Many cat owners like to give their feline friends treats on a regular basis as a sign of affection, or as a reward during training. However, with obesity being a major health concern for today’s pampered house cats, owners often wonder if it’s wise to provide daily treats.
The Pros and Cons of Daily Treats
There are some potential benefits to giving your cat treats every day:
- Treats can be used as positive reinforcement during training. Giving a treat when your cat performs a desired behavior is an effective way to shape that behavior.
- Treats show your cat extra love and affection.
- Some cats simply enjoy getting treats and will feel happier if treats are given daily.
However, there are also some potential downsides to providing treats too frequently:
- Treats contain extra calories, so too many treats may lead to obesity.
- Some cats may come to expect treats and beg persistently.
- If human food is used as a treat, your cat may develop an unhealthy interest in people food.
Guidelines for Giving Daily Treats
If you want to provide your cat with a daily treat, here are some tips to do so safely:
- Choose low-calorie training treats made specifically for cats. Avoid giving table scraps.
- Keep portions very small – break treats into tiny pieces.
- Factor treats into your cat’s daily calorie allowance. Reduce their main meals a bit to account for extra treats.
- Give treats at specific times rather than leaving them out all day.
- Make sure treats do not make up more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories.
- Monitor your cat’s weight and adjust quantity if needed to prevent obesity.
- Consider using part of your cat’s regular food as a treat for training.
- Brush your cat’s teeth or offer dental treats to prevent tartar buildup.
Health Risks of Obesity in Cats
It’s important to be very careful with treats because obesity is a major health concern, especially for indoor house cats. Here are some of the risks associated with feline obesity:
- Diabetes – Obese cats are at much higher risk for developing diabetes mellitus. In fact, obese cats are 4 times more likely to become diabetic.
- Bladder stones – Excess weight stresses the urinary tract and increases the chance of crystals and stones forming.
- Joint disease – Extra body fat strains the joints and bones, leading to osteoarthritis.
- Heart disease – Obesity causes the heart to work harder, increasing blood pressure and risk of heart failure.
- Breathing difficulty – Fat deposits in the chest restrict airways and ability to breathe.
- Decreased quality of life – Obese cats are less active, playful and energetic.
- Shortened lifespan – Obesity takes years off a cat’s normal life expectancy.
According to the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, an astounding 59% of cats in the United States are overweight or obese.
Ideal Treat Frequency for Your Cat
There is no definitive answer on the perfect frequency for treats – it depends on your individual cat and their unique needs. Here are some factors to consider when deciding how often to give treats to your feline friend:
- Age – Kittens and younger cats generally have higher calorie requirements and can handle more treats than senior cats.
- Weight and health status – Treat frequency should be lower for overweight cats or those with medical conditions like diabetes.
- Activity level – More active cats burn more calories and may tolerate slightly higher treat amounts.
- Food motivation – Cats who are highly food-driven may work harder and learn faster when treats are used for training.
- Diet – Cats eating only dry food may find soft treats more appealing as a texture change.
- Begging behavior – Cats who beg persistently should not be given treats too often so as not to reinforce begging.
Work with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate treat schedule based on your cat’s unique circumstances. The right frequency for one cat may be too much or too little for another.
Tips for Giving Treats
Follow these tips to give treats as safely and effectively as possible:
- Give treats in the morning or evening instead of leaving them out free-choice.
- Make sure everyone in the household knows the treat schedule to avoid over-treating.
- Save higher value treats for training sessions.
- Try treat-dispensing toys to make your cat “work” for treats.
- Substitute playtime or brushing as a reward instead of using food treats.
- Don’t give treats right before mealtimes as this may decrease appetite.
- Start with small amounts and increase gradually if needed.
- Never give a treat without directly handling your cat first to discourage biting.
Healthy Cat Treat Options
When selecting daily treats for your cat, look for healthy options with natural ingredients. Here are some good choices:
| Treat Type | Benefits |
|---|---|
| Freeze-dried meat | High protein, low carb, cat-pleasing texture |
| Fish or shrimp | Provides omega-3 fatty acids |
| Vegetables | Low calorie, high fiber |
| Fruit | Natural sugars, antioxidants |
| Meatbroth ice cubes | Keeps cats hydrated |
Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Make sure treats fit into your cat’s balanced diet and calorie needs for the day.
Watching Your Cat’s Weight
Weigh your cat regularly and monitor their body condition score to make sure they maintain a healthy weight and body composition when receiving daily treats. Here are some tips:
- Weigh monthly – Record weights to watch trends.
- Feel their ribs – You should be able to easily feel ribs without pressing hard.
- See a waist – Viewed from above, your cat should have an hourglass shape.
- No sagging belly – Excess or hanging belly fat is a sign your cat may be overweight.
- Trim physique – Your cat should have a lean, athletic appearance.
Adjust treat amounts downward if your cat starts to gain too much weight. Consult your veterinarian if you have concerns about your cat’s weight management.
The Bottom Line
Providing a few small treats each day can be fine for many cats as long as portions are tightly controlled. Obesity is a serious risk though, so monitor your cat’s weight, activity level, and overall health. Work with your veterinarian to determine a treat schedule tailored to your individual cat. While the occasional treat brings joy, your cat’s good health is the top priority.