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

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:

  • Confusing a treat with cat food: a complementary product does not replace a complete main meal.
  • Interpreting marketing claims too broadly: terms such as “grain-free”, “with chicken” or “with salmon” only tell you something when you check the ingredients list and percentages.
  • Ignoring portion size: a small cat treat can be relatively high in energy. The main meal may need to be adjusted.

What should you look for in cat treats?

1. Complementary or complete cat food

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.

2. Moisture content and texture

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:

  • INABA Churu products in this selection contain 91% moisture, according to the product specifications.
  • The INABA Skin & Coat variety states 86% moisture.
  • Dry cat treats and sticks usually contain considerably less moisture.

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.

3. Calories, ingredients and age

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.

Product choice by type of cat owner

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

Catisfactions Cat Treats Salmon Flavour 60g

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information clearly states that this is complementary pet food. This makes it clear that it does not replace the main meal.

Key benefit & advantages

Salmon flavour, a crunchy outer layer, soft filling and, according to the description, no artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings.

Suitable for: Shoppers looking for premium quality
INABA Churu Cat Skin and Coat Multipack

INABA Churu Cat Skin & Coat Multipack 20 sticks

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

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.

Key benefit & advantages

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.

Suitable for: Specific uses & frequent users
INABA Churu Multipack Tuna and Chicken 50 sticks

INABA Churu Multipack Tuna & Chicken 50 sticks

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.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The packaging and feeding advice make it easier to plan portions in advance. The tubes are complementary and must not replace a complete meal.

Key benefit & advantages

91% moisture, 6 kcal per tube according to the product specifications, and suitable for hand-feeding, use as a topping or when administering medication.

Looking for more options?

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.

Frequently asked questions about cat treats

How many cat treats can a cat have per day?

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.

Are liquid cat treats suitable for kittens?

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.

How long do cat treats stay fresh after opening?

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.