At this time of year there’s nothing better than curling up with your pet and spoiling both of you with a few choice treats. Obviously you’ll be snacking on different things, but do you know what the best titbits are to feed your cat?
Our head nurse Sarah and the team at Clarendon Street Vets are on hand to offer advice about the right and wrong ways to spoil your cat when you contact them.
Contact us for advice on treats
What are the best treats for my cat?
While you might like chocolate or sugary treats, you mustn’t be tempted to share them with your cat. Neither should you give them onion, garlic, grapes or raisins. However, there are plenty of types of treats you can offer your cat, but Sarah suggests always checking the ingredients on the packaging to make sure the calories aren’t too high.
Freeze-dried meat treats are an option, being pure meat and low in calories. They also will come in a variety of your cat’s favourite flavours, from chicken and turkey to salmon.
There are some human foods that are okay to give as treats, such as very small quantities of cheese, cooked fish and chicken.
How many is too many?
Moderation is key when feeding treats – you don’t want to overindulge your cat and cause weight problems. Treats should only make up 10% of your cat’s total daily calories.
Like us, cats develop a taste for treats and will never say no to them. Some cats may even start avoiding their normal food in favour of treats if you’ve been letting them have them often.
If you’re worried you’ve given your cat a few too many, it’s best to get a general check up with Clarendon Street Vets’ team so they can evaluate your cat’s weight and body condition to make sure they’re still nice & healthy.
We advise giving treats as part of fun and exercise. You can buy special toys so your cat will need to work out how to reach the treat, which will help to keep their brain moving. Or use them to train them in agility exercises or tricks.
Don’t forget, we’re always happy to offer advice and answer any queries you may have.