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

Cat treats are useful as a reward, snack or extra indulgence. However, many packages look very similar. An appealing flavour, colourful shape or claim such as “natural” does not always tell you whether a product is suitable for your cat. The key differences often lie in the life stage, ingredients, texture, moisture content and recommended amount.

Also pay attention to the difference between cat biscuits, cat treats and cat food. A snack is usually complementary pet food and does not replace a complete meal. Some soft products, such as wet food in portion packs, are complete cat food. This distinction determines how you use the product as part of your cat’s daily feeding routine.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat treats

1. Mistaking an appealing flavour for a complete meal

A cat treat with chicken, fish or cheese is intended as a supplement. So check the packaging to see whether it says “complementary” or “complete”. For example, Whiskas Cat Sticks are complementary treats for adult cats. Gourmet Gold Tender Treats, on the other hand, are described as complete wet food for adult cats.

Give complementary cat treats in limited quantities and adjust the main meal if necessary. This helps prevent your cat food and treats from providing more energy overall than your cat needs.

2. Overlooking the age guidance

Not every treat is suitable for kittens. Some products are intended for cats from 8 weeks or 3 months old, while Whiskas Cat Sticks are not suitable for kittens according to the product information. So always check the intended age group and minimum age first.

Size and hardness also matter for kittens. Choose small pieces that are easy to eat and stay nearby while your kitten is feeding. Always follow the instructions on the packaging.

3. Looking only at the pack size

A large bag may seem like good value, but the shelf life after opening and the permitted number of pieces per day are more important. According to the product description, Catisfactions Cheese Flavor contains less than 2 kcal per piece. For the maxi pack, a maximum of 20 pieces per day is stated for adult cats, and a maximum of 6 pieces for kittens.

Liquid cat treats require a different approach: once opened, the portion often needs to be used quickly and stored in the fridge. So do not just compare the price per pack. Also consider the price per portion and the storage instructions.

Important specifications to compare

1. Complementary or complete pet food

Look for the legally required designation on the label:

  • Complementary pet food: intended as a snack, reward or topper.
  • Complete pet food: suitable as the daily main food for the stated life stage.
  • Suitability: check whether the product is intended for kittens, adult cats or all life stages.

A product with appealing nutritional claims is not automatically suitable. According to INABA’s product information, Fun Bites Chicken Wraps contain 93% moisture and are intended as a complementary treat or topper. This high moisture content is a product specification; it does not replace advice about your individual cat’s fluid intake.

2. Texture and portion size

The choice between crunchy cat treats and soft cat treats depends on what your cat enjoys eating and how you intend to use the treat.

  • Cat biscuits and crunchy treats: easy to portion and suitable as a small reward.
  • Soft sticks: often easy to break into smaller pieces.
  • Liquid cat treat: useful as a topping or standalone treat.
  • Wet food with soft pieces: more of a meal than a traditional snack.

Also check that the pieces are small enough. Supervision is advisable with every type of treat, especially if your cat eats quickly.

3. Ingredients, analysis and storage life

Compare the ingredients list and analytical constituents, but do not draw conclusions that are not supported by the label. Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout lists, among other values, 31.5% protein, 15.5% fat and 0.5% crude fibre. The recipe contains cereals and fish and fish derivatives; the quantity of salmon and trout meal stated is also included in the product information.

Pay attention to the storage instructions too:

  • Store dry treats in a cool, dry place.
  • Seal opened bags securely.
  • Use opened liquid treats within the stated period.
  • Check the best-before date and the information on the packaging.

Brand claims about flavour or effects are not guaranteed facts. Wording such as “supports hydration” should be understood as a product claim made by the brand. For an objective comparison, look at the moisture percentage, portion guidance, ingredients and nutritional value.

Recommended cat treats by user type

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

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavor 60g

Why it suits this profile: The combination of a crunchy outside and soft cheese filling is easy to portion as a first cat treat. According to the product description, this variety is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states portion guidance and less than 2 kcal per piece. However, check the current packaging for the full feeding instructions.

Key benefit & advantages

Cheese variety, crunchy texture, soft filling and a 60-gram pack.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna

Why it suits this profile: This soft treat is suitable for cat owners looking for a product with a high moisture content. According to the product description, the treat contains 93% moisture and can be given on its own or mixed into regular food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The moisture percentage and portion table are clearly stated. This makes it easier to compare than relying on flavour claims alone.

Key benefit & advantages

93% moisture, chicken and tuna flavour, 146-gram contents and suitable for all life stages according to the product information.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken Cat Treats

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken - Cat Treats

Why it suits this profile: This liquid cat treat is intended for cats from 3 months old and can be used as a topping, standalone snack or frozen treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The pack contains six 15-gram portions and states a maximum of one piece per day. Any leftovers must be refrigerated after opening and used immediately.

Key benefit & advantages

Liquid texture, chicken variety, suitable for use as a topping and suitable for freezing according to the product description.

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.

How to use cat treats in everyday life

  • Give treats as a supplement, not as a replacement for complete food.
  • Follow the recommended daily amount shown on the packaging.
  • Adjust the main meal if you give treats every day.
  • For adult cats, choose a product whose label states that it is intended for this age group.
  • Only give kittens treats with a suitable minimum age.
  • Store opened packs for the stated period.
  • Always make sure fresh drinking water is available.

If your cat has a sensitive stomach, a known food allergy or is on a special diet, carefully check the ingredients list and seek advice from a vet.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

This varies depending on the product, weight, age and activity level. The packaging often states a maximum number or weight in grams. Give treats in moderation and reduce the main meal if necessary. Treats should make up only a limited proportion of your cat’s daily energy intake.

Which cat treats are suitable for kittens?

Only choose products that explicitly state that they are suitable for kittens or specify an appropriate minimum age. According to the product information, Catisfactions are suitable from 8 weeks old. Other products, such as certain Whiskas Cat Sticks, are not suitable for kittens according to the label.

How long do cat treats last after opening?

This depends on the type. Dry cat treats should generally be stored in a cool, dry place and sealed securely. Liquid cat treats often need to be refrigerated and used quickly after opening. Always follow the information on the packaging, as the storage period varies by brand and product.