As a cat parent, you want to make sure the food you feed you feline friend is high-quality, nutritious, and tasty. But there’s more to think about than just your cat’s mealtimes. The snacks you provide are important, too. There are lots of different types of cat treats available, from functional treats that keep your cat’s teeth clean, to organic treats made with natural ingredients. And of course, there’s a huge variety of flavors out there to suit even the pickiest of eaters!
We reviewed dozens of cat treats to find the best of the best, based on Amazon reviews and other factors such as quality, convenience, and choice. We then narrowed our search to 5 of the best cat treats that are sure to be a hit with your kitty.
We’ve chosen Temptations Treats for Cats Super Value Size as the best bet for most cat parents. Available in 4 tempting flavor varieties, the treats are 100% nutritionally complete and balanced and contain no artificial flavors. Thanks to the combination of value, choice, and nutrition these treats offer, we believe they will satisfy most cat parents – and their furry family members!
In This Article
The 5 Top-Rated Cat Treats
*Ratings are from Amazon at the time of publication and can change
Our Top Pick: Temptations Treats for Cats Super Value Size
Temptations Treats for Cats Super Value Size are a great choice for cat parents looking for affordability, balanced nutrition, and variety. Choose from 4 classic flavors: Chicken, Chicken with Liver & Beef, Salmon, and Seafood. These treats are designed for maximum taste and texture, with a unique pocket shape that’s crunchy on the outside and creamy on the inside.
Based on sales data, Temptations Treats for Cats are the most popular choice of treat for US cat parents. The top-selling treats are formulated to be nutritionally balanced and free from artificial flavors. They also prevent tartar buildup in cats and contain under 2 calories per treat.
Temptations Treats for Cats Super Value Size Key Features:
- Value 30 oz. size
- 4 classic flavors
- Helps control tartar buildup
Our Runner Up Pick:Â Purina Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats
These original recipe cat treats from Purina are a popular choice with cats and cat parents. Purina Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats are crunchy and delicious treats with chicken, liver, and turkey flavors. They also contain just 1.3 calories per treat!
This product is available in a range of different sizes. We recommend the 4 pack of 10 oz. pouches if you want to stock up on cat treats at a great price. Reviewers were pleased with the price of these treats and many said their cats love the flavor.
Purina Friskies Party Mix Original Crunch Cat Treats Key Features:
- Chicken, liver, and turkey flavors
- Only 1.3 calories per treat
- Value multi-pack
Best Budget Pick: Purina Friskies Party Mix Crunch Beachside Cat Treats
Made with real ocean whitefish and flavors of shrimp, crab, and tuna, Purina Friskies Party Mix Crunch Beachside Cat Treats contain less than 2 calories per treat for guilt-free snacking. Available in a variety of different pack sizes, we think the 20 oz. canister represents excellent value for money.
Each serving features a crunchy, satisfying texture that also helps keep your cat’s teeth clean. The treats are also formulated to be nutritionally balanced and complete. Reviewers were generally satisfied with the quality of this product and pleased with their purchase.
Purina Friskies Party Mix Crunch Beachside Cat Treats Key Features:
- Contains real ocean whitefish and flavors of shrimp, crab, and tuna
- Less than 2 calories per treat
- Crunchy texture to help keep teeth clean
Best Hairball Control Treats: Temptations Functional Cat Treats
Temptations Functional Cat Treats are designed to help eliminate hairballs in adult cats. They are crunchy on the outside and soft on the inside. And with only 2 calories per treat and a tasty chicken flavor, they are perfect to give your cat as a snack or reward.
This product is not recommended for cats under 6 months of age. The manufacturer recommends feeding 10 treats per day all at once in conjunction with a hairball dry cat food product until symptoms disappear.
Temptations Functional Cat Treats Key Features:
- Designed to eliminate hairballs in adult cats
- 2 calories per treat
- Crunchy on the outside with a soft center
Best Dental Cat Treats: Feline Greenies Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats
Looking for a cat treat that supports your pet’s oral health? Feline Greenies Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats are recommended by veterinarians to help adult cats maintain good dental health. Part of the popular Feline Greenies product range, these tasty treats come in a jumbo size 11 oz. tub (other sizes available). They contain natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to effectively clean teeth, freshen breath, and fight tartar.
