Best Cat Treats

So you’ve got a whiskered ball of fur at home, and you want to pamper them with some healthy treats. The good news is, that you don’t have to visit high-end specialty pet stores to find food that will make them purr for joy. Let’s go over the top, easy-to-find treats available in most physical or online stores that your feline friend will love.

8 Readily Available Treats for Your Cat

1. Tuna Cat Food

Cats are notorious seafood lovers, and tuna cat food is a classic hit. What’s more, tuna is a good source of animal protein, which is one of the most important cat food ingredients. Since cats are carnivores, you should include a good animal protein in their diet, which provides energy and essential amino acids. Whether it’s canned tuna in water or those designed specifically for cats, tuna is an easily accessible treat that’s sure to make your kitty’s taste buds dance. 

2. Malunggay (Moringa)

If you want to give your cat a nutritious boost, add malunggay or moringa to their diet. Moringa is a superfood that has antiviral and antibacterial effects. Not only is malunggay affordable, but also easily accessible. You can buy it in supermarkets and wet markets…you might even have a malunggay tree growing in your garden! 

But if you’re after convenience and don’t want to cook, we recommend feeding your cat Purr Delight, which is made from 100 percent tuna and a healthy helping of moringa. Purr Delight smells so good that one of our customers almost ate it, thinking it was tuna for humans!

3. Chicken

A staple in many households, chicken is another protein-rich option that cats adore. Chicken also provides essential amino acids that support your cat’s muscle health and energy levels. Pet Keen, a veterinarian-reviewed blog, recommends choosing boneless chicken and boiling it until it’s fully cooked. Carefully shred it without adding any seasonings, since these can be toxic to cats.

4. Salmon

Salmon is another fishy delight that’s cat-approved. Look for freeze-dried salmon treats or canned salmon in water. Rich in Omega-3 fatty acids, salmon is tasty and supports your cat’s coat and skin health. You can give it to them baked, pan-fried, or poached minus the butter, salt, oil, or other seasonings. Always remove the bones, head, and fins before feeding it to your cat!

5. Beef

Cooked, unseasoned beef bits can be a delightful surprise for your cat. Cut the meat into small pieces and watch your feline companion savor the meaty goodness! Aside from being another good protein source for cats, beef also contains some fat, which is good for them in moderate amounts. Make sure you cook the unseasoned meat well to kill parasites and bacteria.

6. Baby food

You might be wondering if baby food is safe for your cats. The answer is yes but with important conditions! You can give cats and weaning kittens baby food as long as it's unseasoned and free from ingredients like onions, grapes, nuts, or garlic, which can be toxic to cats. Only choose meat-based baby food without additives. Remember, baby food should only be given as an occasional treat and not as a meal replacement!

7. Eggs

Scrambled and boiled eggs for your feline highness? It’s a big yes! Eggs are not only a good source of protein, but are also readily available in stores. You and your cat can have an eggs-traordinary breakfast together with this treat. Just make sure that you only give kitty plain eggs while whipping up some omelets for yourself. Believe it or not, cats usually find the texture and taste of eggs quite appealing.

8. Catnip

Catnip is an easily-growing herb that’s part of the mint family. It’s also a plant that makes some cats go crazy. PetMD (https://www.petmd.com/cat/general-health/what-is-catnip) says that cats enjoy catnip because it mimics feline sex hormones. Around 60 percent of cats that try catnip will exhibit behavior similar to a cat in heat, showing affection, relaxation, playfulness, or even aggression. 

When feeding catnip, give only a little at a time. An overdose can cause vomiting, diarrhea, or dizziness. You can buy fresh or dried catnip and even toys stuffed with catnip in many online stores. If you want to keep a supply, you can also try growing your own catnip plant.

Why Isn’t Milk on the List? 

If you watched the Disney romantic musical animation The Artistocats, you’ll be familiar with images of the mother cat Duchess and her pampered kittens enjoying their bowls of milk. Cats do enjoy fresh milk since it reminds them of their younger years. 

However, Hastings Veterinary Hospital and other veterinary sources don’t recommend giving cats milk, especially as a part of their staple diet. Some adult cats are lactose-intolerant and milk can cause stomach upsets, diarrhea, gassiness, and bloating. Even lactose-free milk isn’t good for them when fed regularly, since milk in general can cause obesity. It’s better to stick to the other treats on this list and a bowl of fresh water.

Can My Cat Be Allergic or Sensitive to Cat Treats?

Just a word of caution. Some cats may be allergic or sensitive to some types of meat. In fact, proteins are frequently the culprit when it comes to allergic reactions. Common food allergens on this list include: 

• Beef
• Seafood and fish
• Egg
• Chicken

Watch out for symptoms like:

• Diarrhea
• Alopecia (hair loss)
• Excessive licking
• Itching
• Vomiting
• Crusty and fluid-filled bumps on the skin
• Ear infections

According to Wag (https://wagwalking.com/cat/condition/beef-allergy), cats that have sensitivity or intolerance to food show gastrointestinal symptoms. Meanwhile, cats that are allergic may have irritated or inflamed skin. Always consult with your veterinarian when you see these symptoms in your furry friend. 

Treating Your Cats is Easy

Treating your cat doesn’t have to be a complicated affair. With these easy-to-find food options, you can shower your feline companion with love and flavors without needing a trip to a pricey gourmet pet store. Except for Purr Delight, which you can feed as a meal, these treats should be offered occasionally in moderation. They should not substitute for vet-approved cat food with complete dietary requirements. 

Have you tried feeding your pets these tasty cat treats? Which ones did they love best?