Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat treats: how to find the right ones without falling into marketing traps

A bag of cat treats seems like a straightforward purchase. However, cat treats vary considerably in ingredients, texture, moisture content, age recommendation and intended use. One snack may suit a cat that enjoys nibbling, while another may be more useful as a topping or an extra source of moisture.

As a Joybuy Product Recommendation Officer, I focus mainly on verifiable information on the label: the ingredients, analytical constituents, recommended quantity and suitability for each age group. This helps ensure that an attractive claim does not outweigh what your cat actually needs.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat treats

1. A flavour name does not always tell you how much of it the product contains

With fish-flavoured cat treats, “salmon” may be displayed prominently on the packaging even though the actual proportion of salmon is limited. For example, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout lists 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. That is very different from a snack consisting mainly of fish.

Therefore, check the ingredients list and any stated percentages. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks Salmon contains 50% salmon, while the chicken variant contains 26% chicken. A flavour description and a main ingredient are therefore not automatically the same thing.

2. “Healthy” does not mean you can feed unlimited amounts

Most treats are complementary food, not a complete meal. They provide additional calories on top of your cat’s usual food. G’woon advises that treats should make up no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. Other products specify a maximum number of pieces or sticks.

Give the amount stated on the packaging and adjust the main meal if necessary. Take extra care with indoor cats, older cats and cats that get little exercise.

3. A functional claim is not a guarantee

Brands may mention benefits such as dental care, hairball control or hydration. Do not present such claims as guaranteed results. According to the product descriptions for Whiskas Dentabites and Purina Dentalife, the texture may help to reduce plaque or tartar. This does not make these snacks a replacement for regular dental checks or care.

The same applies to anti-hairball cat treats: G’woon describes this variant as intended to help reduce hairballs. The response may vary from cat to cat. If your cat has persistent vomiting, difficulty swallowing or other symptoms, it is advisable to consult a vet.

Important points to check before buying

1. Age and type of food

First, check whether the snack is suitable for your cat. There are cat treats for adult cats, kittens from 8 weeks old and variants suitable from 3 months. According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks are not suitable for kittens, while Catisfactions Salmon and Cheese are suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.

Also check whether the product is complementary food or complete food. A treat should not replace your cat’s daily meal.

2. Moisture, calories and nutritional values

For cats that do not drink much, liquid cat treats can be practical. According to the product specifications, INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna contains 93% moisture. The manufacturer describes these products as an addition or topping, not as a complete meal. Always provide fresh drinking water.

With crunchy cat treats, the number of pieces and the energy content are particularly relevant. Catisfactions states that certain variants contain fewer than 2 kcal per piece. Felix Crispies recommends a maximum of 12 grams or approximately 80 pieces per day for a cat weighing around 4 kg. Such figures are guidelines; your cat’s weight and condition remain the most important factors.

3. Texture, ingredients and storage life

Choose a shape that suits your cat’s eating habits:

  • Soft sticks are easy to break into smaller pieces.
  • Crunchy treats with a soft filling combine a crisp exterior with a soft centre.
  • Liquid cat treats can be mixed with wet or dry food.
  • Dental cat treats often have a larger or porous texture; stay nearby while feeding.
  • Anti-hairball cat treats sometimes contain additional plant fibres. In this variant, G’woon states a minimum of 4% lignocellulose.

Pay attention to the storage instructions. According to the product information, an opened Churu stick should be refrigerated and used within 24 hours. After opening, Catisfactions can remain suitable for up to four weeks when the packaging is properly resealed. The packaging of the product you purchase is always the definitive source of information.

Recommended cat treats for different situations

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

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavour 60g

Why it suits this profile: An accessible crunchy treat for owners who want to try a small pack first. According to the product information, this variant is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product specification states fewer than 2 kcal per piece and a maximum of 20 pieces per day. This makes the portion easier to measure than with treats that have no clear guidance.

Key benefit & advantages

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

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
INABA Churu Cat Tuna

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why it suits this profile: Suitable for cats that prefer a soft treat or need extra moisture during a daily pampering moment.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The moisture content of 91% is clearly stated in the product specification. This means the treat is not confused with a complete meal: it is complementary food.

Key benefit & advantages

91% moisture, 6 calories per treat according to the product information, and suitable for use as a topping or a hand-fed treat.

Suitable for: Specific uses & intensive users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon

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

Why it suits this profile: An option for adult cats when you want to combine a daily chewing moment with a salmon-flavoured snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The manufacturer describes a scientifically developed texture and a recommended amount. Treat the dental-care effect as a product claim, not a replacement for dental care.

Key benefit & advantages

35% crude protein, 13.3% fat and a stated calcium value of 1.7%. Suitable as a complementary treat for adult cats.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer a soft texture
Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken - Cat Treats - 6 x 15g

Why it suits this profile: Handy for owners looking for a liquid cat treat to use as a topping, a standalone treat or a chilled snack.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The recommended amount is a maximum of one portion per day. According to the product information, any unused portion must be refrigerated after opening and used immediately.

Key benefit & advantages

Soft liquid texture, chicken variant and suitable for cats from 3 months old according to the product information.

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?

This depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level and the energy content of the treat. Always follow the guidance on the packaging. As a general product guideline, some brands state that treats should account for no more than 10% of the daily calorie intake. Reduce the main meal if you give additional treats every day.

Which cat treats are suitable for kittens?

Check the minimum age stated on the label. According to the product information, Catisfactions Salmon and Cheese are suitable from 8 weeks old. Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended for cats from 3 months old. According to the product information provided, Whiskas Cat Sticks are not suitable for kittens. Give small portions and supervise your cat to help prevent choking.

Can liquid cat treats replace water?

No. A liquid treat may contain additional moisture, but it does not replace fresh drinking water or complete food. According to the product specifications, INABA Churu Cat Tuna and INABA Fun Bites contain 91% and 93% moisture respectively. Use them as an addition and make sure your cat always has access to clean drinking water.