, as a topper or mixed into food; refrigerate after opening and use within 24 hours.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Cat Snack Salmon 40g

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Cat Snack - Salmon 40g

Why it suits this profile: For anyone who wants to combine a daily crunchy treat with attention to the dental health of an adult cat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information specifies the target group, daily amount and nutritional values, including 35% protein and 3.6% crude fibre.

Main benefit & advantages

Crunchy, porous texture; according to Purina’s own research, the claim about reducing tartar is supported by scientific evidence.

Looking for more options?

We have put together a complete, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and the applicable European safety regulations.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

That depends on its weight, age, activity level and main diet. Follow the portion table on the packaging and, preferably, keep treats below approximately 10% of the daily calorie intake. When necessary, subtract the energy provided by treats from the main meal.

Are liquid cat treats suitable for kittens?

This varies from product to product. According to the product information, Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is suitable from 3 months of age. Other liquid treats are intended for adult cats. Always check the age guidance before giving a kitten a new treat.

How should opened cat treats be stored?

Keep dry cat biscuits sealed and store them in a cool, dry place. Liquid cat treats usually need to be refrigerated after opening and used quickly. The exact period varies by brand and is stated on the packaging. Also check the best-before date and discard a treat if its smell, colour or texture has changed.