Quick answer
Kittens can start having treats as early as 4 weeks old, but treats should be given in moderation. The best time to introduce treats is when kittens are around 3-4 months old. When giving kittens treats, be sure to select healthy, kitten-approved treats that are specifically made for kittens. Give only a few pieces at a time and avoid treats with high fat, salt, and calorie contents.
When to introduce treats
Kittens have very specific nutritional needs in their first few months of life. Up until around 3-4 weeks of age, kittens should only be fed kitten formula or kitten wet food. At 4 weeks, kittens can start to transition to kitten kibble. Even though kittens have tiny tummies, they need to eat very frequently to get all the nutrients they need for growth and development.
Around 4 weeks is when kittens start to develop their teeth and can chew semi-solid foods. At this age, it’s okay to introduce a few kitten treats here and there as a supplement to their main diet. However, treats should be kept to only 1-2 pieces per day. The primary nutrition should still come from kitten formula, wet food, or kibble.
The best time to start regularly providing treats is when kittens reach 12-16 weeks (3-4 months). At this age, they have grown enough to handle treats as a regular part of their diet. Their digestive system is more mature and they are through the most crucial developmental stages.
Guidelines for treats by age
| Age | Guidelines for Treats |
|---|---|
| 4-8 weeks | No more than 1-2 pieces per day |
| 8-12 weeks | 2-3 pieces per day |
| 3-6 months | 3-5 pieces per day |
| 6-12 months | 5-10 pieces per day |
| 1 year | 10-15 pieces per day |
At around 6-12 months, the amount of treats can be increased to 5-10 pieces daily alongside their normal food. By one year, an adult cat diet and treat regimen can be followed which is typically around 10-15 treats per day.
It’s important to keep an eye on a kitten’s weight and adjust treats accordingly. If they become overweight, reduce the amount or frequency of treats. The goal is for treats to make up no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
Choosing the right treats
Not all treats are created equal when it comes to kittens. When selecting an appropriate treat, keep these guidelines in mind:
- Made specifically for kittens
- High in protein, low in fat and calories
- Contains no artificial colors, flavors or preservatives
- Soft, easy to chew texture
- Small sized treats
- Salmon, chicken, or meat-based instead of fish
Read the label of any treat carefully and avoid ones with added salt, sugar or unhealthy fillers. Stick to reputable pet brands that manufacture treats specifically for kittens and cats. Some good options include:
- PureBites Freeze Dried Chicken Kitten Treats
- Whole Life Pet Chicken Kittles Cat Treats
- Instinct Original Grain Free Recipe Natural Wet Kitten Food
- Blue Buffalo Healthy Gourmet Kitten Chicken Recipe wet cat food
- Wellness CORE Natural Grain Free Wet Kitten Food
Offer single ingredient natural treats like plain chicken, turkey, or freeze dried meat as much as possible. Avoid giving table scraps or treats made for humans, as these are often too salty, fatty, or seasoned.
How to give treats
It’s important not just to select healthy treats, but to also give them properly. Here are some tips for giving kittens treats in a safe way:
- Give treats after mealtimes instead of before or during so they don’t ruin the kitten’s appetite
- Break up large treats into smaller pieces your kitten can handle
- Mix a few pieces into their regular food to encourage eating
- Reward good behavior like using litter box or playing gently with treats
- Offer treats from your hand instead of a bowl
- Monitor treat time to be sure your kitten chews thoroughly before swallowing
- Limit treats to 10% of daily calories – follow package instructions
- Store treats in an airtight container in the refrigerator or freezer
Never give a treat if your kitten is coughing, gagging, or choking. Take the treat away if your kitten walks away from it. This will prevent them from eating a treat that has fallen on an unsanitary surface.
Proper training with treats can help reinforce positive behaviors. Use very small pieces and give immediately after the desired response. Be consistent and patient.
It can also be helpful to use a portion of the kitten’s mealtime kibble or wet food as training treats for short sessions. This prevents overfeeding with too many extra treats.
Dangers of treats for kittens
While treats in moderation are fine for kittens, too many treats or unhealthy options can cause problems. Here are some risks:
- Nutritional imbalance if overfed
- Weight gain and obesity
- Upset stomach, vomiting, diarrhea
- Tooth decay
- Choking hazard
- Food allergies or intolerances
Signs your kitten may be getting too many treats include:
- Decrease interest in regular meals
- Loose stools, gassy, vomiting
- Increased thirst and urination
- Lethargy, weight gain
- Irritated skin, itching, hair loss
If these symptoms are seen, stop treats for a few days and monitor. Slowly reintroduce in smaller amounts if needed. Seek vet advice if symptoms persist.
Rotate between a few different healthy treat options to prevent food sensitivity. Closely supervise treat time and pick up uneaten treats between meals. Store treats securely out of reach from kittens to avoid overeating.
Following these guidelines will allow you to give yummy treats kittens will love while avoiding potential health issues. Moderation and proper nutrition should remain the priority.
Homemade treat ideas
While commercial kitten treats from the pet store are convenient, homemade treats can be a healthier option. Here are some recipes to try:
Frozen tuna kitty pops
Ingredients:
- 5 ounces canned tuna packed in water, drained
- 3 tablespoons plain Greek yogurt
- 1 egg, beaten
- 1 tablespoon catnip (optional)
Instructions:
- In a bowl, mix together tuna, Greek yogurt and egg.
- Stir in catnip (if using).
- Spoon mixture into an ice cube tray or small molds.
- Freeze until solid, at least 2 hours.
- Pop out cubes and store frozen in an airtight container.
- Give 1-2 cubes per day.
Crunchy salmon treats
Ingredients:
- 1 (5 oz) can salmon, drained and flaked
- 1/4 cup brown rice flour
- 1 egg
- 1 teaspoon catnip (optional)
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 350°F.
- In a bowl, mix salmon, rice flour, egg and catnip together until a dough forms.
- Roll dough into marble sized balls and place on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 10 minutes until golden brown.
- Cool completely before serving. Refrigerate extra in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Chicken jerky strips
Ingredients:
- 1 pound boneless, skinless chicken breasts, sliced into strips
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1 teaspoon garlic powder
Instructions:
- Preheat oven to 250°F.
- Toss chicken strips with olive oil and garlic powder in a bowl until coated.
- Arrange strips in a single layer on a parchment lined baking sheet.
- Bake for 2 hours, flipping halfway, until dried out.
- Remove from oven and cool. Refrigerate in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
- Break into smaller pieces to serve.
When making homemade treats, be sure to use quality ingredients. Avoid added salt, sugar, spices, onions, and other foods toxic to cats. Introduce new flavors slowly to watch for allergies.
Conclusion
Kittens can start having treats as young as 4 weeks old but 3-4 months old is the ideal time to introduce regular daily treats. Selecthealthy, natural treats made just for kittens. Follow package instructions for proper serving sizes and limit treats to no more than 10% of daily calories. Give treats after meals, for training, or as rewards. Watch for overeating, weight gain, and other symptoms treat overdose. Homemade single ingredient treats are a great alternative to store-bought. With proper moderation and supervision, treats can be a fun part of a growing kitten’s diet.