Joybuy Insights

Choosing cat treats: how to find the right reward without wasting money

A bag of cat treats may seem simple to choose, but the differences can be significant. One treat may be intended for adult cats, while another is suitable from 8 weeks of age. Texture, calories, ingredients and shelf life after opening also determine whether a product is practical for your cat.

Marketing copy can make things more difficult. A flavour name, for example, does not tell you how much fish or meat the product actually contains. And a large pack is not automatically better value if your cat does not like the treat or if it quickly loses its texture after opening.

Three common pitfalls when choosing cat treats

1. Confusing a flavour name with the main ingredient

With cat treats with salmon or cat treats with cheese, the flavour is often displayed prominently on the packaging. So check the ingredients list. Felix Crispies Salmon & Trout, for example, lists 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. The flavour name therefore does not mean that the treat is mainly made from salmon or trout.

The same applies to cat treats with chicken and cat treats with beef. Whiskas Temptations Beef lists 4% beef within the category of meat and animal derivatives. So look at both the percentage and the full composition.

2. Overlooking age and product type

Not every treat is suitable for every cat. Felix Crispies is complementary food for adult cats. According to the product information, Catisfactions Salmon and Cheese are suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age. Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken is intended for cats from 3 months of age.

Also pay attention to the difference between complementary food and complete nutrition. A treat should be given alongside your cat’s daily main meal and does not replace it unless the label says otherwise.

3. Looking only at the price per pack

A 180-gram bag may have a lower price per gram than a 60-gram bag, but also check the recommended daily amount and the shelf life after opening. Catisfactions Cheese Maxipack recommends a maximum of 20 pieces per day for adult cats and 6 for kittens. For Felix Crispies, a maximum of 12 grams or 80 pieces per day is stated for an average adult cat weighing 4 kg.

A treat with few calories per piece can be practical for training sessions, but the total amount still matters. Adjust the main meal if you regularly give treats.

What should you look for in cat treats?

Texture: crunchy, soft or liquid

The texture often determines whether your cat will accept the treat:

  • Crunchy cat treats are easy to portion and take with you.
  • Soft cat treats with a creamy filling may suit cats that enjoy a combination of textures.
  • A liquid cat treat can be given as a topping over regular food. According to the product information, Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken can also be frozen as a treat. After opening, any leftover portion should be refrigerated and used immediately.
  • For cat dental-care treats, the shape and texture are more important than the flavour alone. According to the brand information, Purina Dentalife uses a crunchy, porous texture. The claim regarding reduced tartar formation is made by the manufacturer; see the label for the exact feeding instructions.

Composition and analytical information

At a minimum, compare:

  1. Protein and fat: these values are usually shown as percentages on the packaging.
  2. Energy per 100 grams or per piece: particularly relevant for less active cats.
  3. Ingredient order: ingredients are generally listed in descending order by quantity.
  4. Additives and allergens: check the packaging if your cat has a sensitive reaction.

Catisfactions Cheese states that each piece contains fewer than 2 kcal, while the analytical composition gives 22% protein and 22% fat. Felix Crispies lists 31.5% protein and 15.5% fat. These figures can only be properly compared when you consider the same product category and serving size.

Packaging and storage

Store dry cat treats in a cool, dry place and seal the packaging tightly. Catisfactions Salmon recommends using the product within 4 weeks of opening and keeping it in a well-sealed pack. For Catisfactions Cheese, 8 weeks is stated. Always check the best-before information on the packaging of the product you have purchased.

Liquid treats require more care: according to the product information, unused portions should be refrigerated after opening and used immediately. Always give treats under supervision and keep the packaging out of the reach of children and pets.

Recommended products for different types of cat owners

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

Catisfactions Cat Treats Cheese Flavor 60g

Why it suits this profile: A familiar combination of a crunchy outer layer and soft cheese filling, suitable for adult cats and kittens from 8 weeks of age.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product information states the suitable age range and a maximum of 6 pieces per day for kittens, making portion control clearer than simply looking at the pack price.

Main benefit & advantages

Fewer than 2 kcal per piece according to the product information; no artificial colourings, preservatives or flavourings listed.

Suitable for: Shoppers seeking premium quality
Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Felix Crispies Cat Snack Salmon & Trout 45g

Why it suits this profile: For adult cats that enjoy a light, crunchy texture and a fish flavour.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The composition specifically lists 0.4% salmon meal and 0.4% trout meal. This gives a more realistic picture than the flavour name alone.

Main benefit & advantages

31.5% protein, 15.5% fat and a stated maximum amount of 12 grams per day for an average cat weighing 4 kg.

Suitable for: Specific use & frequent users
Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks Salmon 40g

Purina Dentalife Denta Care Snacks - Cat Snack - Salmon 40g

Why it suits this profile: For owners who want to combine a daily treat with a dedicated dental-care routine.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The feeding instructions specify an amount based on body weight and recommend supervision while giving the treat. The effect on tartar is a claim based on Purina’s own research; see the packaging for supporting information.

Main benefit & advantages

Crunchy, porous texture; 35% protein, 13.3% fat and 3.6% crude fibre according to the stated analytical values.

Suitable for: Cats that prefer soft treats
Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken Cat Treats

Vitakraft Liquid Snack Chicken - Cat Treats - 6 x 15g

Why it suits this profile: An option for cats that accept a creamy or liquid treat, for example as a topping over their main food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

Each sachet contains a defined portion, and the product information states a maximum of one piece per day. This helps prevent over-serving.

Main benefit & advantages

6 portions of 15 grams; suitable as a snack, topping or frozen treat according to the product description.

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?

That varies according to the product, weight, age and activity level. Always follow the guidance on the label. Give treats as a supplement and adjust the main meal if you give several treats every day. If you are unsure about your cat’s weight or special dietary needs, ask a vet for advice.

Are cat treats suitable for kittens?

Some are. Catisfactions Salmon and Cheese state that they are suitable from 8 weeks of age. Other products are intended for adult cats or cats from 3 months of age. Always check the intended age group on the packaging and do not choose a treat based solely on its flavour.

How long do cat treats keep after opening?

That depends on the type and packaging. Dry treats should be kept tightly sealed and dry. The stated period may vary: Catisfactions Salmon specifies 4 weeks, while Catisfactions Cheese specifies 8 weeks. Liquid treats should be refrigerated after opening and used immediately. The information on the packaging of the product purchased is the guidance to follow.