Feline Greenies are nutritionally balanced and meet standards established by the AAFCO Cat Food Nutrient Profiles for adult maintenance. They have a unique shape with a crunchy texture, and many reviewers commented that their cats find the flavor irresistible.
Feline Greenies Oven Roasted Chicken Flavor Dental Cat Treats Key Features:
- Recommended by veterinarians to help adult cats maintain good dental health
- Delicious oven roasted chicken flavor
- Nutritionally balanced
- Contains natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients
Who Should Buy Cats Treats?
If you’re a cat parent you want the best for your furry family member. Of course, a balanced and nutritious diet is the cornerstone of your cat’s health, but many cat parents like to spoil their kitties with tasty treats from time to time.
The most important thing to remember is not to overfeed your cat. Treats should never replace the nutrient-rich cat food given at mealtimes, and experts generally advise that cats shouldn’t get more than 10% of their daily calories from treats.
When shopping for cat treats, read ingredient labels and consult with your veterinarian if you are unsure about feeding your cat a particular brand of treat. Always store cat treats in a sealed container and keep them in a cool, dry place for freshness.
Important Features to Consider
Cat treats should have a few important features. Here’s what to consider when selecting treats for your cat:
- Your cat’s general condition. Consider your cat’s general condition when choosing a suitable treat. Factors such as age, weight, activity level, and health should play a major role in your choice of treat. Overweight or inactive cats should be fed low calorie treats, and kittens or older cats will usually find soft treats easier to eat than the crunchy variety. If your cat has health conditions such as dental problems or hairballs, consider functional treats to address these problems.
- Ingredients. Check the ingredients on the label of cat treats to make sure you know what you are buying. A good rule of thumb is to look for treats that meet the guidelines of The Association of American Feed Control Officials (AAFCO). This will ensure that they are healthy and nutritionally balanced. If your cat has allergies or dietary issues, ask your veterinarian for advice on choosing an appropriate treat.
- Flavor and texture. Cats can be picky eaters, so you may need to test treats with different textures and flavors before finding a variety your cat enjoys. It’s a good idea to try textures or flavors that your cat doesn’t normally eat to add some variety to his diet. For example, if your cat normally eats wet food, try giving him a treat with a crunchy texture. Thankfully, treats are available in a wide range of textures and flavors so you should be able to find a brand your cat loves.
- Standard or natural cat treats. Depending on your cat’s diet, you may prefer to choose natural cat treats over the standard variety. Natural cat treats are typically free from ingredients such as artificial colors, flavors, and preservatives, and contain premium ingredients like vegetables and whole protein sources. As always, check the labels on cat treats to make sure you know exactly what you are buying.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are too many treats bad for cats?
Yes. Treats are not designed to make up the bulk of your cat’s diet. They aren’t made with the same balanced nutrition that goes into foods designed for your pet’s mealtimes, and should always be given in moderation. Experts generally advise that cats shouldn’t get more than 10% of their daily calories from treats.
What is catnip and why do cats like it so much?
Catnip (Nepeta cataria) is a plant from the mint family. It has a strong, pungent fragrance which is highly attractive to cats of all kinds – from domesticated cats to lions and tigers. The leaves and stems of the catnip plant contain a volatile oil called nepetalactone which triggers the euphoric effect seen in many cats that come into contact with it.
Can a cat eat cheese?
In small amounts, cheese is not toxic to cats. But it’s not a good choice of food to give them. Cats are obligate carnivores and require a meat-based diet that’s high in protein, they simply have no nutritional need for dairy products such as cheese. In fact, cats fed cheese regularly can gain weight and develop gastrointestinal problems like diarrhea.
Is it bad to give cats tuna?
Canned tuna can be given as an occasional treat, but too much can cause health problems for cats. Tuna is not nutritionally complete, so it won’t provide your cat’s body with all the vital nutrients it needs. It is also high is unsaturated fats which can cause weight gain and other health issues. Tuna also contains higher levels of mercury than other fish, and consuming too much can result in mercury poisoning.
