Rewarding your cat might seem straightforward, but the range of cat treats, cat snacks and liquid rewards is vast. An eye-catching packet tells you little about whether it’s right for your cat. So it’s important to focus on the product category, age suitability, ingredients and recommended amount.
Most cat treats are complementary pet food. They’re designed as a reward or an extra, not a replacement for a complete meal. Some products can look like complete food because of their nutritional claims, even though they aren’t intended for that purpose. Always check the legal description on the packaging.
One exception in the range is products labelled as complete wet food, such as certain Gourmet Gold varieties. These serve a different purpose from cat treats.
A cat treat with chicken, fish or salmon might sound appealing, but you should also check the proportion of that ingredient. For example, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout lists 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. That paints a very different picture from a product where fish or chicken is the main ingredient.
Also, watch out for potential allergies and sensitivities. A flavour name on the front isn’t the same as a full breakdown of the ingredients.
Small treats still count as calories. Whiskas Temptations Beef contains 411 kcal per 100g according to the product information, while Catisfactions states fewer than 2 calories per piece. That difference can matter if your cat doesn’t get much exercise, tends to gain weight, or already eats a high-energy main meal.
Follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging and, if needed, reduce the main meal accordingly. As a general rule, many product labels advise that treats should make up no more than about 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake.
Look for terms like complementary pet food or aanvullende diervoeding. This means the treat isn’t intended as a replacement for complete cat food. Also check which life stage the product is suitable for:
Always follow the age limit on the label for kittens. Some treats for adult cats are explicitly not suitable for kittens.
A dry treat is handy as a small reward, but it contains little moisture. A liquid cat treat or a moist reward can be given as a topping or as an extra way to encourage drinking. The INABA Churu Cat Tuna states 91% moisture and 6 calories per treat. The chicken version states 90.5% moisture and also 6 calories per stick.
According to the product data, the INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Tuna contains 93% moisture and is available in chicken, tuna, scallop and salmon flavours. The manufacturer describes this product as a supplement for cats that don’t drink much. That’s a usage aim from the product information, not a replacement for fresh drinking water. Always provide clean water.
Don’t just look at words like “natural” or “light”. Check the analytical constituents:
For dental care cat treats, the shape and texture are important. Whiskas Dental Treats and Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks are developed for daily dental care according to their product information. Claims about reducing plaque or tartar come from the brand or product description; don’t consider these treats a replacement for a check-up or care recommended by a vet.
Why this suits the profile: An accessible treat for cats that enjoy a crunchy outside with a soft filling. According to the product information, each treat contains fewer than 2 calories and is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old.
The calorie information per piece makes portion sizes easier to judge than with treats that only highlight the packaging.
Fewer than 2 calories per piece, soft filling and suitable from 8 weeks according to the label.
Why this suits the profile: Ideal for anyone looking for a moist treat with multiple flavours. The product description states 93% moisture and a combination of chicken, tuna, scallop and salmon.
The high moisture content is clearly stated, so you’re not judging the product on the flavour name alone.
93% moisture, four flavour varieties and suitable for cats of all ages according to the product information.
Why this suits the profile: Aimed at adult cat owners looking for a daily chew treat with salmon flavour. The product description mentions a crunchy, porous texture and a recommended amount based on weight.
The product information states a daily portion and advises supervision during eating, so use isn’t based on a general claim alone.
35% crude protein, 13.3% fat and a texture developed by Purina for dental care.
Why this suits the profile: A practical choice for cats from 3 months old that accept soft treats. According to the product description, you can give this treat on its own, as a topping or frozen.
The portion is clearly stated as a maximum of one piece per day. That helps prevent overfeeding.
Liquid texture, chicken flavour and 6 portions of 15g according to the product data.
We’ve put together a full, up-to-date list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and comply with current European safety regulations.
That depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level and main food. Follow the guideline on the packaging and count the calories towards the daily total. Products like Catisfactions, INABA Churu and Whiskas Cat Sticks state a specific amount. Give treats in moderation and always provide fresh drinking water.
Some are, others aren’t. Catisfactions states suitability from 8 weeks old, and Vitakraft Liquid Snack from 3 months old. Whiskas Cat Sticks are not suitable for kittens according to the product information. So always check the age indication before you buy.
G’woon Cat Treats Anti-hairball contains, among other things, 4% lignocellulose according to the product description, and is intended for cats that suffer from hairballs. The claim that the product helps reduce hairballs comes from the brand’s product information. Keep an eye on your cat and consult a vet if problems persist.