Joybuy Insights

Cat treats: how to choose suitable rewards without wasting money

Between biscuits advertised as “low calorie”, chicken recipes that ultimately contain only a small proportion of meat, and lickable sticks sold in multipacks, choosing cat treats can quickly become a headache. Whether you want to reward your companion, add variety to their meals or share a special moment together, the right product depends above all on their age, habits and the amount actually given.

Common pitfalls to avoid before buying cat treats

1. Mistaking a treat for a complete food

Cat snacks, crunchy bites and liquid treats are generally complementary foods. They therefore do not replace complete dry food or wet food formulated as a main meal. Giving too many can unbalance the daily ration and contribute to weight gain.

2. Relying solely on the flavour highlighted

A description such as “with chicken” or “with salmon” does not necessarily mean that the ingredient makes up the largest part of the recipe. Check the ingredients and the percentage stated. Some Catisfactions products, for example, specify 4% chicken or 4% salmon. This information is far more meaningful than the picture on the packaging or the flavour claim.

3. Buying a large pack without checking storage requirements

A multipack can reduce the price per portion, but it is only worthwhile if your cat regularly eats the product. Dry treats should be kept in a properly resealed pouch. Wet products and lickable cat sticks often need to be consumed quickly after opening, sometimes within 24 to 48 hours. Always check the instructions on the label of the product you receive.

Essential criteria for making the right choice

Your cat’s age and profile

Kitten treats should not be chosen in the same way as those intended for adult cats. Some Catisfactions salmon products are suitable for cats and kittens from 2 months old, with a daily amount adapted for younger animals. Other products, such as certain Sheba fillets, are intended exclusively for adult cats.

For a neutered, inactive or overweight cat, compare the energy value per bite and reduce the main ration if necessary. The claim “low calorie” should be accompanied by verifiable information, such as “less than 2 kcal per treat” where this information appears on the product page.

Texture and how the treat is given

  • Crunchy bites: practical for training and easy to count.
  • Soft treats: suitable for cats that enjoy a tender texture.
  • Liquid cat treats and lickable sticks: practical for hand-feeding or as a topping for dry food.
  • Complementary wet cat food: useful for adding variety to textures, provided it is not confused with a complete wet food.
  • Individual portions: easier to measure and store.

Texture is primarily about how the product is used, rather than a guarantee that every cat will find it appealing. Some cats will prefer chicken, while others may favour salmon, tuna, liver or a particular texture.

Ingredients and instructions

Before ordering, check the following:

  1. The legal product description: complementary food or complete food.
  2. The ingredients list, shown in descending order.
  3. The analytical constituents: protein, fat, fibre, ash and moisture.
  4. The recommended ration, which varies according to weight, age and activity level.
  5. Storage conditions and the time limit after opening.
  6. The presence of additives, cereals, added sugars or flavourings, according to your preferences.

Nutritional claims and percentages should be interpreted exactly as they appear on the packaging. On their own, they cannot be used to draw a medical conclusion about the animal’s state of health.

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 : Its small size lets you try chicken cat treats without being left with a difficult-to-use stock. The crunchy texture with a soft centre is ideal for occasional treats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page specifies that this is a complementary food and sets a limit of up to 12 bites per day for an adult cat.

Main benefit and key features

60 g pouch, 28% crude protein and no artificial colourings or preservatives, according to the product page.

Recommended for : Premium product enthusiasts
Inaba Churu Cat Treat Sticks Grooming Skin Care Combo Pack

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

Why this choice suits this profile : Presented in individual sticks, this purée offers a more interactive way to give treats than a traditional biscuit. It can be served on its own or added to dry food.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 20-portion format helps limit waste. Once opened, each stick should be refrigerated and consumed within 24 hours.

Main benefit and key features

20 sticks of 14 g, 86% moisture, 30% chicken listed in the ingredients and a grain-free recipe.

Recommended for : Specific needs and frequent treat-givers
VITAKRAFT Liquid Snack Duck with Beta-Glucans Cat Treats

VITAKRAFT Liquid Snack Duck with Beta-Glucans Cat Treats

Why this choice suits this profile : Its liquid portions are ideal for cats that prefer licking to chewing, as well as households that regularly give treats that are easy to measure.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The 18 portions of 15 g make it easier to control serving sizes and avoid keeping an opened wet pouch for several days.

Main benefit and key features

Liquid texture, 88.5% moisture and ingredients listing 4% duck. Serve as a complementary food.

Recommended for : Cats drawn to seafood flavours
Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens

Catisfactions Salmon Treats for Cats and Kittens – 6 x 60 g

Why this choice suits this profile : The multipack lets you alternate salmon rewards and keep several pouches sealed, making it a practical solution, particularly in households with several cats.

How this product avoids the pitfall

The product page states a limit of 20 bites per day for an adult and 6 for a kitten from 2 months old.

Main benefit and key features

6 pouches for a total of 360 g, less than 2 kcal per treat according to the product page, and 4% salmon listed in the ingredients.

Looking for more options ?

We have put together a complete, real-time updated list of products that meet these demanding selection criteria and European safety regulations.

How to include treats in your cat’s daily ration

Start with a small amount to see what your cat prefers. Treats should remain occasional or be counted as part of the day’s food allowance. For training, give a bite immediately after the desired behaviour. During a calm moment, a liquid treat can be given slowly, without allowing your pet to chew on the packaging.

Store dry foods in a cool, dry place, then reseal the pouches carefully. For wet food and liquid snacks, maintain the cold chain after opening and discard any leftovers once the stated time limit has passed. Always make sure fresh water is available.

Cat treats FAQ

How many treats can you give a cat per day?

There is no universal amount. Follow the manufacturer’s recommendation, then adapt it according to your cat’s weight, age, activity level and main ration. If your pet is overweight or receiving particular care, ask a vet for advice.

Are kitten treats suitable from weaning onwards?

Not necessarily. Check the minimum age stated on the packaging. Some products are suitable for kittens from 2 months old, while others are reserved for adult cats. In all cases, treats are complementary foods and do not replace a complete food suitable for growth.

Should you choose chicken or salmon treats?

Start with the flavour your cat enjoys, then compare the ingredients, texture and recommended ration. Chicken cat treats are often available as crunchy bites, while salmon treats also come in liquid or soft textures. To find out the actual proportion of the highlighted ingredient, the label remains the only reliable reference.