FAQ: Treats for cats

The word ‘natural’ usually means no artificial additives, but not necessarily that the treat is lower in calories or better for your cat. Always look at the ingredients and stick to the recommended amount.

Cats are carnivores, so treats in which meat or fish makes up most of the content are usually their favourites. The percentage is given in the ingredients, but it also matters whether it refers to fresh or dried meat.

Small amounts of vegetables, grains or fibre can help with texture or digestion, but cats do not need them. If a treat is made mostly of plant ingredients, it may be less appealing to a cat.

An occasional dog treat usually does a cat no harm, but they are designed for dogs and may be too large, too hard or of an unsuitable composition. It is better to give a cat only treats made for cats.

Some simple foods, such as a small piece of plain cooked chicken without seasoning, make a fine treat for a cat. But much human food is unsuitable for cats because of salt, spices, fat or substances that are toxic to them.

Onions, garlic, leeks, chocolate, caffeine, alcohol, grapes and raisins are dangerous for cats, as are sweeteners such as xylitol. If a cat has eaten any of these, contact a vet without delay.

Many adult cats digest lactose poorly, so cow's milk often gives them diarrhoea. If you want to spoil your cat, choose lactose-free milk made for cats and give only a little.

An occasional small amount of tuna in its own juice without salt will not harm a cat, but tuna in oil or brine is not suitable. Given often, tuna can unbalance the diet, so it should stay a rare treat.

Raw meat and fish can carry bacteria or parasites, and some raw fish contain substances that break down vitamin B1. It is safer to give cooked boneless meat or fish, or treats made for cats.

A small piece of well-cooked egg without salt is usually fine for a cat as an occasional treat. Raw eggs should not be given because of the risk of bacteria.

Sausage and ham contain a lot of salt, fat and spices, and sometimes garlic or onion, so they are not suitable for cats. Choose meat treats made for cats or a piece of plain cooked meat instead.

Cooked bones easily splinter into sharp fragments that can injure the mouth or gut, so cats should not be given them. Dental treats or chew sticks made for cats are better for chewing.

Fermented dairy products contain less lactose, so some cats tolerate a teaspoon of plain yoghurt. Cream is very fatty and sweetened yoghurts are unsuitable, so such treats should be rare and small.

The simplest homemade treat is thin pieces of chicken, turkey or fish dried in the oven or a dehydrator without salt or seasoning. Do not add onion, garlic or other foods unsuitable for cats.

Homemade treats contain no preservatives, so they are best kept in the fridge in an airtight container and used within a few days. A larger batch can be frozen in portions and thawed as needed.

Yes, unsalted chicken broth or a diluted lickable treat can be frozen in an ice cube tray. The cat licks it slowly, which helps it cool down and take in more fluid.

Homemade meat broth without salt, onion or spices can be a tasty extra that helps a cat take in more fluid. There are also broths made for cats, while stock cubes meant for people are not suitable.

Dried fish or shrimp made for cats are a popular treat. Dried seafood snacks for people often contain a lot of salt and seasoning, so they are not suitable for cats.

Cats are carnivores and do not need fruit or vegetables, although some like a piece of cooked pumpkin or cucumber. Grapes, raisins, onion and garlic are dangerous for cats and must not be given.

Yes, a spoonful of the usual wet food can be a great reward, especially for a cat on a diet. Just take that amount out of the daily portion so the total calories do not go up.