Cat treats are handy as a reward, during playtime, or simply as a little indulgence. However, not every bag is suitable for every cat. A kitten from 8 weeks old has different usage instructions than an adult cat, while a cat with a sensitive stomach or a tendency to gain weight can benefit from clear portion control.
The packaging doesn't always make the choice easier. Terms like "with chicken", "with salmon" or "for dental care" can play a bigger role in the advertising than the actual composition. With the following checkpoints, you can avoid a bad purchase.
A variant with chicken, salmon, cheese or beef doesn't automatically contain a large proportion of that flavour. Check the ingredients list and the percentage. For example, Whiskas Temptations Beef states 4% beef. With Felix Party Mix Seaside Mix, it's 2% fish, including at least 0.5% salmon, 0.5% pollock and 0.5% trout.
A name like "cat treats with salmon" therefore doesn't always describe the main ingredient. Look at the full composition and the analytical constituents.
Some Catisfactions variants state less than 2 kcal per piece. That can be practical for small reward moments, but several treats a day still add up to energy. The manufacturer advises adjusting the main meal for different variants.
Therefore, use cat biscuits as supplementary pet food, not as a replacement for complete cat food. For an adult cat, Felix Seaside Mix, for example, has a guideline of a maximum of 13 grams per day for a cat weighing around 4 kg.
Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor states that the snack helps prevent tartar and refers to scientific evidence for tartar reduction. This is information from the product description and a claim by the brand; it is not a general guarantee for every cat. See dental treats for cats as an additional snack and not as a replacement for check-ups or care as advised by a vet.
Pay attention to the target group on the label. Catisfactions Salmon, Cheese and Salmon & Cheese Mix are, according to the product information, suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks. The Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended for cats from 3 months. Whiskas Dental Treats and Whiskas Temptations Beef are aimed at adult cats.
Also check whether the product is complete or supplementary food. A mousse like Gourmet Revelations Salmon is described as complete wet food for adult cats. However, most cat treats are supplementary.
Don't just compare the weight of the packaging. Also look at:
Catisfactions Chicken Maxipack of 180 grams, for example, states 416 kcal per 100 grams. Whiskas Temptations Beef states 411 kcal per 100 grams. That makes portion control important, even when a treat is small.
Crunchy cat treats only remain appealing when the packaging is properly sealed. Catisfactions advises using different packaging within four to eight weeks, depending on the variant. It's different for liquid cat snacks: an opened leftover of Vitakraft Liquid Snack must be refrigerated and used immediately. Gourmet wet food must be covered after opening, refrigerated and used within the stated time.
Store treats in a cool, dry place, adhere to the best-before date on the packaging and keep packaging out of reach of children or pets.
Why this fits the profile: A compact pack for those who want to try a flavour first. The product information states fewer than 2 calories per piece and suitability for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks.
The portion information is clearly stated on the product, so you don't have to rely solely on the flavour name.
Salmon flavour, crunchy outside, soft filling and a guideline of a maximum of 20 pieces per day for adult cats.
Why this fits the profile: Suitable for a pampering moment with wet food and sauce, rather than a standard dry treat.
It is described as complete wet food for adult cats, making the food category clearer than with many supplementary cat treats.
Four portions of 57 grams, salmon variant, mousse form and sauce. Refrigerate after opening and use within two days.
Why this fits the profile: For owners looking for a crunchy snack with a specific function on the packaging, alongside daily food.
The packaging states adult cats, a daily guideline of a maximum of 17 pieces and an energy content of 325 kcal per 100 grams.
Rich in chicken according to the product information, 240 grams divided over six sachets and free from artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings according to the description.
Why this fits the profile: A bag with different shapes, textures and flavours such as chicken, liver and turkey for households that want to vary things.
The product information mentions the target group of adult cats and makes it clear that it is supplementary food, not a complete main meal.
200 grams content, multiple shapes and flavours, plus a resealable bag that should be stored dry.
We've put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and current European safety regulations.
Follow the guideline on the packaging and adjust the main meal accordingly. Treats remain supplementary food. The amount depends on age, weight, activity and the energy content per piece. If in doubt, or if your cat is overweight or has special dietary needs, you can ask a vet for appropriate advice.
This varies per product. Catisfactions states suitability from 8 weeks, while Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended from 3 months. Always check the age indication and give a kitten small amounts.
A liquid cat treat is a soft, creamy treat that you can give on its own or pour over cat food. According to the product information, Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken can also be frozen as an ice-like treat. Give a maximum of one portion per day according to the stated usage instructions and refrigerate any opened leftover immediately.