Cat treats come in all shapes, sizes, and flavors. Some cat treats are purely given as a snack. However, there are also cat treats with an additional function for your cat’s health! Think of treats that prevent hairballs or support healthy teeth. You should distinguish between health treats and dietary treats. Health treats are intended to support your cat’s health. Dietary treats are indicated for use with certain health problems.
We will briefly discuss the different types of cat treats with some examples.
Healthy cat treats
Healthy cat treats are health snacks that you primarily give as a reward but can also support your cat with minor health complaints. Think of hairballs, preventing dental plaque, and a healthy coat.
Anti-hairball treats
Cat treats can be specially formulated to help your cat prevent or resolve hairballs. Examples of these cat treats include:
Dental cat treats
Cat treats can contain added ingredients to help reduce plaque formation. Examples of these cat treats include:
Coat care treats
There are cat treats with extra vitamins and minerals to support healthy skin and coat.
Cat treats for healthy urinary tract
Cats prone to urinary problems and bladder grit can benefit from treats containing, for example, cranberries.
Cat treats for joint support
Large cats may be prone to developing joint problems. Older cats are also at risk of osteoarthritis.
Vitamin cat treats
Many cat treats contain added vitamins and minerals to supplement daily nutrition. Examples of vitamin cat treats include:
Meat treats
Cats love meat. That’s why there is a wide range of cat treats with high meat content. Think, for example, of Vitakraft Cat Yums. Other examples of meat treats include:
Vegetarian cat treats
If you are looking for vegetarian treats for your cat, there are several GimCat treats to choose from:
These cat treats are made from milk/dairy and plant-based ingredients.
Hypoallergenic cat treats
Many cats suffer from food sensitivities. We also want to reward these cats. That’s why special cat treats have been developed with as few allergens as possible, so these cats can still enjoy a treat. Examples include:
In many cases, you can also reward cats with food sensitivities with a 100% meat treat from a source they tolerate well. Examples include duck or shrimp.
Cat treats with a crunchy outer layer
Many cat treats have a crunchy outer shell with a soft filling.
Soft cat treats
Since not all cats like crunchy snacks, there are also soft reward treats for cats.
Cat treats for cats with bladder grit
Cats with bladder grit cannot eat everything. This also means that not all treats are suitable for cats with bladder grit.
Dietary treats for cats with dental problems
Cats with dental problems can benefit from special treats that inhibit or dissolve plaque formation and support the health of the mouth. Examples include:
Dietary treats to support the immune system
Cats with feline herpesvirus (cat flu) can be supported with L-lysine. It is convenient if this can be given in the form of a treat.
How many cat treats can you give your cat per day?
Do not give your cat too many treats. This can lead to your cat eating less of its regular food and therefore receiving too few nutrients. Your cat may also be at risk of becoming overweight. Do not give more than 10% of the daily food amount as treats.
Most cat treats indicate a maximum daily amount on the package. Always follow these guidelines.
Can kittens have cat treats?
You will also want to reward kittens with a tasty treat. However, always make sure you choose a treat suitable for kittens.
Cat treats for kittens
Within the range of cat treats, there are several suitable for kittens.
In addition to cat treats, there are many other types of snacks for cats. View our full range of Cat Snacks.