Treat My Cat
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In this guide
Treats are great for training, bonding and making vet trips or medicine time easier. But they add up fast. The key is to keep treats to no more than 10% of your cat's daily calories, and to steer clear of the human foods that are toxic to cats.
How many treats is that?
An average 9 lb (4 kg) indoor adult cat needs roughly 200 calories a day, so about 20 calories of treats. Many commercial cat treats are 1 to 3 calories each, so that's roughly 7 to 15 small treats, depending on the brand. Check the package. If you give more treats, feed a little less at mealtime.
Your vet can tell you your own cat's ideal calories. Overweight cats are much more likely to develop diabetes and arthritis, and extra treats are one of the most common reasons cats gain weight.
Good treat choices
- Freeze-dried meat or fish. Often a single ingredient, high in protein, and most cats love them. See freeze-dried treats.
- Lickable treats (puree tubes). Good for bonding, hiding tablets and adding water to the diet. See lickable treats.
- Dental treats. Some are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for reducing tartar. Look for the VOHC seal. See VOHC-accepted dental treats.
- Plain cooked chicken, turkey or white fish. Unseasoned, with no skin or bones, in small amounts.
- A few pieces of your cat's regular kibble, kept aside from the daily ration. Many cats are just as happy with this.
What to look for on the label
- Meat or fish as the first ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores and need animal protein.
- Calories per treat. Good brands list this. It makes the 10% rule easy to follow.
- "Complementary" or "treat" wording. Treats aren't a complete diet, so they should never replace meals.
- Short ingredient lists for cats with sensitive stomachs.
Human foods that are dangerous for cats
| Food | Why |
|---|---|
| Onions, garlic, chives, leeks | Damage red blood cells and can cause anemia, even in powders and cooked dishes |
| Grapes and raisins | Linked to kidney damage in dogs. Avoid for cats too. |
| Chocolate, coffee, energy drinks | Theobromine and caffeine are toxic |
| Alcohol and raw bread dough | Toxic, and dough can expand in the stomach |
| Xylitol (sweetener in gum and some peanut butter) | Avoid. Very dangerous for dogs. |
| Cooked bones | Can splinter and cause blockages or tears |
| Raw fish (regularly) | Can destroy vitamin B1 (thiamine) and lead to deficiency |
| Milk and cream | Most adult cats are lactose intolerant and get diarrhea |
| Canned tuna for people (a lot of it) | Fine as an occasional treat, but too much can lead to mercury build-up and a fussy eater |
Also keep lilies well away from cats. They aren't a food, but every part of the plant, including the pollen and vase water, can cause fatal kidney failure. If you think your cat has eaten any of the above, call your vet or the ASPCA Animal Poison Control Center at (888) 426-4435 (a consultation fee may apply).
Using treats well
- Training: cats can learn to come when called, sit, high-five and walk into their carrier. Use tiny pieces and short sessions.
- Medicine time: hide a tablet in a lickable treat or a pill pocket.
- Puzzle feeders: put treats or kibble in a puzzle toy to make your cat work for them. Good for indoor cats and weight control.
- Calmer vet visits: treats in the carrier at home help it stop meaning "vet".
- Grooming: a treat after a short brushing session helps cats accept it, which also cuts down on hairballs.
Common questions
Can cats eat dog treats?
An occasional dog treat is unlikely to harm a cat, but dog treats aren't made for cats' nutritional needs and may be large and high in calories. Stick to treats made for cats.
Are catnip treats safe?
Yes. Catnip is safe for cats, and many enjoy it, though some aren't affected by it at all. Treats flavored with catnip still count toward the daily calorie limit.
Can I give my cat cheese as a treat?
A tiny piece of hard cheese is fine for most cats, but cheese is high in fat and many cats don't digest dairy well. There are better high-protein options.
How do I give treats to an overweight cat?
Use part of your cat's daily kibble as treats, choose very low-calorie treats, or break treats into tiny pieces. Play and attention are good rewards too. Ask your vet for a target weight and daily calories.
The short version
Small, high-protein treats, no more than 10% of daily calories, and none of the toxic foods on the list. When you add treats, cut back a little at mealtime.
Sources
This guide is based on published guidance from:
Written from published veterinary guidance. How we write our guides.
