Cat Treats Buying Guide: How to Choose Healthy, Tasty Rewards

Giving your cat a treat is so much more than a simple gesture. It's a bonding moment, a reward, and a sign of affection. But with so many options crowding the shelves, how do you make the right choice? How can you be sure that this little indulgence is as good for their health as it is for their spirits?

Our editorial team's mission is to break down the market for you. In this guide, we'll give you everything you need to choose cat treats that perfectly blend enjoyment and health, cutting through the marketing noise.

How to Choose the Right Cat Treats

Before we dive into our top picks, let's review the key criteria for making a smart, responsible purchase.

1. Decode the Ingredient List

It's all on the label. For a strict carnivore like a cat, the golden rule is simple: meat or fish should always be the first ingredient on the list.

• High meat content: This is the primary hallmark of quality.
• Minimal additives: Steer clear of artificial colours, flavours, and other unnecessary fillers.
• Grain-free or not?: Grain-free treats are an excellent option for cats with sensitive digestion or if you want to more closely mimic their natural diet.

2. A Treat for Every Occasion

You shouldn't choose a treat at random. Its purpose and your cat's specific needs are key factors.

• For rewards and training: Opt for small, low-calorie bites that are perfect for training sessions without piling on the calories.
• For bonding and enjoyment: A more indulgent cat snack, like a lickable purée or a shareable stick, is ideal for strengthening your bond.
• For overweight or less active cats: Go for low-calorie treats to provide a guilt-free indulgence.

3. Experiment with Textures and Flavours

Cats are discerning gourmets and can sometimes be a bit picky. To prevent boredom and pique their curiosity, don't hesitate to mix things up with different textures: crunchy, soft, liquid, puréed... Cat sticks, for example, offer a longer and more satisfying chew than standard bites.

Our Cat Treat Recommendations

Our editorial team analysed and compared dozens of products. Here are the ones that stood out for their quality ingredients, palatability, and glowing reviews from pet owners.

Whiskas Temptations Chicken & Cheese Flavour

What Makes It Stand Out

Their secret? An irresistible dual texture that cats go wild for: a crunchy shell with a soft, savoury centre. As they are very low in calories, they are the perfect little cat reward to give out generously (well, almost!).

Pros

• Dual texture: Crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside.
• Low-calorie: Less than 2?kcal per treat to help manage weight.
• Fortified with vitamins and minerals.
• No artificial flavours.

Best For:

This is the affordable and effective classic. It's ideal for rewarding your adult cat after a play session or simply as a daily special treat.

Inaba Churu Lickable Purée Sticks – Skin & Coat Formula

What Makes It Stand Out

More than just a treat, it's an experience. Served in lickable purée tubes, this treat fosters a unique interaction with your pet. Its formula, enriched with fish oil and vitamin E, is a true beauty treatment for their skin and coat. It's also an excellent way to boost their hydration.

Pros

• Highly hydrating: With 86% water, it's a real bonus for cats that don't drink much.
• Rich in chicken (30%).
• Grain-free recipe, ideal for sensitive digestion.
• "Healthy Coat" benefits: Rich in omega-3 and 6 for a silky coat.
• Versatile: Can be served straight from the tube, in a bowl, or as a topper on kibble.

Best For:

A must-have for picky eaters, senior cats, or those with dental issues, thanks to its ultra-soft texture. It's also the perfect choice for owners who want a show-stopping coat for their feline or are looking for a shareable cat snack for a moment of pure bonding.

Vitakraft Salmon Sticks

What Makes It Stand Out

These cat sticks go all-in on quality ingredients with a record-high protein content: 83% meat and animal derivatives, including 12% salmon. The recipe is clean and straightforward: no sugar, no grains, no artificial colours, and no flavour enhancers. The individual packaging ensures optimal freshness, and the pre-scored grooves make sharing a breeze.

Pros

• Ultra-high in protein: A composition perfectly suited for carnivores.
• Sustainable salmon (MSC certified).
• Healthy recipe: No sugar, no grains, no artificial colours.
• Convenient format: Freshness-sealed pouch and breakable stick.

Best For:

The ideal choice for discerning owners who want natural cat treats with an impeccable ingredient list and maximum protein. The stick format is fun and perfect for interacting with your pet.

Is Your Cat a Connoisseur?

Every cat has its own preferences. If our selection doesn't fully satisfy their demanding palate, or if you're simply curious to discover other flavours and textures, take a look at our complete range.

? Explore our full range of cat treats to find the perfect delight for your companion.

Cat Treats: Your Questions, Our Answers

What is the right amount of treats to give my cat?

The golden rule is simple: treats should never make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Always check the feeding guidelines on the packaging and consider slightly reducing their main meal portion to prevent weight gain.

Are grain-free treats really better?

As strict carnivores, cats have no nutritional requirement for grains. For those with sensitive digestion or allergies, grain-free treats are therefore highly recommended. For others, it's primarily a matter of preference and individual tolerance.

Can I give treats to a kitten?

Be careful, as most commercial treats are designed for adult cats. A growing kitten's body has very specific nutritional needs. It is therefore essential to always check the recommended age on the package. For example, the Whiskas Temptations in our selection are not suitable for kittens. Fortunately, there are ranges specifically formulated for younger cats.