Cat Treats: Soft Chews, Crunchy Treats, Lickable Treats

You walk into the pet store, and you're surrounded by an overwhelming array of colorful toys, cozy beds, and delicious-looking food for your new feline friend. You want to give them the very best of everything, and that journey often starts at the treat aisle. Your eyes are drawn to a dizzying display of pouches, bags, and tubs, promising everything from a shiny coat to a healthy heart. There are crunchy treats, soft chews, and even creamy, lickable purées. You might find yourself wondering, "Do I really need all these different types of treats? Aren't they all just a little something extra?" It's a common and well-meaning assumption that I've seen countless times over my three decades in the pet supply business.

The truth is, cat treats are not just a simple snack; they are a powerful tool for training, bonding, and even dental health. A treat isn't just a reward; it's a way of communicating with your cat. It's a way of saying, "You did a great job," "I love you," or "Here, this will make you feel better." But the wrong treat can be more harmful than no treat at all. A treat that is too large can be a choking hazard, a treat that is full of cheap fillers can lead to weight gain and digestive issues, and a treat that is too hard can damage a cat's teeth. Navigating this maze of options can be a bit like trying to find your way through a funhouse mirror. You see something that looks fun, but you're never quite sure if it's safe or healthy. It's a critical part of cat ownership that is often overlooked in favor of more visible things, but it's just as important for their health and happiness.

I've seen firsthand how the right treat can transform a cat's behavior. I've watched frantic owners come in, exhausted by their cat's destructive behaviors or their relentless energy, and leave with a bag of high-value treats that completely changes the dynamic of their household. A treat can be used to teach a cat to sit on command, to get them to come when called, or to make a dreaded nail-trimming session a little bit easier. It's a small act of love that has a monumental impact on your relationship with your cat. The key is to find the perfect treat that speaks to your cat's specific needs and engages their mind in a way that's both fun and productive.

In this comprehensive guide, we're going to demystify the world of cat treats. We'll break down the different types—soft chews, crunchy treats, and lickable treats—and explain why each one matters. I'll share my professional insights on what to look for and what to avoid, and I'll provide detailed, expert reviews of seven of the best cat treats on the market today. Get ready to learn how to use a treat to build a stronger, happier, and more trusting bond with your feline friend.

The Treat Trinity: Why a Cat Needs a Variety of Treats

Just like a human, a cat needs a variety of foods and textures to keep their mind and body engaged. A good treat collection should be a mix of treats that appeal to a cat’s different natural instincts.

• Soft Chews: This is a fantastic category of treat for a wide range of cats, especially older cats or cats with dental issues. Soft chews are tender, moist, and easy to chew, which makes them a great option for a cat that has a hard time with a hard, crunchy treat. They are also a great option for training, as they can be easily broken into smaller pieces. A soft chew is a great way to provide a cat with a much-needed dose of moisture and a great way to make a dreaded nail-trimming session a little bit easier.

• Crunchy Treats: This is the most common type of treat, and for good reason. They are a great way to provide a cat with a crunchy texture that is a vital part of a cat's dental health. A crunchy treat helps to scrape away plaque and tartar from a cat's teeth, which can help to prevent dental disease. They are also a great option for training, as they are easy to carry and can be given to a cat in a small, bite-sized piece.

• Lickable Treats: This is a relatively new category of treat, and it's a game-changer. Lickable treats are creamy, savory purées that come in a squeeze tube or a pouch. They are a great way to provide a cat with a much-needed dose of moisture and a great way to entice a picky eater. They are also a fantastic tool for training, as they can be used to reward a cat for a specific behavior. A lickable treat is a great way to make a dreaded vet visit a little bit easier, and it's a great way to provide a cat with a soothing, comforting experience.

The key to a good treat collection is variety and rotation. You should have a variety of treats in your cat's pantry at all times, and you should rotate them every few days. This will keep your cat's mind engaged and prevent them from becoming bored with the same old treats.

Safety First: What to Look For and What to Avoid

Before you buy a single treat, you have to consider safety. A cat's curiosity can be a dangerous thing, and it's your job to make sure their treats are safe.

• Ingredients: Always look for treats made of safe, non-toxic ingredients. A treat that is full of cheap fillers, like corn, wheat, and soy, is not a good option for a cat. Look for a treat that is rich in a high-quality animal protein, like chicken, turkey, or fish. Avoid treats with artificial flavors, colors, and preservatives.

• Size: Always look for treats that are the right size for your cat. A treat that is too large can be a choking hazard. A treat that is too small can be a problem for a cat that is a powerful chewer.