Other Cat Treats We Reviewed
We looked at 20 other cat treats. Even though they didn’t make our 5 best cat treats, they’re the best of the rest and each is still is great option for your cat. The information you’ll need to compare each one is included with the listing.
Dental Cat Treats
Feline Greenies Catnip Flavor Dental Cat Treats
These dental treats from Greenies provide balanced nutrition while keeping your cat’s teeth clean and healthy. The value size pack contains 5.5 oz. of catnip flavor treats at a budget-friendly price.
Key Features:
- Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO
- Supports oral health
- Delicious catnip flavor
Cost: Est. $5 (5.5 oz.)
Feline Greenies Ocean Fish Flavor Dental Cat Treats
Is your cat a picky eater? Reviewers say most cats find Greenies Ocean Fish Flavor Dental Cat Treats delicious. Besides tasting great, these functional treats help prevent tartar buildup and support dental health.
Key Features:
- Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO
- Effectively clean teeth, freshen breath, and fight tartar
- Popular ocean fish flavor
Cost: Est. $5 (5.5 oz.)
Feline Greenies Savory Salmon Flavor Dental Cat Treats
These savory salmon flavor dental cat treats are bursting with flavor and just the right size to prevent tartar buildup. They are made with natural ingredients plus vitamins, minerals, and other nutrients to support dental health.
Key Features:
- Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO
- Provides support to dental health
- Savory salmon flavor
Cost: Est. $5 (5.5 oz.)
Feline Greenies Tempting Tuna Flavor Dental Cat Treats
The tempting tuna variety of Greenies dental cat treats are another popular choice with cat parents. Reviewers say these treats are great value for money and their cats love the taste.
Key Features:
- Formulated to meet the nutritional levels established by the AAFCO
- Supports your cat’s oral health
- Tempting tuna flavor
Cost: Est. $5 (5.5 oz.)
Purina DentaLife Tasty Chicken Flavor Dental Treats for Cats
These dental treats from Purina are designed with a more porous texture than traditional treats. This allows your cat’s teeth to penetrate the treats for an effective clean.
Key Features:
- Supports dental health
- Reduces tartar buildup
- Tasty chicken flavor
Hairball Control Treats
These veterinarian-designed treats provide fiber to help minimize the formation of hairballs. Made with natural ingredients, they have a delicious tuna flavor your cat will love.
Key Features:
- Contains plant-based fibers to help minimize hairball formation
- Promotes healthy digestion
- Natural ingredients that benefit your cat’s health
Cost: Est. $44 (4.6 oz. / 6 pack)
IAMS Proactive Health Daily Cat Treats
These healthy treats from IAMS are designed to help eliminate hairballs and support a healthy digestive tract. Most reviewers say they are pleased with how effectively the product prevents hairballs.
Key Features:
- Eliminates hairballs
- Supports digestive health
- Chicken flavor treats with a crunchy shell and soft center
Cost: Est. $19 (2.47 oz. / pack of 10)
Lickable Cat Treats
HARTZ Delectables Bisque Lickable Treat
A soft, lickable treat blended into a smooth and satisfying sauce. This product is nutritionally complete and comes in a variety of delicious flavors. Special formulas are also available for kittens and senior cats.
Key Features:
- Wet texture allows your cat to enjoy fish, meat, and juices together
- Supports the health of cats of all ages
- Range of delicious flavors to choose from
Cost: Est. $9.50 (1.4 oz. / pack of 12)
HARTZ Delectables Squeeze Up Cat Treat
This treat from HARTZ is a rich, lickable puree in a convenient tube. It can be used to feed cats by hand, squeezed into a bowl, or used as a food topper.
Key Features:
- Rich, thick puree in a lickable tube
- Package contains 32 tubes of treat
Cost: Est. $18 (eight 4-packs, 0.5 oz. each)
HARTZ Delectables Stew Lickable Treat
Single serve treats from HARTZ with healthy and delicious ingredients blended into a rich sauce. Choose from a variety of flavor combinations including Chicken & Tuna and Tuna & Whitefish.
