Too many treats can be bad for cats if not managed properly. Cats love treats and it’s understandable that pet owners want to shower their furry friends with snacks. However, overindulging with treats can lead to obesity and other health issues. The key is moderation and balance. By understanding proper treat guidelines, selecting healthy options, and controlling portions, cat parents can still give treats while avoiding negative impacts.
How Many Treats Can Cats Have Per Day?
There are no definitive rules on how many treats a cat can have daily, but experts generally recommend limiting treats to no more than 10% of a cat’s daily caloric intake. For an average 10-pound cat consuming about 240 calories per day, that equates to around 24 calories from treats. Since most treats are 25-30 calories each, that’s about 1-2 treats maximum per day. Larger or more active cats that require more total calories could have a few more treats. Kittens and senior cats may need less.
Of course, those numbers are simply general guidelines. The amount of safe treats ultimately depends on factors like your cat’s weight, activity level, health conditions, and overall diet. Work with your veterinarian to determine an appropriate treat regimen for your individual cat. Portion control is key.
Health Risks of Too Many Treats
Giving too many treats can negatively impact your cat’s health in the following ways:
– Obesity: Treats contain extra calories leading to weight gain if routinely fed in excessive amounts. Obese cats are at higher risk for diabetes, heart disease, arthritis, and other problems.
– Nutritional imbalance: An overload of treats delivers a disproportionate amount of carbohydrates, sugars, and/or fats compared to balanced nutrition from meals.
– Dental disease: Excessive treats can cause more plaque buildup and dental decay especially if treats are sticky.
– Gastrointestinal upset: Too many treats could lead to vomiting, diarrhea, or other digestive issues.
– Behavioral issues: Constant treats can cause begging, picky eating, and other behavioral problems.
– Toxicity: Some treats contain ingredients like xylitol, raisins, or garlic that are toxic to cats if consumed in large quantities over time.
Moderation with treats helps avoid these potential issues. Check with your veterinarian if your cat experiences concerning symptoms after treats.
Tips for Healthy Treats
You can still give your cat treats safely by following these tips:
– Choose high-protein, low-calorie options under 25 calories per treat. Examples include PureBites freeze dried chicken or fish treats.
– Opt for soft, chewy treats rather than crunchy biscuits to minimize dental issues.
– Check labels and avoid treats with excessive carbohydrates, artificial ingredients, salt, or chemical preservatives.
– Pick grain-free treats if your cat has food allergies or sensitivities.
– Consider treats made from alternative proteins like rabbit or duck for variety.
– Refrigerate treats after opening to preserve freshness, especially for soft treats. Discard uneaten portions after a few days.
– Break large treats into smaller bite sizes to control portions.
– Substitute a portion of daily food for treats to reduce excess calories.
– Brush your cat’s teeth daily and schedule regular dental cleanings.
Choosing healthy, low-calorie treats while limiting quantity helps allow treat enjoyment while preventing risks. Consult your veterinarian for personalized treat recommendations.
Treat Dispensing Toys
Another strategy to provide enrichment and promote healthy weight is using treat dispensing toys instead of freely feeding treats. These toys add mental stimulation and physical activity as cats bat and play with the devices to earn treats. Benefits include:
– Slows treat consumption compared to free feeding
– Mimics natural hunting behaviors
– Provides exercise and reduces boredom
– Keeps cats distracted and engaged for longer
– Allows bonding through interactive play
Popular treat toy options include:
– Food puzzles: Maze-like toys where cats must maneuver treats through openings. Increases difficulty over time.
– Rolling treat balls: Dispenses treats as cats bat the balls around. Provides tracking and chasing activity.
– Hidden feeders: Treats are hidden in holes, slots, or under lids. Cats must sniff them out and paw to uncover.
– Treat balls: Treats fall out of the ball through adjustable openings as cats playfully strike the ball.
– Automatic dispensers: Dispense treats at programmed intervals to motivate activity. Some allow remote control via apps.
Rotate different styles to keep your cat interested and engaged. Try starting with easier puzzles and adjusting to higher levels over time. Clean toys regularly. Supervise use at first in case your cat needs guidance learning how the toys function. With patience and consistency, treat toys can be an interactive alternative to plain treat feeding.
