Can You Give Kittens Cat Treats

Blue Buffalo Kitty Cravings

First 5 ingredients: Deboned Chicken, Chicken Meal, Brown Rice, Barley, Oatmeal

Worried that your kittens would grow as overweight cats from eating too much treats? Well, its not as if you are going to give them treats all the time.

But still, to soothe your anxiety you can check out kitten treats that contain lesser calories and no fillers that would just bulk up your feline companion.

With Blue Buffalo Kitty Cravings you can sit back and relax while giving your kittens their delectable treats since each piece of this treat contains only two calories.

Whats more, this tasty treat uses wholesome ingredients and is devoid of by-product meal, dried meat by-products, and wheat.

It also features real chicken as its number one ingredient along with chicken meal, brown rice, barley, oatmeal, and peas. And it is free from corn, soy, and artificial preservatives, colors, or flavors.

Using Them With Care Can Help Improve Your Cat’s Behavior And Happiness Just Avoid Letting Her Gain Weight In The Process Here’s How To Strike A Balance

Many of us maintain a little stockpile of our favorite snacks in a cupboard somewhere. And plenty of pet owners feel that their beloved four-legged companions deserve their own stash of treats as well. But does the habit of giving treats actually benefit our cats or is it more a matter of anthropomorphism than anything else?

Cats dont require treats, says Cailin Heinze, MS, VMD, assistant professor of nutrition in the Department of Clinical Sciences at Tufts Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. But they can be appropriate if your cat is healthy and you watch calories. Giving treats to cats is less common than with dogs. Thats probably because its also less common to train a cat than a dog.

However, training is actually a great reason to introduce treats to your cat, she says. While its tempting to toss your cat a treat because she just looks so cute curled up on the couch, the best use of treats is as a reward for good behavior specific good behavior, says Dr. Heinze. If you want your cat to come when you call her, or to sit, or not to be in your face when you eat your cereal in the morning, you can train her. Food that is not in a bowl can be a powerful motivator. Its amazing what cats can be trained to do with positive rewards, and treats are one easy way to reward them. It takes a little more patience than with dogs you have to convince them that its in their own interest.

How Can I Know Im Selecting A High

Mindy Bough, CVT, senior director of client services for the Midwest Office of the American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals emphasizes the importance of high-quality kitten food. I dont recommend generic or store brands, Bough says. Buy from a reputable company — one that veterinarians recommend more frequently, she says. Research has determined these kitten foods provide excellent health.

Continued

But how can you be certain a kitten food is of high quality? One way is by checking the label. It should at least contain the following: Meets the nutritional requirements of kittens established by the American Association of Feed Control Officials . AAFCO is a group of state and federal officials who regulate pet food. Even better, look for this: Complete and balanced nutrition for kittens based on AAFCO feeding trials. Complete and balanced nutrition means your kitten will require no mineral or vitamin supplementation. In fact, remember that too much of a good thing can be bad for your kitten, causing severe medical problems. Use supplements only if your veterinarian recommends them.

Also use caution with homemade diets. For example, all-meat homemade diets can be low in calcium, leading to a mineral imbalance that causes hyperparathyroidism, a disease more common in rapidly growing kittens. If you use a homemade diet, make sure its been formulated by a reputable nutritionist, Bough says.

Also Check: Cat Years To Human Year

What Are The Best Treats For Cats And Kittens

It can be fun to give cats treats! Who doesnt love hearing eager meows and purring, or watching their kittyBAE batting around a treat ball with adorable energy? In all the fun, it can be easy to ignore that treats are designed to be just that treats and not a major portion of your pets diet. Heres what to know before you stock up.

Treats are great for training! Kittens can have treats when theyre fully weaned and on solid food. Stick to a few small treats a day you want them to be special, not an expected perk.

Get Naked Kitten Health Soft Treats

These soft kitten treats have been prepared using real chicken meat. Each piece contains 3 calories. With each delicious bite, your little kitten will get DHA Omega 3 and taurine which are essential to your pet’s health.

To know more about the best cat treats, you can read our post on the Top 10 Cat Treats Brands.

Read Also: What Are Cat Years In Human

Finding The Best Kitten Treats For Your Needs

There are some important factors to consider when deciding on the best treats that will meet your needs and your kittens needs. These include the following:

• Variety Veterinarians recommend that you provide your growing kitten with a variety of food flavors and textures from a young age. This allows your kitty to realize that food is not just dehydrated nuggets or the opposite, all wet food.
• Nutrition No more than 10 percent of your kittens diet should come from treats. Even so, the treats they get should provide them with the nutrition they need during this crucial growth period. Empty calories are not only bad for people!
• Ingredients The best treats on our list have a real meat source as the first ingredient. They are free from grains, additives, artificial flavors, and other unnecessary ingredients.
• Taste Some kittens will eat anything, while others might prefer salmon over chicken. Getting to know your cats preference will ensure you are providing them with treats and foods they enjoy eating.

