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Healthy treats for cats: what's good, what's safe and how much
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.
How many treats is that?
An average 4 kg (9 lb) 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 packet. 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.
Good treat choices
- Freeze-dried meat or fish. Often a single ingredient, high in protein, and most cats love them.
- Lickable treats (puree tubes). Good for bonding, hiding tablets and adding water to the diet.
- Dental treats. Some are accepted by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) for reducing tartar. Look for the VOHC seal.
- 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.
Human foods that are dangerous for cats
| Food | Why |
|---|---|
| Onions, garlic, chives, leeks | Damage red blood cells and can cause anaemia, 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 diarrhoea |
| 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.
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".
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.