FAQ: Treats for cats

Cats without teeth or after extractions do well with lickable creams, pastes, soft treats or soaked freeze-dried pieces. After dental surgery, only give treats once the vet allows.

Persians and other flat-faced cats often find it harder to pick up round or flat pieces, so lickable treats or treats given from the hand or a saucer work well. The pieces should be small.

Larger cats can have slightly more treats because their daily calorie needs are higher too. Always work out the amount from the cat's weight and the table on the pack, not from how much it begs.

For such a cat a complete food made for kittens or pregnant cats matters most. Treats can be a small extra, but give functional treats, supplements and pastes at that time only after asking a vet.

Treats can help an outdoor cat learn to come back when called or get used to the carrier. Remember that such a cat may also catch or eat something outside, so keep an eye on its weight and overall diet.

Cats are true carnivores and get some essential nutrients only from animal-based food. Plant-based treats are not natural for them and are often less liked, so meat or fish treats suit cats better.

Insect protein is an alternative protein source sometimes used for cats sensitive to common meats. If the cat has a sensitive stomach, introduce such treats gradually and watch how it tolerates them.

Cats choose food mainly by smell, so treats are made especially aromatic. An airtight pack or container keeps the strong smell in and also helps the treats stay appealing longer.

Fish or strong-smelling treats can briefly leave an odour, but ongoing bad breath is usually linked to dental or other health problems. In that case it is worth visiting a vet.

No, treats are not balanced, and a cat fed only treats will eventually miss essential nutrients. If the cat refuses its usual food, cut back on treats, and if it is not eating at all, see a vet.

This often happens when too many treats are given and the cat learns that refusing food brings something tastier. Stop treats completely for a few days and keep to a feeding schedule, and discuss a longer refusal to eat with a vet.

Some cats naturally carry prey to a safer spot to eat in peace. It is normal behaviour, unless the cat keeps hiding food and leaving it, in which case check the corners so no spoiling leftovers remain.

Yes, especially if the treat is too big or hard or the cat eats it very greedily. Choose pieces that suit the cat's size, break larger treats up and do not toss treats from far away to a cat that is running or playing.

A greedy cat swallows air and pieces that are too big, so it sometimes vomits treats up. It helps to give one small piece at a time and use puzzles or a lick mat; if the vomiting keeps happening, see a vet.

Fresh water should always be available to a cat, especially if it eats a lot of dry treats or dry food. Some cats drink more readily from a wide bowl or a water fountain.

About a pinch is enough, sprinkled on the floor, a scratching post or a toy. More catnip does not strengthen the effect, and a cat that eats too much may vomit.

Many older cats keep reacting to catnip, though the effect may be weaker or calmer. It can encourage a senior cat to play and move a little.

A cat detects the scent of catnip through receptors in the nose, which stop responding to it for a while after a few minutes. After about an hour or more the sensitivity returns, so catnip left out works again only after a break.

Crushed leaves and flowers usually have the strongest scent and suit sprinkling or stuffing into toys. Pellets and pressed sticks make less mess and are handy as something to chew or bat around.

If catnip calms your cat, you can offer it in a quiet spot where the cat can hide from guests. If catnip excites your cat, it is better not to give it before a stressful situation.