What Human Foods Are Safe For Cats

Cats can actually eat a variety of human foods including fruits and vegetables. Although cats are often noted as picky eaters, offering some variety and healthy treats can really expand their palette and their nutrition.

Cats are categorized as obligate carnivores, meaning, they need a high quantity of meat and protein in their diet in order to be healthy. They should not be on vegetarian or vegan dietsthese diets lack taurine which is essentially for keeping your cat healthy. Taurine can only be found in animal protein.

Although your cat must consume a carnivorous diet, you can make sure to introduce many colorful foods into their daily regimen, just remember to always do so in moderation. In addition, check with your veterinarian first. It is especially important if your cat has any known health conditions, as dense, nutritional foods can compromise organs and the body if your cat has preexisting conditions.

Cats can eat small amounts of green beans and broccoli.

Recommended Reading: Cat Ages In Human Years

How Do I Switch From One Kitten Food To Another

Cats are often considered the epitome of the picky eater. But it doesnt have to be that way. Get your kitten started off on the right paw.

Continued

Its easier to switch foods if a kitten has been exposed early on to different textures and flavors, Larsen says. If exposed to the same food over and over, cats tend to get a fixed preference for a particular flavor and texture.

If youre trying to make a switch to a new kitten food, try mixing the new food and old foods in the same bowl. Over time, offer smaller and smaller amounts of the old food along with the new food.

Remember that making rapid changes in food can cause stomach upset or hunger strikes. So you may need to make the transition to a new food over four to seven days.

Why Do Dog Treats Contain Small Amounts Of These Potentially Toxic Ingredients

It might seem odd that dog treats would contain an ingredient that is technically toxic, but the important thing to remember is that the amounts are so tiny that they are totally safe for your dog.

The reason why propylene glycol and ethylene glycol are used is to keep the treat tasting moist, ensuring it appeals to your pooch. Onions or garlic tend to be used as flavourings, again to tantalise your dog’s tastebuds! Dog treats are tested to ensure they’re safe for dogs, but without the same testing, you can’t be sure they are safe for your favourite feline.

Also Check: Who Plays The Cat In Hocus Pocus

Key Ingredients In Natural Joint Care:

Green-lipped mussel powder or oil: Green-lipped mussels contain a uniquely rich combination of Omega fatty-acids not found in any other marine species. These fatty acids help to support the maintenance of healthy bone and joint structures. The green-lipped mussel is endemic to New Zealand and provides a rich source of minerals and micronutrients.

Omega-3s: When looking for supplements with Omega-3, it is best to find a source that is rich in EPA, DHA & ETA).

Glucosamine: Supplements rich in glucosamine are a great addition to your Cats daily diet. Glucosamine is a natural compound found in connective tissue.

Turmeric: The anti-inflammatory effects of turmeric are well-known in both human and animal studies. Supplements containing turmeric are a good natural addition to the daily diet of your feline. Always follow the recommended feeding guidelines.

Is It Safe To Give Treats To Your Cat

Before we touch on the topic of temptation treats, have you ever thought about why cats are given treats? Isnt feeding them regular food enough?

Cats dont need treats, but they can be given treats as a method of appreciation. Treats are a treat for your cat they can be addictive if given too many too often.

While your cat may expect a treat often depending on how you train it, you should keep in mind that not each treat but you pick from the cat food store is going to be healthy for your cat.

Many brands that create cat treats do not use good quality ingredients, and this, in turn, affects the health of your cat.

A good treat is supposed to have good nutritional value and a delicious taste so that it feels like a treat to the cat.

Therefore, if the constituents of the treats are unhealthy, it is best to avoid feeding any kind of treats to your cat altogether.

Read Also: Cats Age To Human Years

Healthy Treat Ideas For Cats

After a long day at work, chances are youre happy to go home and play with your cat. We all want to make our pets happy, so your bonding time might include a few extra treats. However, cat experts caution that giving your cat too many treats can be harmful.

Obesity is a huge problem in both dogs and cats, says Dr. Rachel Barrack, DVM, a veterinarian and veterinary acupuncturist at Animal Acupuncture. It has been shown that obesity is linked to major medical problems in both dogs and cats including cancer, degenerative joint disease, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, and decreased life expectancy and quality of life. The most commonly seen cause of obesity in pets is overfeedingparticularly overfeeding treats.

Thats not to say that you can never give your pet treats, of course. But you should think about when you treat and how much you give each time. Giving healthy treats to a cat might seem like the obvious answer, but its a little harder to treat cats than dogs, says Dr. Amy Farcas, DVM, a veterinary nutritionist with Veterinary Nutrition Care in California.

Cats are different, she says. They dont really eat most of what we think would make a good treat for animals. Most arent likely to eat fruits or vegetables either, she said.

So what kinds of healthy treats can you give your cat? Here are six ideas.

