Joybuy Insights

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

A bag of cat treats might seem simple to pick. Yet cat snacks vary widely in their composition, texture, moisture content, portion size and suitability for different ages. A kitten has different needs to an adult cat, while a cat that doesn't drink much may benefit more from a wet cat treat than a dry one.

Also watch out for marketing claims. A packet with words like “dental care”, “with chicken” or “low in calories” doesn't tell the whole story. Always check the product category, ingredients, analytical constituents and recommended amount.

Three common pitfalls with cat treats

1. Confusing a flavour name with a high meat or fish content

“Cat treats with chicken”, “cat treats with fish” and “cat treats with beef” don't automatically contain a large proportion of those ingredients. For example, Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout lists 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. So the flavour is part of the recipe, but the product also contains cereals, animal by-products, vegetable protein extracts and oils and fats.

Therefore, look at the percentage behind the specific ingredient. “With chicken” can mean something different according to the product information than a snack where chicken is the main ingredient.

2. Treating a supplementary snack as a complete food

Most cat treats in this range are complementary pet food. They are intended as an extra alongside complete cat food and do not replace a daily main meal. Filled and crunchy cat treats in particular can be relatively high in energy.

Catisfactions, for example, states less than 2 kcal per piece for several variants. That makes the portion easy to manage, but giving them without limit is still not advisable. Reduce the main meal when you give treats daily.

3. Seeing a dental care claim as a replacement for dental hygiene

For Whiskas Dental Treats and Purina Dentalife, claims about reducing plaque or tartar are mentioned in the product information. Phrase this carefully: according to the brand's own research, the specific shape or texture may contribute to dental care. That doesn't mean every cat gets the same result, or that treats replace a check-up or care from a vet.

Important points to check before buying

Age and use

Check whether the cat treat is intended for adult cats, kittens or both. Felix Crispies and Whiskas Dental Treats are aimed at adult cats according to the product information. Catisfactions variants are suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old for several products.

Use the age indication as your first filter. For a kitten, small pieces and an appropriate feeding guideline are important. Don't give a kitten a product that lists only adult cats as its target group.

Composition and analytical constituents

Compare at least:

  • Protein content: for example, 31.5% for Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout and 35% for Purina Dentalife.
  • Fat content: Catisfactions Salmon & Cheese Mix states 22%, while Whiskas Dental Treats states 11%.
  • Crude fibre and ash: these values help you compare products side by side, but don't on their own tell you whether a snack is suitable for your cat.
  • Moisture content: INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps contains 93% moisture according to the product information. That clearly distinguishes this wet cat treat from dry cat treats.
  • Specific ingredients: don't just look at the front of the packet, but also at the full composition.

For allergies or a prescribed diet, checking the ingredients is especially important. If in doubt, ask your vet for advice.

Portion, packaging and storage

The daily amount varies per product. For Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout, a maximum of 12 grams or around 80 pieces is recommended for a cat of about 4 kg. Felix Party Mix Seaside Mix states a maximum of 13 grams or around 35 pieces per day. Purina Dentalife recommends a maximum of 17 snacks per day for an adult cat of 2.5 kg.

Store dry cat treats in a cool, dry place and seal the packet or packaging well after use. Wet cat treats usually need to be refrigerated after opening and used up quickly. INABA, for example, states that an opened portion must be used within 24 hours. Always check the packaging for the exact shelf life and storage instructions.

Our recommendations by type of cat owner

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

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavour 60g

Why this fits the profile: A small pack to try out a flavour and texture without buying a large size straight away. According to the product description, the snack has a crunchy outside and a soft cheese filling.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The portion information is clear: a maximum of 20 pieces per day for adult cats and a maximum of 6 for kittens. The snack remains a supplementary food.

Key benefit & plus points

Suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old; less than 2 kcal per piece according to the product information.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for top quality
INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Chicken with Pumpkin

INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps Chicken with Pumpkin

Why this fits the profile: A soft snack with chicken and pumpkin for cats that are less keen on dry biscuits or could do with extra moisture in their treat.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The moisture content is clearly stated at 93%, so you won't confuse this product with a dry snack. It remains a supplementary food and not a replacement for a complete meal.

Key benefit & plus points

93% moisture; can be given as a loose treat, a topper or mixed with dry food.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users
Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavour

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavour

Why this fits the profile: Aimed at adult cat owners who want to add a regular dental care cat treat to their daily routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 18% chicken and a recommended amount of a maximum of 17 pieces per day. The claim about tartar reduction comes from the brand and is not a replacement for a dental check-up.

Key benefit & plus points

Crunchy texture; 240 grams total divided into 6 packs of 40 grams.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

That depends on the product, the cat's weight, age and main food. Follow the feeding guide on the packaging and subtract the calories from the treats from the daily meal. For some Felix Crispies products, a maximum of 12 grams is recommended for a cat of 4 kg. A general guideline is that treats should only make up a limited part of the daily energy intake.

Are cat treats with chicken or fish suitable for kittens?

Only when the packaging states that the product is suitable for kittens. Some Catisfactions cat treats are suitable from 8 weeks old, while Felix Crispies and Whiskas Dental Treats are intended for adult cats according to the product information. For a kitten, choose small portions and take the complete diet into account.

How do you store opened cat treats?

Store dry cat treats in a cool, dry place and seal the bag or packaging well after use. Wet cat treats usually need to go in the fridge after opening and should be used up quickly. For INABA Fun Bites, for example, a period of 24 hours after opening is stated. The exact instructions on the packaging are what you should follow.