Choosing Cat Treats: A Guide to Avoiding Bad Buys

As a Product Recommendation Officer at Joybuy, I see cat owners trying to find the right treat for their pet every day. The selection is enormous, and the packaging makes big promises. But how do you know if you're making a good choice? Many cat treats seem appealing but contain ingredients your cat doesn't need. Let's look at the most common pitfalls and how to avoid them.

Choosing the wrong cat treats not only leads to wasted money but can also unknowingly contribute to weight gain or other issues for your cat. These are the three main areas where things often go wrong:

1. The 'Chicken Flavour' Trap: Packaging that prominently displays "with chicken flavour" sometimes contains only a tiny percentage of actual chicken. The rest is often filled with grains and other animal by-products of unclear origin.
2. Hidden Sugars and Grains: Many popular treats contain sugar and a high level of grains. These are cheap fillers that cats, as carnivores, do not need and which can contribute to obesity.
3. The 'One-Size-Fits-All' Myth: A treat is not just a treat. A kitten has different nutritional needs than an adult cat, and a treat designed for dental care has a different function than a soft, liquid snack.

By paying attention to a few key specifications, you can make a much more informed decision about what you're buying.

What to Look for When Choosing Cat Treats

Before you put a bag of cat treats in your basket, it's wise to check the back of the package. These three factors will give you a clear idea of the treat's quality and purpose.

1. Ingredients and Composition

The ingredients list is your most important tool. Ingredients are listed in order of weight.

• Meat as the main ingredient: Look for treats where meat or fish is listed as the first ingredient. This indicates a higher meat content.
• Clear description: Terms like "meat and animal derivatives (of which 4% is chicken)" mean that the treat is mostly made of unspecified animal parts, with only a small portion of the advertised meat. Natural cat treats often specify the meat source more clearly and contain fewer fillers.
• Avoid unnecessary additives: Watch out for the presence of sugar, artificial colours, and flavourings. Most cats do not need these.

2. Texture and Function

The texture of a treat is not just a matter of preference, but also function.

• Crunchy treats: Hard, crunchy kibbles can help to mechanically clean the teeth. Brands offering dental care cat treats often have a specific porous texture that helps reduce tartar.
• Soft and liquid treats: A liquid cat treat is ideal for older cats with dental problems, cats that drink little, or as a tasty topping over their food.
• Functional treats: There are also treats with a specific purpose, such as anti-hairball cat treats, which contain fibre to support digestion.

3. Calories and Feeding Advice

Cat treats are complementary pet food and not a replacement for a complete meal.

• Calorie intake: The packaging often provides feeding advice. A good rule of thumb is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie needs.
• Adjusting the main meal: If you give treats regularly, it's wise to slightly reduce the portion of the main meal to prevent obesity. Brands like Catisfactions, for example, state that their treats contain less than 2 calories each, which helps with portion control.

Recommended Cat Treats

Based on the criteria above, we have selected a number of products that suit different needs and budgets.

MATCH FOR: THE BUDGET-CONSCIOUS INDULGER

Felix Party Mix - Picnic Mix - Cat Treats - 8x 60g

Why This Fits Their Persona: Ideal for those who want to reward their cat daily without breaking the bank. This bulk pack of Felix Party Mix offers great value for money, and the mix of flavours and textures is a favourite with many cats.

How It Avoids the Trap

Although it contains grains and sugar, the manufacturer is transparent about its composition. The clear feeding advice on the packaging helps you prevent overfeeding (the calorie trap).

Key Advantage & Pros

An irresistible mix of chicken, cheese, and turkey flavours in various shapes. Contains proteins, vitamins, and Omega-6 fatty acids.

MATCH FOR: THE HEALTH-CONSCIOUS OWNER

MjAMjAM Snack Box for Cats Delicious King Prawns 25g

Why This Fits Their Persona: For the owner who wants to know exactly what's in the treat. These natural cat treats are perfect for cats with sensitive digestion or allergies, or for those who simply want to give a pure reward.

How It Avoids the Trap

This treat consists of just one ingredient: 100% prawn. This completely bypasses the pitfall of hidden fillers, grains, and sugars. What you see is what you get.

Key Advantage & Pros

Single-protein (100% prawn), grain-free, gluten-free, and with no additives. A pure and protein-rich reward.

MATCH FOR: THE FUNCTIONAL BUYER

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

Why This Fits Their Persona: Perfect for owners looking for a treat with an added benefit. This liquid cat treat is ideal for increasing hydration, as a topping for picky eaters, or for cats that have trouble with hard kibble.

How It Avoids the Trap

This is a low-calorie option without added sugars, colours, or flavourings. Its function (hydration and flavour enhancement) is clear, so it isn't a generic treat pretending to be something else.

Key Advantage & Pros

Versatile in use: straight from the sachet, as a topping on food, or frozen as a cat-friendly ice pop. Contains taurine to support eye and heart health.

Frequently Asked Questions

How many treats can a cat have per day?

The general rule is that treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. The exact amount is almost always stated on the packaging. For an average adult cat of 4 kg, this often amounts to 10-15 small treats per day. Adjust the main meal accordingly to maintain your cat's healthy weight.

From what age can a kitten have treats?

This depends on the treat. Some treats for kittens, like Catisfactions, are suitable from 8 weeks of age. Others, like the Vitakraft Liquid Snack, are recommended from 3 months. Always check the label on the packaging for the recommended minimum age to ensure the treat is suitable for your young cat.

Are dental cat treats really effective?

Treats with a special texture can contribute to dental care. The mechanical, abrasive action of chewing on a porous or rough kibble can help reduce plaque. For example, Purina states that their Dentalife treats are scientifically proven to reduce tartar buildup. It's a useful supplement, but it does not replace periodic dental check-ups by a veterinarian.