Cat Treats Guide: Choosing and Using Treats Wisely
Published 2026-10-26
Treats are one of the easiest ways to bond with a cat, reward good behavior and make vet visits or grooming less stressful. Cat treats come in several styles, from crunchy bites in a shakeable canister to lickable purees and soup-style treats. This guide explains each type, how many treats are sensible, and creative ways to use treats for play and enrichment.
Crunchy treats
Crunchy treats are small, bite-sized pieces, often sold in canisters. Many cats come running at the sound of a canister being shaken, which can be useful for calling a cat indoors or into a carrier. Mixed flavor blends offer variety. Large canisters are more economical for cats who get a few treats every day.
Lickable treats
Lickable purees come in tubes or small packs and can be fed straight from the tube, which makes them great for bonding and for distracting a cat during nail trims or brushing. They can also be squeezed over regular food to tempt a picky eater.
Soup and broth-style treats
Soup-style and broth treats are served in a bowl, either on their own or poured over food. They add extra moisture, which many owners like, since some cats do not drink much water. They are best served at room temperature.
How many treats?
A widely used guideline is that treats should make up no more than about 10 percent of a cat's daily calories, with the rest coming from complete, balanced food. Check the feeding guide on the package and reduce meal portions slightly on days when you give more treats. Try hiding a few crunchy treats in a puzzle toy for mental exercise. If your cat has health conditions or a special diet, ask your vet which treats are suitable.
Introducing new treats
Introduce any new treat slowly, starting with one or two pieces, and watch for an upset stomach. Some cats are picky about texture, so trying a small pack of a crunchy, lickable or soup-style treat first helps you find what your cat prefers before buying larger canisters. Always keep fresh water available.
