Patrick MacFarland · Updated April 14, 2025
Cats love treats, and giving them the right ones matters for their health and happiness. Your feline friend deserves special snacks that match their age and needs, from playful kittens to mature seniors who need extra care.
Choosing the right treats helps support your cat’s health while strengthening the bond between you and your pet. Between dry kibble, soft chews, and lickable purees, today’s market offers many options to keep your cat purring with delight.
1. Hartz Delectables Chowder Lickable Wet Cat Treats
Lickable cat treats from Hartz Delectables come in convenient 1.4-ounce pouches. These treats feature a creamy puree texture that cats love to lick up. You can choose from different protein options including chicken and fish varieties. The treats combine tender meat pieces with a smooth sauce that makes them extra appealing to cats.
2. Meow Mix Irresistibles Soft Cat Treats
Meow Mix Irresistibles soft treats come in chicken and salmon flavors made with real meat. These treats have a tender texture that makes them easy for cats to eat and enjoy. The soft texture makes these treats perfect for both kittens and senior cats who might have trouble with crunchier options. Your older cat will appreciate how gentle these treats are on their teeth.
3. Temptations Mixups Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats
Temptations MixUps cat treats offer a unique dual texture experience for your feline friend. These treats are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside, giving your cat an interesting mouthfeel that keeps them coming back for more. Each treat contains less than 2 calories, making them a smart choice for treating your cat without worrying about weight gain. The crunchy outer texture helps fight plaque buildup on your cat’s teeth.
4. Blue Buffalo Bursts Cat Treats
Blue Buffalo Bursts feature a unique two-texture design with a crunchy outer shell and creamy center. Most cats find this combination hard to resist. Your cat will enjoy the natural ingredients in these treats. They contain real chicken or liver and beef flavors depending on the variety you choose.
5. Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats
Wellness Kittles cat treats offer a satisfying crunch that cats love. Each treat contains just 2 calories, making them ideal for regular treating without weight gain concerns. These grain-free treats come in multiple flavors, including chicken and cranberries. The recipe excludes corn, wheat, and soy, focusing instead on high-quality ingredients your cat needs.
6. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
Greenies dental treats for cats help clean teeth and reduce tartar buildup while providing a tasty snack your cat will enjoy. The crunchy texture works to scrub your cat’s teeth as they chew. These treats contain natural ingredients plus added vitamins and minerals to support your cat’s health. They come in several cat-friendly flavors that most cats find appealing.
7. Friskies Party Mix Cat Treats
Friskies Party Mix treats offer your cat a crunchy snack with flavors like chicken, liver, and turkey. These treats come in a resealable bag to keep them fresh between servings. Your cat will enjoy the natural ingredients with added vitamins and minerals found in varieties like Party Mix Natural Yums with Wild Shrimp. The crunchy texture helps keep your cat’s teeth clean while satisfying their appetite.
8. Purina Whisker Lickin’s Cat Treats
Whisker Lickin’s cat treats come in both soft and crunchy textures to match your cat’s preferences. Your cat can enjoy these treats in multiple fun shapes and exciting flavors. The crunchy tuna variety helps control tartar buildup while your cat chews. The treats come in four different shapes to keep your cat interested and engaged during treat time.
9. IAMS Proactive Health Senior Cat Treats
IAMS Proactive Health Senior cat food contains chicken as the main ingredient to support muscle strength in cats 11 years and older. While not specifically marketed as treats, you can use small portions of the kibble as rewards for your senior cat. The smaller kibble size makes it easy for older cats to chew and digest. You can set aside a small portion of their daily food allowance to use as treats throughout the day.
10. Royal Canin Aging 12+ Cat Food Treats
Your senior cat needs special nutrition as they age, and Royal Canin Aging 12+ cat food provides targeted support for cats 12 years and older. These treats are formulated with an ideal balance of proteins, fats, and carbohydrates to maintain healthy weight in aging cats. The specialized formula includes essential nutrients that support joint health and mobility.
Understanding Cat Dietary Needs
Cats need specific nutrients to stay healthy at each life stage. Good nutrition helps prevent health issues and keeps your cat active and happy.
Nutritional Requirements for Different Life Stages
- Kittens need more calories and nutrients to support their fast growth. Their food must be high in protein and essential fatty acids for proper development.
- Adult cats need a balanced mix of proteins, fats, and vitamins. The right amounts help maintain healthy muscles and organs.
- Senior cats require fewer calories but still need quality protein. Extra vitamins and minerals support aging joints and organs.
The Role of Treats in a Balanced Diet
Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. Pick treats that match your cat’s needs:
Best Treat Types:
- Small, low-calorie pieces for training
- Dental treats for teeth cleaning
- Hairball control treats with fiber
- Vitamin-enriched treats for health support
Pick treats that list meat as the first ingredient. Avoid treats with artificial colors or preservatives. Break larger treats into smaller pieces to control portions. This helps prevent weight gain while still letting your cat enjoy special snacks.
Patrick MacFarland has been a teacher, a candidate for public office, and a local tour guide. But now he dedicates his time writing full-time, currently at CitizenShipper and VeraContent.
