Many pet owners wonder if it’s okay to give treats to cats who are on prescription or therapeutic diets. The short answer is yes, treats can usually be given in moderation. However, there are some important factors to consider.
Why Cats May Need Prescription Diets
Cats are often put on prescription diets due to certain health conditions such as:
- Kidney disease
- Bladder stones
- Diabetes
- Food allergies/intolerances
- Obesity
- Gastrointestinal issues
These prescription diets are carefully formulated to provide the right nutrients and help manage the disease. For example, kidney diets are lower in protein and phosphorus, while diabetic diets are high in fiber and protein but low in carbohydrates.
Are Treats Ever Allowed?
In most cases, occasional treats are fine as long as they are given in very small quantities and don’t make up a large portion of the cat’s daily caloric intake. Here are some general guidelines on treats for cats with health conditions:
| Condition | Treat Guidelines |
|---|---|
| Kidney Disease | Low phosphorus treats in very small amounts |
| Bladder Stones | Avoid treats high in magnesium, oxalate, or calcium |
| Diabetes | Low carb/low sugar treats |
| Food Allergies | Treats using different protein than prescription diet |
| Obesity | Low calorie treats, monitor portions closely |
| Gastrointestinal Issues | Easily digestible treats, monitor stool quality |
It’s always best to check with your veterinarian about appropriate treat options. Many prescription diet manufacturers make treats specifically formulated for cats with certain conditions.
Tips for Giving Treats
Here are some tips for safely incorporating treats into a cat’s prescription diet:
- Follow any treat guidelines provided by your vet
- Stick to 10% or less of daily calories from treats
- Give treats in very small bite-sized pieces
- Measure portions instead of free feeding treats
- Read labels carefully and avoid inappropriate ingredients
- Space treats out (e.g. one treat per day)
- Use treats for training, catnip, or other enrichment
- Substitute playtime or affection for some treats
- If in doubt, call your vet
Dangers of Too Many Treats
Giving too many treats can undermine the carefully balanced nutrition in prescription diets. Health conditions may worsen if cats fill up on treats instead of their special food. Some specific dangers include:
- Kidney disease: Excess phosphorus from treats can accelerate kidney decline
- Bladder stones: Wrong minerals from treats could lead to more stones
- Diabetes: Spikes in blood sugar from high carb treats
- Food allergies: Allergic reactions if treats contain problematic ingredients
- Obesity: Too many treats leads to weight gain
- GI issues: Upset stomach, diarrhea, vomiting, constipation
That’s why it’s so important to choose treats wisely and limit portions. Follow your veterinarian’s recommendations closely.
Homemade Treats
Some owners prefer to make homemade treats for cats requiring prescription diets. This allows full control over the ingredients. Common options include:
- Lean cooked meat or fish
- Low fat yogurt or cottage cheese
- Veggies like steamed carrots or green beans
- Rice cakes
- Fruits like bananas or blueberries
Check with your vet first, as some homemade treats may still not be appropriate depending on the condition. It’s also important to ensure homemade treats are handled safely and stored properly.
Monitor Your Cat Closely
Keep a close eye on your cat any time treats are introduced with a prescription diet. Look for any positive or negative changes like:
- Improved or worsening labwork values
- Weight loss or gain
- Better or worse condition management
- Increased or decreased appetite
- Change in energy levels
- Change in litterbox habits
- Change in appearance of stool
- Vomiting or diarrhea
By monitoring closely while slowly adding treats, you can adjust as needed to come up with the ideal treat regimen for your cat.
Talk to Your Vet
The bottom line is to discuss treats with your veterinarian when your cat is on any prescription diet. Some vets may advise no treats at all, while others may have specific recommendations. Together you can come up with a treat plan tailored to your individual cat and their health needs.
Conclusion
Most cats on prescription diets can have treats in moderation, but treat type and portion should be carefully considered. Stick to veterinary guidelines, read labels, and monitor your cat closely. With the right approach, treats can be used as positive reinforcement and enrichment without sabotaging your cat’s health management. Work closely with your vet to find the right treat balance.