Treats are the currency of the human-cat relationship -- rewards for good behavior, bonding moments, and the bribe that gets your cat into the carrier. But treats can also be calorie bombs that contribute to obesity if not chosen carefully. Here is how to treat smart.
The 10% Rule
- Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calorie intake
- For a 10-lb cat eating 200 cal/day: maximum 20 calories in treats
- That is approximately 6-8 standard commercial treats per day
- Subtract treat calories from meal portions to maintain total calorie balance
Best Commercial Cat Treats
| Treat | Calories | Best For |
|---|---|---|
| Temptations Classic | 2 cal each | Everyday treating, cats love them |
| Greenies Feline | 1.25 cal each | Dental health, crunchy texture |
| PureBites (freeze-dried) | 1 cal each | Single-ingredient, no additives |
| Churu/Delectables lickable | 6-8 cal per tube | Picky eaters, medication hiding, bonding |
| Whole Life Just One | 1 cal each | Single protein, allergy-friendly |
Healthy Homemade Treat Ideas
- Cooked chicken pieces: Plain, no seasoning, 1-2 small cubes
- Freeze-dried salmon: Single ingredient, cats go crazy for it
- Cooked egg: Small piece of scrambled egg (no butter/oil)
- Canned pumpkin: 1/4 tsp as a treat (fiber, low calorie)
- Catnip: Zero calories, pure enrichment
- Ice cubes with broth: Freeze low-sodium chicken broth in ice trays
Treats for Training
- Small size: Training treats should be tiny -- pea-sized or smaller
- High value: Use something special -- not the everyday treat
- Soft texture: Cats eat soft treats faster, keeping training flow
- Best training treats: Churu tubes (can squeeze small amounts), tiny chicken pieces, PureBites crushed small
Treats to Avoid
- Milk: Most cats are lactose intolerant -- causes diarrhea
- Dog treats: May lack taurine, some contain ingredients toxic to cats
- Raw meat from unknown sources: Bacterial contamination risk
- Anything with onion/garlic powder: Toxic to cats even in small amounts
- Excessive tuna: Addictive, can cause mercury accumulation, nutritionally incomplete
Frequently Asked Questions
My cat is addicted to Churu treats -- is that okay?
Churu (and similar lickable treats) are generally safe -- they are mostly water, chicken/fish puree, and flavoring. At 6-8 calories per tube, they are low-calorie. The "addiction" is the creamy texture and strong flavor cats find irresistible. One tube per day is perfectly fine. Two to three tubes daily is still within treat guidelines for most cats. They are also excellent for hiding medication, encouraging hydration, and bonding. Just account for the calories in the daily total.