Common Cat Treat Ingredients
Reading ingredient labels is key to choosing optimal treats. Below are some common cat treat ingredients and considerations:
– Protein sources: Look for named meats like chicken, fish, or duck as the first ingredient rather than non-specific terms like “meat by-products”. Cats are obligate carnivores requiring ample animal-based protein.
– Grains: Grains like corn, wheat, soy, rice, etc. are common allergens for cats. Grain-free treats are ideal, especially for cats with sensitivities.
– Fats: Moderate fat from animal sources is fine but avoid hydrogenated fats. Higher fat typically increases treat calories.
– Carbohydrates: Limited carbohydrates from fruits and veggies are ok but avoid treats with excess carbs, sugars, starches like wheat flour that can cause weight gain.
– Preservatives: Watch for preservatives like BHA, BHT, ethoxyquin and propylene glycol. Natural preservatives like vitamin E are better.
– Artificial ingredients: Avoid dyes, flavors, sweeteners, and texturizers. Seek treats with only recognizable, natural ingredients.
Checking labels and nutritional analysis helps identify optimal treats for your cat based on health needs and diet sensitivities or restrictions. Homemade treats allow for total ingredient control but have shorter shelf life.
Healthy Homemade Cat Treat Recipes
For cat owners wanting maximum oversight of ingredients, homemade treats can be a healthy option when recipes are properly balanced. Here are some vet-approved ideas:
Simple Baked Chicken Cat Treats
– 1 pound ground chicken (or turkey, duck)
– 1/2 cup whole wheat flour
– 1 egg
– 1 tsp vegetable or fish oil
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix all ingredients in a bowl until well blended.
3. Roll dough into 1/4 inch thickness on a lightly floured surface.
4. Use cookie cutters to cut dough into fun shapes. Or slice into squares.
5. Bake for 15 minutes until lightly browned.
6. Cool completely before serving to your cat.
7. Refrigerate uneaten portions in an airtight container for up to 1 week.
Pumpkin Cat Treats
– 1 cup canned pure pumpkin (not pie filling)
– 1 egg
– 1 tbsp honey
– 1/4 tsp cinnamon
Steps:
1. Preheat oven to 350°F. Line a baking sheet with parchment paper.
2. Mix ingredients together in a bowl until well blended.
3. Scoop spoonfuls of dough onto the baking sheet. Flatten slightly.
4. Bake for about 15 minutes until set.
5. Cool completely then cut into squares.
6. Refrigerate uneaten treats for up to 5 days.
These recipes use wholesome ingredients for nutritious homemade options cats love. Adjust recipes as desired but keep nutritional balance in mind.
Portion Control Tips
Managing treat portions is critical to keep cats healthy regardless of treat type. Here are helpful tips:
– Measure treats with an actual measuring cup rather than guesstimating. Start with 1-2 teaspoons max per day.
– Separate bulk bags of treats into individual daily portions in small zip top bags or containers. Avoid free feeding from a large bag.
– Save treats for training sessions and playtime rather than giving randomly throughout the day.
– Offer praise and affection along with or instead of food treats at times.
– Switch to a food puzzle or treat toy to make earning treats an activity.
– Keep treats in a different room than your cat’s food bowls to set limits.
– Limit treats for multiple pet households and monitor all animals for weight changes.
– Track treats on a calendar to maintain awareness of quantity.
– Discuss options like low-calorie treats or treat substitution with your vet if weight is increasing.
Staying mindful of portion size and frequency is just as key as choosing healthy treat options. Consistency, vigilance, and proper storage help tremendously.
Signs Your Cat Is Getting Too Many Treats
Monitor your cat for the following signs that treat intake may be excessive:
– Weight gain, especially if spine and ribs become difficult to feel
– Decreased interest in regular meals
– Constantly begging or hovering around treat storage areas
– Increased dental tartar buildup
– Loose stool or digestive issues like vomiting or increased gassiness
– Overly hyper, hyperactive or destructive behavior
– Sleeping and resting less than usual
– Dehydration – monitor for normal moistness of gums and nose
Catching treat issues early allows for adjustments to get your cat’s diet back into balance. Discuss any concerns at your cat’s next veterinary visit. In many cases, simply reducing treat quantity while monitoring for weight stabilization resolves the problem.
