A bag of cat treats may seem like a quick purchase, but there is a big difference between dry biscuits, liquid cat treats and complementary wet food. Some products are suitable for kittens from 8 weeks old, while others are intended for adult cats only. Moisture content, calories, ingredients and shelf life can also vary considerably.
Pay particular attention to three common pitfalls:
First, check the legal product name. If it says “complementary pet food” or “supplementary pet food”, the product is intended as a reward, topping or extra treat. It must not replace your cat’s daily main food.
Products such as Churu cat treats are usually soft, liquid treats. They can be given straight from the pouch or added to dry food and wet cat food. A product such as Gourmet Gold Tender Treats, on the other hand, is described as complete food for adult cats. Always follow the feeding guidelines on the packaging.
For cats that do not drink much, a liquid cat treat can be a practical way to provide additional moisture. Check the stated moisture percentage:
A high moisture content does not automatically make a treat suitable for every cat. It remains a complementary treat. Make sure fresh drinking water is always available too.
For cats with lower energy requirements, low-calorie cat treats can be useful. INABA Churu Tuna Seafood, for example, contains 6 kcal per tube. Catisfactions Salmon contains less than 2 kcal per piece. Compare this with dry sticks, which can contain well over 300 kcal per 100 grams.
Also check the age recommendation. According to the product information, Catisfactions Salmon is suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks old. Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended for cats from 3 months old. According to the product specifications, Whiskas Cat Sticks Chicken and Beef are not suitable for kittens.
For a sensitive cat, also pay attention to specific ingredients. “Grain-free cat treats” contain no grains, but that does not mean they are free from every possible ingredient your cat may react to. Read the full ingredients and allergen information.
Why it suits this profile: The 60-gram pack is easy to manage for anyone buying cat treats for the first time and wanting to try a crunchy snack with a soft filling. The product specification states that each piece contains fewer than 2 calories.
The product information clearly states that this is complementary pet food. This makes it clear that it does not replace the main meal.
Salmon flavour, a crunchy outer layer, soft filling and, according to the description, no artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.
Why it suits this profile: These chicken cat treats combine a smooth purée with two chicken varieties. The multipack contains 20 sticks of 14 grams each, making it suitable for regular reward times.
The product specifications state 30% chicken, 86% moisture and a recommended serving of 1 to 3 sticks per day. This allows you to assess flavour, portion size and moisture content together.
Grain-free composition according to the product description; contains fish oil and vitamin E. Claims about supporting skin and coat come from the brand description.
Why it suits this profile: With 50 tubes, this cat treat multipack is practical for households with several cats, regular training or use as a topping.
The packaging and feeding advice make it easier to plan portions in advance. The tubes are complementary and must not replace a complete meal.
91% moisture, 6 kcal per tube according to the product specifications, and suitable for hand-feeding, use as a topping or when administering medication.
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.
This depends on its weight, age, activity level and main food. Use the guidelines on the packaging and, preferably, keep treats below 10% of the daily calorie intake. If necessary, reduce the amount of cat food accordingly. INABA Churu, for example, recommends 1 to 3 sticks per day for the Skin & Coat variety. Always provide fresh water.
Not all liquid cat treats have the same age recommendation. According to the product information, Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is suitable from 3 months old. According to the description, Catisfactions Salmon can be given to kittens from 8 weeks old. Always check the packaging, and make sure a kitten’s main diet is complete food suitable for its growth stage.
Follow the storage instructions for the specific product. Some liquid cat treats must be refrigerated after opening and used within 24 hours. Catisfactions states that the product remains fresh for four weeks after opening when the packaging is properly resealed. Wet cat food should generally be covered, refrigerated and used within the stated period.