Complete Guide to Buying Cat Treats - What to Buy and Avoid
Posted by SAMRIDDHI PANDEY
Complete guide to Buying Cat Treats - What to Buy and Avoid
Cat treats are an essential part of a cat's diet. They can be very useful training aids and can make treats or rewards for good behavior. They can also be used as a substitute for toys. Cats love treats and if you want to socialize with your kitty, treats are a way to do it. With pets becoming a part of our family, it is important to take care of their health. One of the best ways to do that is to provide them with the right kind of food and treats. But with so many options available in the market, the decision-making can be very daunting.
As the name suggests, this blog is a complete guide on buying Cat treats. We have included every possible detail that one needs to know about buying cat treats. All one needs to do is to go through the blog to know about the different kinds of cat treats in the market. This article will also help the cat owner to choose the right cat treat from a long list of options available in the market.
Why do you need Cat treats?
Cat treats come in handy during training because, while we'd like to believe our pets obey our instructions to make us happy, they're often aware that they'll be rewarded in some way. Most cat owners like to express their love for their cats by giving them treats in addition to affection. There are a variety of cat treats available, some of which are better for your cat than others. The following are the most common uses for cat treats:
Training & Rewarding
Treats are a simple way to show cats that they're behaving well and that you want them to keep doing so. By rewarding your cat with "high value" treats for specific behaviours, you can help to establish them over time. Treats are an excellent way to persuade cats to perform desired behavior such as using a cat flap, snuggling with you on the couch, or responding on being called.
Remember that treating needs to happen as soon as the desired behaviour is showed, in order for them to connect the action with the reward. Treats can be used to encourage your cat to do things like stand up on his hind legs, leap up into a cat bed, or even just sit still while you trim his nails. When teaching a cat, you'll need to feed him treats on a regular basis to encourage the desired behaviour, thus selecting the best cat treats for training is crucial. Depending on how you'll utilise the treats and your cat's health, you might want to choose snacks that are also good for him.
Positive reinforcement
During training, cat training treats serve as a delicious reward to acquire new tricks and talents. Since you might need to use them frequently, opt for specific training treats that are low in calories like this one. While giving treats can aid with bonding, other forms of affection are equally as powerful. Find out what your cat enjoys and use it to your advantage, whether it's chin-scratching, head caressing, or a good belly rub — unlike rewards, they may be given at any time!
Exercise and Mental Stimulation
Use cat treats to train your cat in agility exercises or tricks to help them exercise their brain and body. Indoor-only cats may find this much more delightful. Treats can be used in combination with treat-dispensing cat toys or puzzles to keep a cat entertained for hours. Cat treats can also be used to play interactive games with your cat. Cat Toys can help in mental stimulation.
Read: Choosing the right toy for your Cat
Maintain Oral Hygiene
Many treats are specially designed for better oral health. Snacks and treats can aid in the cleaning of your cat's teeth. They have untidy teeth, which leads to dental problems and an unpleasant smell. The dental health of your cat is crucial to his general well-being. In the wild, your cat would clean his teeth by scraping them against the bones of his prey.
Cats occasionally require extra assistance in their new domestic life. As a result, dental treats for cats can be really beneficial. These are treats that help keep your pet's teeth clean and offer their eating habits some extra momentum. Foods and chews that need to be chewed for a long time have an abrasive action that cleans teeth while also entertaining your cat.
Health supplements
Treats can be used as functional food if your cat is a choosy eater. It's an excellent method to give your pet a dietary supplement that will keep him or her healthy and content. If you always feed your cat the same food, especially dry food, it's worth adding one or two extra treats to the mix. This will improve the taste of the meal and make your pet happier. It's no secret that cats are the ideal of cleanliness, yet licking their fur can cause them to lose a lot of hair.
Hairballs can build up in their stomach, making them sick and causing them to vomit. Hairballs are easier to eliminate when cats are given treats containing a specific Malt paste. It's an excellent way to look after your pet's health. There are a range of snacks on the market for various objectives, such as soothing, maintaining good skin or weight loss and so on. They could also be a disguised unappealing medication that your pet wouldn't get otherwise.
Which Cat Treats to choose?
