Giving treats to kittens can be a fun way to bond with and train your new pet. However, there are some important factors to consider before offering treats to kittens.
The pros and cons of giving treats to kittens
Here are some potential benefits and drawbacks of giving treats to kittens:
Potential benefits
- Positive reinforcement for desired behaviors like using the litter box or scratching post
- Bonding time between you and your kitten
- Mental stimulation and physical activity from treat puzzles or games
- Easier handling for medical exams, grooming, nail trims, etc.
Potential risks
- Overfeeding leading to obesity if too many treats are given
- Nutritional imbalances if treats make up a large portion of the diet
- Development of picky eating habits if accustomed to getting treats
- Gastrointestinal issues like diarrhea if treats are new foods
Factors to consider before giving treats
If you decide to give your kitten treats, here are some important things to keep in mind:
Kitten’s age
Kittens have different nutritional needs than adult cats. It’s generally recommended to wait until kittens are at least 3-4 months old before giving treats.
Treat ingredients
Choose high-quality treats made with natural, healthy ingredients. Avoid treats with artificial colors, flavors and preservatives. Consult your vet if your kitten has food allergies.
Treat frequency and quantity
Limit treats to no more than 10-15% of your kitten’s daily caloric intake. Start with just a few treats at a time. Give treats sparingly, not with every meal.
Supervision when treating
Always supervise your kitten when giving treats. Make sure they don’t eat them too quickly and choke. Remove uneaten treats promptly.
Oral health
Some treats can help clean teeth and freshen breath. Look for veterinarian-approved dental treats if oral health is a concern.
Interactions with regular diet
Make sure treats don’t interfere with your kitten eating their regular, balanced diet. Adjust their main meals if needed to account for extra treat calories.
Best treats for kittens
These treat options are generally safest for kittens:
- Meat-based treats: 100% meat jerkies, freeze-dried chicken or fish
- Vegetable treats: Dehydrated sweet potato or pumpkin
- Treats for digestion: Prebiotic or fiber-rich treats
- Liquid treats: Low-sodium chicken/beef broths, tuna water
- Dental treats: Veterinarian-approved teeth-cleaning treats
Avoid giving kittens treats with artificial ingredients, sugar, milk, or salt.
Healthy treat recipes for kittens
For picky kittens or added peace of mind, you can make your own healthy treats at home. Here are some recipes to try:
Frozen tuna treats
Blend together tuna, water, and whole wheat flour into a paste. Spoon mixture into an ice cube tray and freeze. Pop out cubes and store in the freezer.
DIY dental treats
| Ingredient | Amount |
|---|---|
| Baby food meat (chicken, turkey, beef) | 1 jar |
| Whole wheat flour | 1/4 cup |
| Ground raw carrot | 1 tbsp |
Mix ingredients together until a dough forms. Roll out and cut into small pieces. Bake at 350°F for 15 minutes. Let cool before serving.
Frozen broth ice cubes
Pour low-sodium chicken, beef or vegetable broth into an ice tray. Freeze until solid, then pop out cubes for teething or hydration treats.
Tips for safe treat feeding
Follow these tips for safely giving treats to your kitten:
- Give treats in moderation, no more than a few per day.
- Break treats into small pieces so your kitten doesn’t choke.
- Supervise your kitten when eating treats.
- Offer treats away from mealtimes to avoid interfering with regular diet.
- Do not give treats if your kitten has diarrhea until stools firm up.
- Introduce new treats slowly and watch for signs of an upset stomach.
- Store treats securely so your kitten can’t get into the bag and overeat.
Signs your kitten is getting too many treats
Some signs your kitten may be getting too many treats include:
- Weight gain or a rapidly expanding waistline
- Diarrhea, vomiting or other signs of gastrointestinal distress
- Decreased interest in regular meals
- Begging behaviors for more treats
- Possessiveness over treats
If you notice any of these signs, cut back on treats and see if the issue resolves. Consult your veterinarian if problems persist.
Conclusion
Giving your kitten occasional treats in moderation can be safe and enjoyable for both of you. Focus on high-quality, nutrition-dense treats in small amounts. Be mindful of your kitten’s age, health, and any diet sensitivities. With supervision and common sense, treats can be a fun part of your kitten’s routine without causing harm.