Is It Possible For Cats To Consume Cheese

Because of the prevalence of depictions of cats slurping milk in popular culture, its no surprise that this is one of the most persistent feline myths. However, as it turns out, most cats are lactose intolerant, so giving them milk is not a good idea.

So, can cats eat cheese? If your cat is lactose intolerant or has a milk allergy, you should not feed it milk. In general, cheese should be avoided or given to pets in moderation, even if this is not the case for yours.

Recommended Reading: Why Does My Cat Spill His Water

Help Your Furry Friend Feel Less Anxious

• Email

Our editors independently research, test, and recommend the bestproducts youcan learn more about ourreview process here.We may receive commissions on purchases made from our chosen links.

The Spruce / Sabrina Jiang

Just like people, cats can get stressed out from time to time. Boredom, overstimulation , and changes in their environment can easily set them off. While the best thing to do is keep your cats environment as stress-free as possible, calming aids for cats can also help when unavoidable changes are happening in their environment.

According to Dr. Zay Satchu, DVM, co-founder and Chief Veterinary Officer of Bond Vet, there are several different types of products marketed to help relieve stress and anxiety in cats, including treats, collars, sprays and plug-ins. Sprays and plug-ins work by releasing calming pheromones into the air that are calming and help kitty relax, explains Satchu. Treats use a blend of calming and relaxing herbs, similar to how some teas work for people.

So, what should you look for? The best calming aids contain pheromones, rosemary, chamomile, and/or tryptophan, says Satchu. Shes partial to Feliway products, but there are other options that cat parents have also used with some success. Keep in mind that no product is effective with 100 percent of cats, so it may take trying out a few different options to help your cat feel more relaxed.

Below, you’ll find the best calming aids for cats.

What Happens If My Cat Eats Dog Treats

Most dog treats are unlikely to cause any harm to your cat, especially if they only eat a small amount. However, since the treats are aimed at dogs, they are not guaranteed to be safe for cats.

If your cat has eaten a dog treat, check the ingredients list to see if there are any concerning ingredients. Its also worth keeping the packaging to show your veterinarian just in case. As long as your cat appears well and is showing no symptoms, you should monitor them closely. But if they become unwell, or you have any concerns, speak to your veterinarian.

Recommended Reading: Matchbox Rks Lyrics

Best Collar: Sentry Calming Collar For Cats

Delivery Method: Collar | Key Ingredients: Cat pheromones

• Releases pheromones which is very effective

• Works for 30 days

• Some cats get irritated by collars

Similar to the diffusers and calming sprays, calming collars work by releasing pheromones that ultimately work to help calm your cats nervous system. The manufacturer claims this collar has been shown to reduce excessive meowing and fear of loud noises and curb bad behaviors in clinical trials. Satchu notes that having a collar on can stress some cats out, which defeats the purpose of the calming aid. However, if your kitty is used to wearing a collar, this is could be a good option for you.

Delivery Method: Treats | Key Ingredients: L-tryptophan, chamomile flower, dried cheese, dried chicken liver, green tea extract, rosemary extract, salmon oil

• Picky cats might not eat them

The price of calming aids can add up quickly, especially since they require regular refilling. If youre looking for a budget-friendly option thats still high-quality and highly-rated, these ThunderWunders Calming Cat Chews fit the bill. Theres 100 in the chews in the container, so they break down to less than 20 cents per chew. Each chew contains three of the main ingredients Satchu recommends for calming your cattryptophan, chamomile, and rosemaryas well as other ingredients like dried chicken liver and dried cheese to entice your kitty to actually eat them.

Inaba Churu Lickable Creamy Puree’ Cat Treats

These nutritious lickable treats can be given to cats of all ages. They are made with high quality chicken and tuna meats. These treats are low in calories but have high moisture content. They don’t contain any grains, preservatives, and artificial flavors. That’s why they are safe for your kittens.

Also Check: How Long Are Cat Years In Human Years

Can Cats Eat Dairycheese And Milk

Whether cats should be fed diary is long-debated and it may simply depend on your cat. Lactose, just like in humans, can cause vomitting, diarrhea, and uncomfortable bloating and gas.

Some cats love cheese and can do quite well having it as an occasional treat at times. You might consider using dry cheeses for palate enhancementsa sprinkle or parmesan or a string of mozzarella. Generally, a little bit of cheese or a drip or unsweetened and unflavored dairy might be ok here and there, just don’t offer your cat a bowl of milk.

Your Fridge And Pantry Contain Lots Of Cat Treats And Were Not Talking About The Store

Thanks to a growing number of natural nutritious cat treats on the market, theres lots to choose from when you want to give your feline friend something special. But you can broaden the choices even more by giving your cat whole foods from your own kitchen. Lets take a look at whats healthy and safe and whats not when it comes to serving your own cat treats.

Read Also: How Much Should A 4 Month Old Cat Eat