Cat Treat Guide: How to Choose the Right Treats

Giving your cat a little treat is a simple and rewarding gesture of affection. Yet, when faced with shelves full of promises, choosing the right cat treats can quickly become a headache. Between the colourful packaging and marketing claims, it's easy to make a purchase that disappoints your wallet as much as your companion's taste buds (or health).

At Joybuy, our mission is to help you see things more clearly. Here are the most common pitfalls to avoid and the essential criteria for making the right choice with confidence.

The 3 Pitfalls to Avoid Before Buying Treats

1. The illusion of "gourmet" or "natural" labels: Be wary: these terms are not subject to any strict regulations. A "gourmet" product can actually hide added sugars and a negligible amount of meat. The only truth that matters is on the label, in the ingredient list.
2. The overload of grains and sugars: Cats are strict carnivores. To cut costs, many budget-friendly treats overuse grains as a filler ingredient. The result? A risk of weight gain and an unsuitable nutritional intake.
3. Buying in bulk without a trial run: Your cat, like you, has their own tastes. They might love crunchy bites but shun softer textures. Giving in to the temptation of a value pack for a new product means you risk throwing it all away if your little feline snubs it.

The Essential Criteria for a Wise Choice

To sort through the options, focus on a few objective indicators. They will help you assess the true quality of a treat, far beyond the promises on the packaging.

1. The Ingredients: Meat First and Foremost

The golden rule: decode the label. The first ingredient listed is the one present in the largest quantity.

• Look for a clear protein source: Favour products that list "chicken," "salmon," or "tuna fillets" at the top of the list, rather than vague terms like "meat and animal by-products."
• Check the percentage: A good natural cat treat should show a high percentage of meat or fish.
• Watch out for additives: Avoid long ingredient lists, which often mean unnecessary colours, artificial flavours, or preservatives.

2. Nutritional Balance: A Treat, Not a Meal

Treats are "complementary foods." Their role is not to replace a balanced diet of kibble or wet cat food.

• Calorie content: Opt for low-calorie treats (often less than 2 kcal per unit) to avoid unbalancing your pet's diet.
• Feeding guide: Always follow the daily quantities recommended by the manufacturer. This is especially important for a kitten treat, as their needs are specific.
• Functional benefits: Some treats are enriched with vitamins, omega-6 for a healthy coat, or taurine, an essential amino acid for cats.

3. Daily Enrichment: More Than Just a Reward

Treats are an excellent tool for strengthening the bond with your pet and stimulating their intelligence. They can be used as a reward during play sessions with an interactive cat toy or hidden around the house to encourage their hunting instinct. Think of treats as part of your cat's overall environment, just like a cat tree for exercise or various cat accessories for their well-being.

Our Top Cat Treat Picks

To help you make your choice, here are a few products suited to specific types of cats (and owners).

IDEAL FOR : PICKY EATERS

Sheba Fillets Shredded Chicken - 60g

Why we love it : Perfect for fussy cats who turn their noses up at dry treats and swear by the tender, juicy texture of real meat. A delicacy that comes close to an excellent wet cat food.

How it avoids the pitfall

This product avoids the trap of vague ingredient lists. The formula is crystal clear : 37% chicken fillets, with no artificial colours or preservatives.

Its key feature

Its minimalist formula and highly palatable shredded texture in sauce, which also helps with your cat's hydration.

IDEAL FOR : THE CURIOUS & THE UNDECIDED

Felix Party Mix Picnic Mix

Why we love it : The perfect solution for cats that get bored easily. This mix offers an assortment of shapes, flavours, and textures in one bag to pique their curiosity every time.

How it avoids the pitfall

It prevents the typical waste from buying in bulk without a trial run. Thanks to the variety in the bag, you can figure out your cat's preferences without breaking the bank.

Its key feature

A trio of crunchy-textured flavours (cheese, turkey, and beef), enriched with proteins, vitamins, and omega-6 fatty acids.

IDEAL FOR : KITTENS & YOUNG FOODIES

Catisfactions with Salmon for Cats and Kittens

Why we love it : A reassuring option for owners of young cats, as its formula is explicitly designed for kittens from 2 months old.

How it avoids the pitfall

This product perfectly meets the need for a suitable kitten treat. It includes clear dosage instructions for the youngest cats, which eliminates the risk of overfeeding.

Its key feature

Its dual texture (crunchy on the outside, soft on the inside) is always a hit, its controlled calorie content (less than 2 kcal per piece), and its formula enriched with vitamins and minerals.

Cat Treats: Your Questions, Our Answers

How many treats should I give my cat per day? The golden rule is simple: treats should not make up more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. The safest bet is to strictly follow the dosage recommendations on the packaging. Remember to slightly reduce their main meal on treat days to maintain their ideal weight.

Can treats replace a meal? No, under no circumstances. Treats are "complementary foods": their formula is not designed to cover all of a cat's nutritional needs. Only a complete meal (kibble or wet cat food) guarantees the precise balance of proteins, fats, vitamins, and minerals essential for their health.

How can I spot a good natural cat treat? To find a truly natural cat treat, the approach is always the same: scrutinise the ingredient list. Look for short lists with a high-quality, clearly identified protein source (e.g., "chicken fillet," "salmon") at the top. Avoid products where grains or "sugars" appear first, as well as those containing artificial colours or flavours.