Treats are not only a great way to reward your cat for good behavior, but they can also play a crucial role in training and building a strong bond with your feline companion. However, not all cat treats are created equal. Some are more suited for training purposes, while others are designed to offer health benefits. In this guide, we’ll explore the best treats for cats in 2024, focusing on options that can help with training and rewarding good behavior.
1. Soft and Chewy Training Treats
Training your cat requires treats that are small, soft, and easy to eat quickly, so your cat can stay focused on the task at hand. Soft and chewy treats are perfect for this purpose because they’re quick to consume and highly palatable, which makes them ideal for positive reinforcement.
Top Picks:
- Greenies SmartBites Training Treats: These soft treats come in various flavors, including chicken and salmon, and are packed with vitamins to support your cat’s health.
- Temptations Tasty Chicken Flavor: These treats are soft on the inside and crunchy on the outside, offering a two-texture experience that many cats love.
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet: If your cat has sensitivities, these soft, single-ingredient treats are a great choice for training without allergens.
Benefits:
- Easy to chew and digest
- Great for quick rewards during training sessions
- Available in various flavors to appeal to picky eaters
2. Crunchy Treats for Cats
Cats love a good crunch, and many treats on the market offer a satisfying crunch that can help clean their teeth. These crunchy treats can be used for training or as a simple reward after a successful session.
Top Picks:
- Hill’s Science Diet Adult Crunchy Cat Treats: These treats are designed to be crunchy, helping with tartar control, while also offering a healthy option packed with nutrients.
- Blue Buffalo Kitty Yums: These treats offer both crunch and flavor, with natural ingredients that appeal to your cat’s taste preferences.
- PetSafe Healthy Treats: With added health benefits such as dental care and weight management, these crunchy treats serve as both a reward and a health booster.
Benefits:
- Helps with dental hygiene by reducing tartar and plaque
- Satisfies the cat’s instinct to chew
- Low in calories and suitable for regular use
3. Freeze-Dried Treats
Freeze-dried treats are a popular choice among cat owners because they maintain the natural flavor of ingredients while being free from preservatives and additives. These treats are often made with real meat or fish, making them irresistible to most cats.
Top Picks:
- Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Cat Treats: These treats are made with 100% raw, freeze-dried meat, offering a high-protein, grain-free option that’s great for training and rewarding.
- Orijen Freeze-Dried Treats: Known for their high-quality ingredients, these treats feature freeze-dried chicken or turkey and are made without grains or fillers.
- Stella & Chewy’s Freeze-Dried Raw Cat Treats: These treats are made with raw, natural ingredients and come in a variety of flavors, including turkey and chicken.
Benefits:
- High in protein and low in carbs
- Grain-free and made with natural ingredients
- Ideal for cats with food sensitivities or allergies
4. Dental Treats for Cats
While rewarding your cat, why not also promote their dental health? Dental treats are designed to help remove plaque and tartar buildup, contributing to better oral hygiene. Many cats love the flavors of these treats, making them a win-win.
Top Picks:
- Virbac C.E.T. Enzymatic Dog and Cat Chews: Although marketed for dogs, these chews are also safe for cats and help fight bad breath and plaque buildup.
- Sentry Petrodex Enzymatic Toothpaste Dental Chews: These dental chews come in a variety of flavors and are an effective option for maintaining oral health.
- Petsmile Professional Oral Care Dental Treats: Recommended by veterinarians, these treats promote oral health while satisfying your cat’s craving for a treat.
Benefits:
- Helps reduce plaque and tartar buildup
- Freshens breath
- Provides a healthy and tasty reward
5. Treats for Cats with Special Dietary Needs
For cats with allergies or other dietary restrictions, it’s important to choose treats that meet their specific needs. Many brands offer treats that cater to cats with sensitive stomachs, food allergies, or special dietary considerations.
Top Picks:
- Wellness Kittles Natural Grain-Free Cat Treats: These treats are grain-free and made with simple, high-quality ingredients like chicken and turkey.
- Solid Gold Leaping Waters with Cold Water Salmon & Vegetable Recipe: These treats are designed for sensitive stomachs and contain no artificial colors, flavors, or fillers.
- Natural Balance L.I.D. Limited Ingredient Diet Cat Treats: Perfect for cats with food sensitivities, these treats are made with a single protein source and a limited number of ingredients.
Benefits:
- Great for cats with allergies or sensitive stomachs
- Made with natural, limited ingredients
- Free from artificial additives and preservatives
6. Homemade Cat Treats
If you want full control over what your cat is eating, homemade treats are a great option. You can make them with wholesome ingredients that your cat loves, such as chicken, tuna, or salmon.
Top Picks (Recipes):
- Chicken Bites: Simply bake small pieces of chicken breast in the oven until crispy. You can also season with cat-friendly herbs like parsley.
- Tuna Treats: Mix canned tuna in water with oat flour and egg, then bake into small treats.
- Catnip-Infused Treats: Combine tuna or chicken with dried catnip to create irresistible treats for your cat.
Benefits:
- You control the ingredients and ensure they are healthy and safe
- Customizable to your cat’s specific tastes and needs
- No artificial additives or preservatives
7. Treat Dispensers for Enrichment
Treat dispensers and puzzle toys are an excellent way to engage your cat in both mental and physical stimulation. These toys release treats as your cat plays with them, making the reward system interactive and engaging.
Top Picks:
- PetSafe SlimCat Toy: This is a great puzzle toy that dispenses treats as your cat plays, promoting exercise and mental stimulation.
- Catit Senses 2.0 Food Tree: This treat dispenser encourages your cat to work for their food, making it an excellent option for both feeding and play.
- Trixie Activity Fun Board: This interactive toy allows your cat to unlock treats through various puzzles and activities.
Benefits:
- Provides both mental and physical stimulation
- Slows down eating, promoting healthy digestion
- Keeps your cat entertained while rewarding them
Conclusion
Treats are an important part of your cat’s training, bonding, and overall well-being. The best treats for your cat will depend on their preferences, dietary needs, and how you plan to use them. From soft and chewy training treats to dental options and interactive puzzle toys, there are many ways to reward and train your cat in 2024. By choosing the right treats, you can keep your feline friend happy, healthy, and engaged, while strengthening your bond with them.