Key Features:
- Convenient single serve pouch
- Delicious wet texture
- Variety of flavors
Cost: Est. $12 (1.4 oz. / pack of 12)
INABA Churu Lickable Creamy Puree Japanese Cat Treats
These treats from INABA can be licked directly from the tube or added as a tasty topper to wet or dry food. They are grain-free and contain no artificial colors or preservatives.
Key Features:
- Great for senior cats or those that prefer licking to chewing
- Grain-free
- No artificial colors or preservatives
Dry Cat Treats
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats
Crunchy, oven-baked treats from Blue Buffalo that feature real, deboned chicken. These treats are made with natural ingredients and contain no by-product meals, corn, wheat, or soy.Â
Key Features:Â
- Grain-free
- No corn, wheat, soy, or artificial flavors
- Less than 2 calories per treat
Cost: Est. $28
Cat-Man-Doo Dried Chicken Pet Treats
These human-grade freeze dried chicken pet treats are suitable for dogs as well as cats. This product is a single ingredient treat free of grains and fillers. It is low in fat, calories, and carbohydrates so it won’t contribute to weight gain.
Key Features:
- No chemicals, additives, or preservatives.
- Healthy single ingredient treats
- Free of grains and fillers
Cost: Est. $18 (5 oz.)
Purina Friskies Party Mix Favorites Lip Lickin’ Chicken Cat Treats
Value size 20 oz. canister of crunchy cat treats with a tasty chicken flavor. Reviewers say the resealable canister keeps the treats fresh and the flavor is popular with their cats.
Key Features:
- 20 oz. resealable canister
- Tasty chicken flavor
Cost: Est. $13 (20 oz.)
Purina Friskies Party Mix Favorites Slammin’ Salmon Cat Treats
A 20 oz. canister of salmon flavor treats from the popular Friskies range of cat treats. Reviewers say this product represents excellent value for money.
Key Features:
- 20 oz. resealable canister
- Delicious salmon flavor
Cost: Est. $16 (20 oz.)
Purina Whisker Lickin’s Crunchy & Yummy Tuna Cat Treats
These cat treats from Purina come in four fun shapes with a crunchy texture cats love. They are sold in a multi-pack of four 10 oz. resealable pouches for convenience and freshness.
Key Features:
- Crunchy texture
- Tuna flavor
- Multi-pack of resealable pouches for convenience and freshness
Cost: Est. $28 (10 oz. / pack of 4)
Temptations Classic Cat Treat Variety Pack
A variety pack of treats from Temptations that lets your cat choose their favorite flavor. The pack contains four 3 oz. pouches of treats, featuring Seafood Medley, Tasty Chicken, Creamy Dairy and Tempting Tuna Flavors (one of each flavor).
Key Features:
- Crunchy, savory treats with a smooth and creamy center
- Variety pack of 4 popular flavors
- Under 2 calories per treat
Cost: Est. $6 (3 oz. / pack of 4)
Temptations Classic Treats for Cats
Classic cat treats from Temptations available in 6 tempting flavors. Choose from catnip, chicken, dairy, salmon, seafood, or tuna. Temptations treats for cats have no artificial flavors and are nutritionally complete.
Key Features:
- Value size 16 oz. tub
- Crunchy, savory treats with a smooth and creamy center
- 6 tempting flavors to choose from
Cost: Est. $8 (16 oz.)
Temptations Jumbo Stuff Cat Treats
These treats are big on flavor, but clock in at just 2 calories each. Available in chicken or tuna flavors, they have a unique pocket shape that’s crunchy on the outside and soft and creamy on the inside.
Key Features:
- Contains ten 5.3-oz. pouches
- Just 2 calories per treat
- More filling than Temptations Classic Treats
Cost: Est. $32 (5.3 oz. / pack of 10)
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats
Grain-free treats made with premium fruit, vegetables, and real salmon. Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain Free Cat Treats are a great option for cat parents looking for all-natural treats.
Key Features:
- Grain-free
- All-natural ingredients with no meat by-products, artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives
- Complete and balanced everyday nutrition
Cost: Est. $2.40 (2 oz.)
