A cat may react enthusiastically to almost any rustling packet. However, not all cat treats are the same. The difference often lies in the moisture content, energy value, composition and how you store the treat. If you focus only on the flavour name or eye-catching packaging, you could end up buying a treat that does not suit your cat’s age, eating habits or daily diet.
This buying guide will help you compare cat treats, liquid cat treats and wet cat treats in practical terms.
“Chicken”, “tuna” or “salmon” on the front does not automatically mean that the product consists mainly of that ingredient. Always check the full ingredients list and any stated percentages. For example, Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout states that its composition includes cereals, meat and animal derivatives, with 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal.
According to the product information, Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef Flavor contains 80% beef within the meat and animal derivatives. That gives you a more concrete starting point if you are specifically looking for cat treats containing beef.
Liquid cat treats generally contain a lot of moisture, but they remain complementary food for cats. They are not a substitute for a complete main meal. According to the product description, INABA Churu Cat Tuna contains 91% moisture and 6 calories per treat. The INABA Fun Bites variants list 93% moisture.
This can be practical for cats that do not drink much, but fresh drinking water should always be available. A hydrating cat treat is therefore an addition, not an alternative to water or complete cat food.
A 180-gram bag or multipack may look attractively priced, but also consider the recommended portion and shelf life after opening. Crunchy cat treats can lose their texture if the packaging is not sealed properly. Liquid portions are usually individually packaged, so there is less need to throw anything away.
Texture often determines whether a cat accepts a treat:
For a liquid or wet treat, check the stated moisture percentage. INABA Fun Bites Chicken Wraps Chicken with Pumpkin lists 93% moisture, 9% crude protein and 0.3% crude fat. The product information describes this treat as a complementary treat or topping.
Treats count towards your cat’s total energy intake. Whiskas Temptations Beef lists 411 kcal per 100 grams. Catisfactions contains fewer than 2 calories per piece, but the recommended amount is still important. The product information for the 180-gram pack states a maximum of 20 pieces per day for adult cats and a maximum of 6 pieces for kittens.
Use the feeding guidelines on the packaging as a starting point and adjust the main meal if necessary. If your cat is overweight, has a food allergy or follows a specific diet, it is sensible to consult your vet.
Check whether the treat is suitable for an adult cat, a kitten or both. Some products are intended for cats from 8 weeks of age, while Whiskas Cat Sticks Beef are not suitable for kittens according to the product information.
Also pay attention to the difference between:
A treat containing chicken, fish, tuna or salmon may be appealing, but it is not automatically suitable for a cat with an allergy or sensitivity to that ingredient. Always check the label.
Why it suits this profile: The small, airy pieces are easy to give as an occasional reward. The product information provides daily guidance for an adult cat weighing 4 kg.
The packaging lists more than just the flavour: it also provides the composition, analytical constituents and feeding guidelines. This makes it easier to judge the right portion.
Crunchy, airy texture; 45-gram pack; salmon and trout flavour according to the product description.
Why it suits this profile: This liquid cat treat is ideal for cats that prefer soft textures, or for owners looking for a topping for wet or dry food.
The 91% moisture content and stated portion of 1 to 2 sticks per day make this product easier to compare than treats without clear usage information.
91% moisture; 6 calories per treat according to the product information; suitable as a hand-fed reward or topping.
Why it suits this profile: This treat can be given on its own or mixed with dry food. That is practical for cats that need a consistent routine or extra flavour with their meal.
The product description lists the moisture content, analytical constituents, ingredients and portions by body weight. This means you do not have to rely solely on the term “hydrating”.
93% moisture; chicken, chicken broth and pumpkin in the composition; portion guidance for different weights.
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.
Keep dry cat treats sealed in a cool, dry place. Unopened liquid treats should also be stored somewhere cool and dry. The timeframe after opening varies by product: INABA Churu advises using the product within 24 hours of opening, while Felix Deli Moments recommends using an opened sachet immediately. Always follow the instructions on the packaging, including those regarding the best-before date.
Start by giving new cat treats in a small quantity. This allows you to see more quickly whether your cat accepts the flavour and texture. Also take other rewards, wet cat food and any table scraps into account.
This depends on your cat’s weight, activity level, main food and the energy value of the treat. Follow the guidelines on the packaging and, if necessary, deduct the calories from the daily portion of cat food. Treats are complementary food and should not replace a complete meal.
Not automatically. Check the age guidance for each product. Some treats are suitable from 8 weeks, others from 3 months, while some are intended exclusively for adult cats. If in doubt, compare the product information and feeding guidelines before buying.
According to the product information, dry treats often remain fresh for several weeks when the packaging is properly sealed. Liquid and wet cat treats usually need to be used sooner and may sometimes need to be refrigerated. The exact timeframe is stated on the label and may vary from one pack to another.