Healthy Treat Alternatives for Cats
For cat owners looking to cut back on calorie-dense treats, some healthy alternative reward ideas include:
– A special interactive play session with favorite toys
– Brushing or petting your cat’s favorite spots for 5-10 minutes
– Allowing access to a cat-safe outdoor space like a catio or backyard for supervised exploration
– Sniffing a catnip toy or novel aromatic herb like mint or cat thyme
– Letting your cat play with a paper bag or cardboard box
– Providing a new cozy bed, box, or hideaway to enrich their environment
– Extra cuddle or lap time
– Training rewards like verbal praise, gently petting, or a favorite toy
– Replacing treats with healthy veggie snacks like pieces of steamed broccoli, green bean, or carrots
Finding fun, engaging ways to bond with your cat provides mental stimulation and quality time that feels like a treat to your pet. Mix up alternatives with healthy consumable treats rather than free feeding treats alone. Unique rewards that get your cat moving and thinking are ideal.
Should Treats Be Given Before or After Meals?
To minimize tummy upsets or overeating, the general recommendation is to give treats separately from main meals. Treats are digested faster and can cause a hungry cat to overindulge on treats and refuse normal food if given right before meals. There are a few optimal treat timing options:
– At least an hour before meals as an appetizer
– In food puzzle toys as a snack a few hours after meals
– As a training reward when practicing commands and tricks
– Prior to bedtime for a positive nightly routine (monitor for bathroom trips needed overnight)
Always separate treat time from main meals in a multi-cat household so each cat finishes their own food first. Remove uneaten wet food promptly if treats will be given later. Consistency in treat timing helps create a predictable routine.
Treat Caution for Kittens
Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats and require careful treat monitoring. Key considerations include:
– Kittens require very specific nutrient ratios for healthy growth. Limit treats to less than 5% of calories.
– Avoid soft treats due to potential choking hazard for small kittens.
– Introduce new treats gradually to avoid GI upset.
– Look for treats made especially for kittens with higher protein levels and added vitamins/minerals.
– Refrigerate treats after opening and throw away any unused portions within a day or two.
– Feed treats in a shared play session for important socialization during prime developmental stage.
– Be extra diligent with portion control since kittens are still learning mealtime manners.
– Track treats on a schedule since kittens need consistency.
Check with your veterinarian about appropriate treat options and quantities for your kitten. Proper nutrition now lays the foundation for a healthy adult life. With a thoughtful approach, treats can still be part of your kitten’s balanced diet.
Are Some Human Foods Safe for Cats?
Some human foods are safe for cats to enjoy occasionally as treats. Veterinarians recommend sticking with small bites of these healthy options:
– Cooked, unseasoned chicken or turkey
– Thin slices of lean deli meat (avoid pepperoni and seasoned meats)
– Canned or fresh tuna (in water, not oil)
– Cooked egg white or hard boiled egg
– Plain cooked carrots, green beans, broccoli
– Fresh blueberries or raspberries
– Plain cooked oatmeal (not flavored)
– Low-fat cottage cheese or plain yogurt
Avoid giving cats human treats containing garlic, onion, chocolate, raw meat/fish, grapes/raisins, macadamia nuts, xylitol, alcohol or seasoned foods due to toxicity. Introduce new foods gradually and discontinue if any GI upset. While human foods can add variety, commercial cat treats balanced specifically for feline nutrition are still recommended for the bulk of treat choices.
Conclusion
Cat treats definitely have an appropriate place in the feline diet when dispensed judiciously. Showing your cat affection and celebrating with treats builds an enjoyable bond and rituals cats anticipate. By selecting high quality, vet-approved treats, monitoring portions, avoiding unhealthy fillers, and staying alert for overindulgence, the risks from treats remain minimal. Treat time provides enrichment pets look forward to. Work with your veterinarian to incorporate treats into your cat’s overall care plan. With mindful moderation, treats and health go hand in hand for your precious kitty.