1. Your intentions may be good when it comes to cat treats, but human foods can be rich in calories and salt, and sometimes lack many of the vital elements your cat requires. This implies you run the danger of overfeeding and/or causing your cat's nutrition to be unbalanced.
2. When selecting treats, opt for those made with high-quality, natural ingredients. The first component on the back should be meat, and low-calorie selections are excellent.
3. Cat snacks that are heavy in carbohydrates and sugars should be avoided.
4. Cats are small and don't require a lot of food, so adding treats to their regular diets can easily lead to overfeeding. Make sure that treats do not account for more than 10% of their daily caloric intake.
5. Treats should be given in moderation since over-treating cats can lead to weight gain or the cat refusing to eat its regular food. Treats should be limited to two or three times each week.
When should you avoid giving treats to your Cat?
Treats should not be used to bribe your cat during training; rewards should be given only after a command has been completed and not before as your pet will eventually stop following your instructions if they are not given a treat. Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie consumption, according to the basic principle of treating. If you spoil your cat too much, he or she can become overweight, putting their health at risk.
Treats are generally high in calories, so overindulging your cat could lead to obesity. Limit yourself just a few nibbles per day to avoid this. Treats should never be substituted for meals, and as treats do not add much nutritional value, the rest 90% of the calorie intake should come from proper Cat food. Cats, like humans, can acquire weight gain. An estimated 57 percent of cats are overweight or obese, according to a survey published by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention. So, too much cat treats can cause negative effects for them.
Begging for cat treats is a negative habit that many cat owners may not realise they are encouraging. It's critical not to feed your cat dinner scraps and to put any leftovers away so the curious cat doesn't assume it's their special meal. Also, don't use your plate as a cat food bowl. Their food bowl should be the only location where they can get their food. It's better to ignore the begging that occurs during dinner time, as difficult as it may seem at first. This manner, your cat will learn that their efforts are in vain and will stop attempting to attract your attention for a yummy treat over and over again.
What Cat Treats to avoid?
Sugary Treats
Sugar should not be a part of your cat's daily diet. Cat snacks that are heavy in carbohydrates and sugars should be avoided. Obesity, heart disease, and other health issues can result from this. This is why it's critical to read the label and search treats made primarily of meat and other natural ingredients.
It promotes unhealthy weight gain and dental issues, but you might be surprised to learn that it can also cause serious illnesses like diabetes. Artificial sweeteners should be avoided in the same manner that refined sugar should be avoided in your cat’s diet. Xylitol and sorbitol are very hazardous to cats. It can lead to stomach issues, clotting issues, seizures, and even death.
Treats with Grains
Although grain can cause serious digestive issues in cats, most cat foods still contain gluten or wheat of some sort. Potatoes should also be avoided, and use foods or treats with non-GMO ingredients.
Synthetic Preservatives & Artificial Food Colours
Why would you feed these to your pet if they aren't even good for humans? Treats or foods with a long shelf life are extremely dangerous, and you should avoid anything with BHA, propyl gallate, BHT, or other popular preservatives. Allergies, diabetes, and cardiovascular problems can all be caused by the use of food colour. Besides, your cat doesn't care what colour their goodies are, so avoid using food colouring in your treats. Instead use this treat for cats with sensitivities or food allergies.
Toxic human food
When cats see some human foods, they get really excited. It may be the most cost-effective and accessible treat, but some human foods are safe for your cat while others are harmful. Grapes, nuts, raisins, onions, garlic, chocolates, and chives are just a few of the foods you should never feed your cat.
Read the comprehensive list of foods that are toxic for Cats in detail here.
Different Types of Cat Treats
Freeze-dried cat treats
Freeze-dried cat treats, which range from chicken to shrimp to fish, retain much of the texture and aroma of fresh meat without the mess or the need to be refrigerated. The nutrients in the meat are also preserved by the freeze-drying process. Without any additional ingredients, these treats are completely meat that your cat will enjoy. Choose pet treat brands that are known for their good quality.
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Moist Cat Treats
Is wet food more appealing to your cat? Then moist cat treats might be right for your cat. These treats are extremely tasty and minimally processed and are moist. Not only are the treats delicious on their own, but they also make a terrific food topping for extra taste and texture.
