How to Choose the Right Treats for Your Cat: A Buying Guide

Giving your cat a treat is much more than a simple indulgence: it's a bonding moment, a reward, or a small pleasure that strengthens your connection. But with shelves overflowing with options, it's hard to know where to start. How can you be sure that a little snack is not only delicious but also good for your cat's health?

This guide is here to help. We'll break down the key criteria to help you select high-quality cat treats and present our selection of products that are a unanimous favorite among our feline friends.

How to Choose the Right Treat for Your Cat

To make the right choice, several factors should be considered. Make sure the cat snack you select is perfectly suited to your companion.

1. Decode the Composition and Nutrients

The quality of a treat is first judged by its ingredients. Prioritise recipes where the protein source (meat or fish) is clearly identified at the top of the list. Some go even further by including ingredients with targeted benefits. For example, vitamin-enriched cat treats may contain vitamins A, D3, or E to boost their natural defences. Others incorporate malt to aid digestion and help eliminate hairballs. A quick look at the label is essential to know what you're really giving them.

2. Consider Texture and Shape

Cats are true connoisseurs, and texture is often a non-negotiable criterion. There are two main types:

• Crunchy cat treats: Often small in size, they are popular for their satisfying crunch.
• Filled cat treats: These combine a crunchy shell with a soft, creamy center, a dual texture that entices many felines.

By observing your cat, you'll quickly learn which texture they prefer.

3. Adapt the Treat to Age and Purpose

A kitten's needs are not the same as an adult cat's. You'll find kitten treats specially designed for them: they are smaller and better suited to their young jaws.

Also, consider how you'll use them. Is it just an occasional snack or a training reward used for education (litter box training, play sessions)? The size and calorie content then become crucial criteria.

Our Recommended Cat Treats

To guide you, we've selected a few products that stand out, both for their transparent ingredients and their success with our four-legged testers.

GIMCAT Nutri Pockets Malt-Vitamin Mix

• What makes it stand out: This product from the Gimcat brand focuses on variety by combining several flavours and benefits. It mixes four tastes (catnip, malt, beef, and salmon) in a single pouch, ensuring a surprise for your cat every time. The filled texture, with its crunchy shell and creamy center, is particularly popular.

• Key features:

  • Dual texture: A crunchy shell with a creamy filling.
  • Flavour mix: A unique combination of catnip, malt, beef, and salmon.
  • Vitamin-enriched: Contains vitamins A, E, and D3 to help strengthen natural defences.
  • No artificial additives: A straightforward recipe without artificial colours or flavours.

• Who is it for?: Ideal for owners of adult cats who want to combine pleasure and well-being, especially thanks to the anti-hairball effect of the malt.

CATISFACTIONS with Chicken for Cats and Kittens

• What makes it stand out: Catisfactions is the undisputed star of the treat aisle. The recipe is simple and incredibly effective: a bite that's crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, with a delicious chicken flavour. Its biggest advantage is that it's suitable for both adult cats and kittens.

• Key features:

  • Iconic texture: The famous "crunchy outside, soft inside" duo.
  • Suitable for all ages: Perfect for adult cats as well as kittens.
  • Popular flavour: Chicken is a reliable choice that's a hit with (almost) every cat.
  • Convenient format: The 60g pouch is easy to store and use.

• Who is it for?: Perfect for households with cats of different ages, or for those who want to rely on a timeless classic that's easy to give as a reward.

GIMCAT Nutri Pockets Country Mix

• What makes it stand out: Another reliable choice from Gimcat, this time focusing on a trio of meat flavours. The Country Mix offers an assortment of duck, beef, and turkey. Like other products in the Nutri Pockets range, it features the filled texture that cats go wild for.

• Key features:

  • Trio of meats: A mix of duck, beef, and turkey flavours to stimulate appetite.
  • Enriched with vitamins: Contains vitamins A, E, and D3.
  • Healthy formula: Made without artificial colours or flavours.
  • Appealing texture: The crunchy shell and creamy filling are all here.

• Who is it for?: Suitable for cats who love meaty flavours. Ideal for owners who want to avoid monotony by offering several tastes in one package.

Looking for Other Options or Supplements?

Every cat is unique, and their nutritional needs may sometimes require more specific support than a simple treat can provide. If you're looking to supplement their diet with targeted nutrients for their coat, joints, or vitality, other solutions are available.

To explore a wider range of products dedicated to your companion's well-being, feel free to browse our complete category.

? Discover our selection of Pet Vitamins

Frequently Asked Questions about Cat Treats

1. How many treats can I give my cat per day?

The golden rule: treats should not exceed 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. Always follow the recommendations on the packaging. For example, for Catisfactions, the manufacturer suggests up to 20 pieces per day for an adult cat and 6 for a kitten. Remember to adjust their main meal portion accordingly.

2. Are kitten treats really different?

Yes, kitten treats are generally smaller to fit their mouths and may have a slightly different nutritional composition to support their growth. However, some products like Catisfactions are designed for all ages, which is very convenient.

3. How can I use treats for training my cat?

Treats are an excellent positive reinforcement tool. You can use them as a cat reward immediately after a desired behaviour: when they use their litter box, scratch their scratching post instead of the sofa, or come when called. The key to success is consistency. Give the reward right after the good action so your cat associates the behaviour with the pleasure.