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

A bag of cat treats might seem like a quick purchase, but the differences between cat snacks are significant. Are you looking for a small reward for training, a soft cat snack for a fussy feline, or perhaps a liquid cat treat to complement their meal? Then you need to look beyond just flavour and packaging.

Three common pitfalls to watch out for:

1. Confusing a functional claim with a guarantee. A snack for hairballs or a dental cat treat may have a specific formulation, but it doesn't replace veterinary advice or daily dental care.
2. Ignoring portion size. A product with few calories per piece can still provide a lot of energy if you give dozens of them every day.
3. Treating complementary food as a main meal. Most cat treats are complementary. They are intended to be given alongside complete cat food, not as a replacement for it.

Which specifications should you check?

1. Composition and nutritional value

First, check whether the packaging states that it is complementary food. Then look at the protein, fat and moisture content. A crunchy cat snack often contains significantly less moisture than a liquid variety. For example, INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps contains 93% moisture, with 10% crude protein and 0.2% crude fat according to the product information.

Also pay attention to where the stated ingredient appears on the list. "Cat snack with chicken" does not automatically mean that chicken is the main ingredient. With Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor, the product specification states 80% beef per stick, whereas other snacks list grains or plant-based protein extracts as the first ingredients.

2. Portion, calories and age

Always follow the feeding instructions from the brand and adjust the main meal accordingly if needed. Catisfactions states fewer than 2 calories per piece; the recommended amount varies by age. The cheese variety is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old, while Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor is not intended for kittens according to the product information.

For a cat that gains weight easily, low-calorie cat treats can be practical. However, check whether "low calorie" refers to per piece or per 100 grams. These two values are not the same.

3. Shape, texture and storage

• Soft cat treats and sticks are handy for hand-feeding, but may need to be used up quickly once opened.
• Crunchy cat treats are suitable for reward moments or food puzzles, but watch the recommended daily amount.
• A liquid cat treat can be given on its own, drizzled over dry food, or used as a topping. Once opened, it usually needs to be stored in the fridge.
• Check the best-before date, seal the packaging properly, and always supervise your cat while they eat to prevent choking.

A dental cat treat deserves extra attention. According to their own product information, Whiskas and Purina associate certain textures with less plaque or tartar. That is a brand claim, not a general guarantee for every cat. Therefore, use such treats according to the label and discuss any ongoing dental issues with a vet.

Our recommendations by use case

Suitable for: Budget-conscious beginners

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Why this fits the profile: The light, crunchy texture and pouch format make this snack suitable for a simple daily reward moment with a fish flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states a daily limit of up to 12 grams for an adult cat weighing 4 kg. This helps keep the portion size clear.

Key benefit & highlights

31.5% crude protein, 15.5% fat and a stated amount of up to 80 pieces per day according to the product description.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking top quality

INABA Churu Cat Tuna

Why this fits the profile: This soft, liquid cat treat is ideal for cats that prefer a creamy texture or need extra variety in their cat food and snacks.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging states 1 to 2 sticks per day and makes it clear that this is a supplement, not a complete meal.

Key benefit & highlights

91% moisture, 8% crude protein, 0.5% crude fat and, according to the product information, 6 calories per treat.

Suitable for: Specific use & intensive users

Whiskas Dental Treats Chicken Flavor

Why this fits the profile: An option for owners who want to combine a daily snack with a specific dental care routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states 17 pieces per day for adult cats. The claim about tartar reduction comes from brand communications and should not be taken as a guarantee.

Key benefit & highlights

24% crude protein, 11% fat and 9% crude fibre; the snack contains 18% chicken according to the label.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

That depends on their weight, age, activity level and the calories per treat. Use the feeding guideline on the packaging and keep treats as a supplement to complete cat food. If you are unsure about weight or diet, discuss the portion with a vet.

Are cat treats with chicken or fish suitable for kittens?

Not every snack is suitable for young cats. Check the age indication on the label. Some products are intended for adult cats, whereas Catisfactions is suitable from 8 weeks old according to the product information. Do not give a kitten a product if the manufacturer excludes it.

Which cat treats are suitable for a cat that doesn't drink much?

A snack with a high moisture content, such as INABA Churu Cat Tuna or INABA Fun Bites Cat Chicken Wraps, can be offered as a moist supplement. According to the product information, these varieties contain 91% and 93% moisture respectively. They do not replace fresh drinking water and are not a treatment for health problems.