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Dental Treats
Ingredients for better oral hygiene can be found in dental treats. These treats mildly abrade your cat's teeth, removing plaque and bacteria on the surface. One of the most common forms of preventative oral health care for pets is dental treats. Cat dental treats, in contrast to everyday brushing, promise a pleasant, painless approach to maintain your cat's teeth healthy. They aren't a comprehensive solution, and they aren't an alternative to brushing.
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Soft Treats
Soft and chewy treats come in a variety of forms, flavours, and sizes. These are fantastic method to teach your pet new tricks. When training, make sure to utilise tiny sizes. If your cat consumes the treats quickly, you can be confident that he or she enjoys being praised as much as the treat. Choose pet treat brands that are known for their good quality.
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Crunchy Treats
These are commonly referred to as biscuits, bars and kibbles and come in a range of sizes, shapes, and flavors. Make sure the size is appropriate for the cat's size. You should choose a brand that produces high-quality crunchy cat treats, as this is a good form of treat for your pet.
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Grain-Free Treats
Grain-free diets are a popular choice among cat owners. Grain-free cat treats and grain-free cat food are excellent choices for your cat because they are often produced with high-quality ingredients and can be simpler to digest due to the lack of fibre. They are healthy options for cats who cannot tolerate grain.
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Human food treats
You can feed your cat some human food. Chocolate, salty and fatty snacks or nuts, and other foods should not be given. Apples, chicken, fish, carrots, and lean meat are all good options. Dog food should not be given to them. Foods like Onions, garlic, grapes, and raisins should not be given to your cat because they are poisonous to them. Consult your veterinarian for information on what foods are safe for your pet to eat.
Read the comprehensive list of Toxic Foods in your Home for Cats & Foods that are Safe for Cats in detail here.
Specialty diet treats
Since some cats have particular dietary needs, these special diet treats include a variety of supplements that can aid dogs with a variety of conditions. These are intended to assist in the treatment of health problems such as mobility and weight loss, as well as to improve their skin or hairball. These cat treats are also available in low-calorie, low-fat, high protein, and other variants.
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How to Choose Cat Treats in India?
Pet's age: Since treats have nutritional value, your furry friend's age is an important consideration to consider when selecting treats.
Treat ingredients: One of the most crucial factors to consider when purchasing cat treats is the ingredients. Treats have a big influence on your cat’s eating habits. When selecting treats, opt for those made with high-quality, natural ingredients. The first component on the back should be meat, and low-calorie selections are excellent. Before purchasing treats for your cat, always examine the ingredients list. Look for the same ingredients in treats as you would in high-quality cat food.
3. Pet Health History: If your pet has a medical history, make an appointment with a veterinarian. The veterinarian will advise you on the best nutrition for your pet. They, like humans, may have dietary restrictions based on their health. Seeing a veterinarian can help you figure out what to feed and what not to feed. The vet can also provide you with superior quality nutritious cat treats.
4. Flavor: Cats, like people, like their food to have a distinct flavour. Make sure the natural treat you purchase has a variety of flavours that will appeal to your cat. You can experiment with different cat treats to find which ones your pet enjoys the best.
5. Price: You'll come across a variety of treats with varying prices. As this is a recurring expense, choose one that is reasonable and does not burn a hole in your wallet.
Final Words
Using a range of treats for various purposes can benefit your pet in a variety of ways, but overfeeding can be dangerous. Cats need to eat to stay healthy, so keep an eye on your treating habits and make sure you're not over-treating your pet.
Treats are a great way to show your cat how much you love them, but they should be part of a larger health plan. To thrive, your cat requires both physical and mental activity. Treats are important, but so are exercise, playtime, and a nutritious diet. You may provide your cat with high-quality treats to help ensure that he or she has the best possible health and well-being. Your indoor cat may thrive with the correct treats and a great strategy.
We at PetPedia.in want to ensure the very best for your pets. Shop from our range of Cat Treats mentioned in this article and more at our Cat Shop and get them delivered fast and safe.
If you found this helpful, read other articles here:
Guide to Grooming your Cat or KittenComplete Guide to Potty Training your Kitten at Home
Complete Guide to Feeding Your Kitten Right according to Age, Breed and Lifestyle
What are the Best Cat Toys for Your Cat?
Monsoon Pet Care Guide for Dogs and Cats
