Joybuy Insights

Cat Treats: How to Choose the Right Reward Without Falling for Marketing Traps

Your cat comes running the moment you open a cupboard, but not all cat treats are created equal. Texture, quantity, recommended age, ingredients and storage can make a real difference to your daily routine. A treat should remain an occasional extra, compatible with your cat’s main diet and lifestyle.

Common Pitfalls Before Buying Cat Treats

1. Mistaking a Highlighted Flavour for a High Proportion of That Ingredient

A “with chicken” or “with salmon” claim doesn’t necessarily mean the recipe contains that ingredient as its main component. Always check the ingredients list and the quantitative ingredient declaration when available. Some products contain as little as 4% chicken or salmon, with cereals taking the top spot on the list.

2. Forgetting That Treats Are Supplementary Food

Snacks, bites and liquid cat treats are not a replacement for a complete food. If you hand out too many rewards, you can unbalance your cat’s daily intake – especially if they’re not very active, are neutered or prone to weight gain. Adjust the amount of main food according to the instructions on the packaging.

3. Choosing a Format That’s Too Large for Occasional Use

A big assortment of cat treats might seem convenient. But once the packet is opened, the texture and aroma can deteriorate. Crunchy products generally need to be resealed carefully. Wet or liquid portions often need to be kept in the fridge after opening and used up quickly.

What to Check on the Packaging

Texture: Crunchy, Soft or Liquid

Crunchy cat treats suit cats that enjoy little bites to chew. Some products combine a crispy outer shell with a soft centre. Soft formats, such as liver bites, are easier to break up or use to hide a tablet – though this isn’t a medical recommendation.

Liquid cat treats can be served straight from the tube or mixed into kibble. They’re usually high in moisture, but they’re still supplementary foods. For a cat that turns its nose up at dry textures, this format can simply add a bit of variety.

Age and Profile of Your Cat

Look for labels such as “adult cat”, “all life stages” or “kitten”. A treat designed for adults isn’t automatically suitable for a young animal. Some kitten treats are suitable from 2 months of age, with a different daily amount to that recommended for an adult.

Also consider any known sensitivities your cat has: cereals, dairy, fish, added sugars or various animal ingredients. A short ingredients list doesn’t guarantee universal compatibility, but it does make choosing easier when you need to avoid a specific component.

Quantity, Calories and Storage

Check the daily feeding recommendation and, where given, the energy value per treat. Low-calorie cat treats can be handy for training or repeated rewards – some products claim fewer than 2 kcal per piece. That information doesn’t let you off the hook for monitoring the total number of treats you give.

Also look at the net weight and number of packets. A multipack of individual portions can keep freshness better than one large bag. Always follow the storage instructions after opening.

Our Selection Based on How You Live with Your Cat

Recommended for: Beginners on a Budget
CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

CATISFACTIONS Chicken Treats For Cats And Kittens - 60g

Why this choice suits this profile: The small packet lets you try chicken treats without ending up with a huge stash. Their crunchy texture and soft centre work well for occasional rewards.

How this product avoids the trap

The product page states a maximum of 12 treats per day for an adult cat and clearly notes it’s a complementary food.

Main advantage and key features

60g format, 28% crude protein as stated, and a resealable pouch after opening.

Recommended for: Premium Enthusiasts
Inaba Churu Cat Treat Sticks Grooming and Skin Care Combo Pack

Inaba Churu Cat Treat Sticks, Grooming & Skin Care Combo Pack

Why this choice suits this profile: The 20 individual purée portions are perfect for bonding moments, served from the tube or squeezed onto their usual food.

How this product avoids the trap

The ingredients list shows 30% chicken and 86% moisture. The 14g portions make it easier to control how much you serve.

Main advantage and key features

Grain-free purée according to the product page, 20 sticks, 8% crude protein, and needs refrigeration after opening.

Recommended for: Specific Uses and Heavy Users
VITAKRAFT Cat Treats Liver 8 x 40gr

VITAKRAFT Cat Treats Liver 8 x 40gr

Why this choice suits this profile: The soft liver bites are ideal for frequent rewards and can be broken into smaller pieces depending on your cat’s size.

How this product avoids the trap

The eight 40g sachets stop you from leaving a large pack open for too long. The product page also clearly states it’s a complementary food.

Main advantage and key features

Over 70% meat and animal derivatives as stated, with no cereals or added sugar according to the product page.

Recommended for: Households with Adult Cats and Kittens
Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens

Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens - 6 Pack

Why this choice suits this profile: This option lets you offer the same flavour to an adult cat and a kitten from 2 months old, with amounts tailored to each.

How this product avoids the trap

The product page distinguishes between up to 20 treats for an adult and up to 6 for a kitten, rather than applying a single quantity.

Main advantage and key features

Six resealable 60g sachets, fewer than 2 kcal per treat according to the product page, and salmon listed at 4% in the ingredients.

Looking for more options?

We’ve put together a comprehensive, real-time updated list of products that fully meet these strict selection criteria and European safety regulations.

Everyday Tips for Using Treats

  • Give rewards after a desired behaviour rather than leaving them out for free access.
  • Deduct their contribution from the main meal when treats become a daily habit.
  • Always keep a bowl of fresh water available for your cat.
  • Introduce any new recipe gradually if your cat doesn’t cope well with changes.
  • Seal dry product packets carefully and put wet products in the fridge, following the manufacturer’s instructions.
  • For a kitten, strictly follow the minimum age and quantity stated on the packaging.

Frequently Asked Questions About Cat Treats

How many treats can you give a cat per day?

There’s no universal amount. It all depends on your cat’s weight, age, activity level and main diet. Start by following the recommendation on the product and reduce the usual meal portion if you’re giving treats every day.

Are cat treats suitable for kittens?

Some are suitable for kittens from the age stated on the packaging – for example, 2 months for certain salmon products. Others are for adult cats only, particularly some sauce-based products. Check the age category before buying and choose a size that’s easy for them to eat.

Which texture should you choose – crunchy or liquid?

Crunchy bites are good for quick rewards and generally keep better. Liquid or purée treats can be served on their own or added to kibble, but often need to be kept in the fridge after opening. The choice really comes down to your cat’s preferences and your own routine.