Cats are notorious for being rather obsessed with food and treats. As pet owners, we want to make sure our furry friends are happy and getting all the yummy snacks they desire. However, with so many tempting cat treats on the market, it can be hard to know how much is too much for our feline companions.
How many treats should a cat have per day?
There is no definitive rule on the perfect number of treats a cat should have per day. The amount can vary based on factors like the cat’s size, age, activity level, and any health issues. Here are some general guidelines from veterinarians on daily treat quantities:
- 5-10 treats per day for the average adult cat
- 2-5 treats for a smaller or less active senior cat
- Up to 15 treats for a highly active kitten or adolescent cat
When in doubt, it’s always smart to consult with your own vet on an appropriate treat schedule tailored to your cat’s needs.
Signs your cat may be getting too many treats
While an occasional overload of treats likely won’t harm your cat, regularly exceeding the recommended quantities can cause problems. Here are some signs your cat may be getting too many tempting snacks:
- Weight gain or obesity
- Upset stomach from digestive issues
- Diarrhea or vomiting
- Loss of interest in regular cat food
- Begging behaviors get excessive
- Increased hyperactivity
If your cat displays any of these symptoms frequently, it’s a good indicator to cut back on the treats and chat with your veterinarian.
Healthiest treat options
When choosing treats for your cat, aim for options with high-quality ingredients and minimal additives. Here are some of the healthiest cat treat options:
- Freeze-dried meat: 100% freeze-dried chicken, salmon, or other meat make a great single-ingredient treat.
- Vegetables: Low-sodium veggies like green beans or carrots are healthy options.
- Fruit: Cats can enjoy small amounts of berries or bananas.
- Cheese: Low-fat, low-salt cottage cheese or cheddar can be an enjoyable treat.
- Fish: Tuna and salmon treats provide healthy omega-3 fatty acids.
Avoid treats with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives. Moderation is key, even with healthy options.
Creative ways to give treats
Simply handing out treats from a bag can get monotonous. Luckily, there are creative ways to switch up how you give your cat a tasty snack. Here are some ideas:
- Place treats in puzzle toys or hide around the house for hunting
- Put treats in ball toys that dispense when batted around
- Hide treats in scrunched up pieces of paper to unwrap
- Place treats in a sticky licky mat for lapping up
- Distribute portions of wet food on a cookie sheet to lick up
Varying the treat delivery methods provides mental stimulation along with the reward!
Should treats make up a meal?
As a general rule, treats should not replace or make up a significant portion of your cat’s regular meals. Here’s why:
- Treats are not nutritionally balanced like complete cat food.
- Too many treats can lead to upset stomach, diarrhea, or vomiting.
- Your cat may start refusing their normal food in favor of only treats.
- Excessive treats can cause weight gain and obesity over time.
For optimal health, the bulk of your cat’s diet should come from a nutritionally complete cat food formula.
Top tempting cat treat brands
With so many cat treat options on the market, it can be hard to choose the best ones for your feline. Here is a breakdown of some top tempting treat brands for cats:
| Brand | Highlights |
|---|---|
| Greenies | Unique dental shape, nutritious ingredients |
| Temptations | Wide flavor variety cats love |
| PureBites | Single-ingredient freeze dried treats |
| Wellness | Natural, grain-free ingredients |
| Blue Buffalo | Real meat as first ingredients |
Be sure to still read the specific ingredient labels to ensure the treat fits your cat’s needs and preferences.
Treat alternatives to consider
If you’re looking to cut back on traditional cat treats, there are some healthy alternatives to consider providing instead. Here are some ideas:
- Cat grass: Grow some tasty, nutritious grass for cats to munch on.
- Meat baby food: Look for grain-free, low-sodium options.
- Unsalted broth: Warm up a bit of unsalted chicken or beef broth.
- Churu puree packs: These smooth meat blends are lickable.
- Fish flakes: Sprinkle a few tiny dehydrated fish flakes.
These alternatives provide a safer, more natural source of excitement and enjoyment for your cat!
Should diabetic cats get treats?
For cats with diabetes, treats require some special considerations. Here are some tips on treating diabetic cats:
- Consult your vet on appropriate treat options and quantities.
- Prioritize low-carb and high-protein treats.
- Avoid treats with added sugars.
- Stick to schedule of meals and insulin time.
- Use treats to reward physical activity.
- Cut treats from diet if cat has unstable blood sugar.
With the right treat choices and portion control, most diabetic cats can still enjoy snacks in moderation.
Risks of too many treats
It’s understandable to want to shower your cat with endless treats, but there are some risks to be aware of if treat time gets out of control. Here are some potential risks:
- Obesity and weight gain
- Nutritional deficiencies from unbalanced diet
- Dental disease from excess carbohydrates
- Pancreatitis from high fat intake
- Diarrhea or vomiting from too many additives
- Picky eating habits
- Behavior issues from always expecting food
That’s why it’s important to stick within a healthy treat schedule and choose treats made with natural, high-quality ingredients.
Cat treat recipes to DIY
Making your own homemade cat treats can be a fun way to control the ingredients. Here are some healthy DIY cat treat recipes to try:
Salmon & Catnip Treats
- 1 can salmon, drained and flaked
- 1 egg
- 1 cup whole wheat flour
- 1 tablespoon catnip
Mix ingredients together and shape into bite-size treats. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes.
Pumpkin & Oat Bites
- 1 cup canned pumpkin
- 1 egg
- 2 cups oats
- 1 tablespoon cinnamon
Stir ingredients together. Scoop spoonfuls onto a baking sheet and bake at 325 degrees F for 20 minutes.
Tuna Fudge
- 1 (5 ounce) can tuna, drained
- 1 egg
- 1 tablespoon olive oil
- 1/2 cup flour
- 1/4 cup grated parmesan cheese
Mix ingredients and pour into a greased pan. Bake at 350 degrees F for 15 minutes, then cut into squares.
Conclusion
At the end of the day, each cat and owner will find their ideal treat balance. Pay attention to your cat’s health, behavior, and preferences to determine the right treat schedule. Aim for high-quality treats in moderation by following vet advice. With so many tempting treat options for cats, you’re sure to find rewards that make your kitty purr with delight!