• Dental Health: Look for a treat that is specifically designed for a cat's dental health. A crunchy treat with a porous texture is a great way to help with a cat's dental health. A treat that is approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) is a great way to ensure a treat is effective at reducing plaque and tartar buildup.

• Calorie Count: Treats should not make up more than 10% of a cat's daily calorie intake. A treat that is too high in calories can lead to weight gain, which is a common problem in domestic cats.

The key is to use common sense. If a treat looks unsafe to you, it probably is.

The Top Contenders: Seven Treats That Will Get a Five-Star Review

I've seen and sold thousands of cat treats over the years, and these are the ones that have consistently delivered on quality, safety, and functionality.

1. Inaba Churu Lickable Treats

   • Review: This is the undisputed king of lickable treats, and for good reason. They are creamy, savory purées that come in a squeeze tube, and cats absolutely go wild for them. They are a great way to provide a cat with a much-needed dose of moisture and a great way to entice a picky eater. They are also a fantastic tool for training, as they can be used to reward a cat for a specific behavior. They are a great, no-fuss option that is a must-have for any cat owner.

   • Price Range: $3 - $5 per pack.

1. PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Treats

   • Review: If you want a treat that is as close to a cat's natural diet as possible, this is it. These treats are made of a single ingredient, like chicken, turkey, or fish, that is freeze-dried to retain all of the nutrients. They are a great, high-protein treat that is perfect for a cat that has a sensitive stomach or a food allergy. They are also a great option for training, as they can be easily broken into smaller pieces. It's a great, all-natural option that is a fantastic investment in your cat's health.

   • Price Range: $5 - $15 per bag.

1. Tiki Cat Stix Lickable Treats

   • Review: Tiki Cat Stix are a fantastic, high-quality alternative to Inaba Churu. They are creamy, savory purées that come in a squeeze tube, and they are made with a high-quality animal protein. They are a great way to provide a cat with a much-needed dose of moisture and a great way to entice a picky eater. They are also a fantastic tool for training, as they can be used to reward a cat for a specific behavior. They are a great, no-fuss option that is a must-have for any cat owner.

   • Price Range: $3 - $5 per pack.

1. Greenies Feline Dental Treats

   • Review: If you want a treat that is specifically designed for a cat's dental health, this is it. Greenies Feline Dental Treats are a crunchy treat with a unique porous texture that helps to scrape away plaque and tartar from a cat's teeth. They are also approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC), which means they are effective at reducing plaque and tartar buildup. They come in a variety of flavors and are a great way to help with a cat's dental health.

   • Price Range: $5 - $15 per bag.

1. Wellness Kittles Crunchy Treats

   • Review: For a high-quality, crunchy treat, Wellness Kittles are a great option. They are a small, crunchy treat that is made with a high-quality animal protein and is free of any fillers. They are a great way to provide a cat with a crunchy texture that is a vital part of a cat's dental health. They are also a great option for training, as they can be easily given to a cat in a small, bite-sized piece. It's a great, reliable, and vet-recommended option that is a fantastic investment in your cat's health.

   • Price Range: $3 - $5 per bag.

1. Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats

   • Review: Blue Buffalo Wilderness is a great choice for a cat that loves a crunchy, grain-free treat. It's a high-protein, meat-based treat that is rich in animal protein and free of any fillers. It's a great way to provide a cat with a crunchy texture that is a vital part of a cat's dental health. It's a great, reliable, and vet-recommended option that is a great investment in your cat's health.

   • Price Range: $3 - $5 per bag.

1. Feline Greenies Pill Pockets

   • Review: While this is not a treat for a cat, I had to include it on the list because it's so important for a cat's health. Pill Pockets are a soft chew with a small, hollow center that is perfect for hiding a pill. They are a great way to make a dreaded pill-giving session a little bit easier, and they are a great way to ensure a cat is getting the medication they need. They are a must-have for any cat owner who has a cat that needs to take a pill.

   • Price Range: $5 - $15 per bag.

The Ultimate Payoff: A Lifetime of Health and Happiness

Your cat’s treats are a reflection of your understanding of their needs. A treat is not just a treat; it's a tool for training, a way of bonding, and a vital part of their health. By providing a variety of safe, engaging, and stimulating treats, you’re not just keeping your cat happy; you’re contributing to their mental and physical health in a big way.

So, choose wisely. Invest in a treat box that is not just a collection of junk food, but a source of endless fun and stimulation. It's a small investment that will pay off for a lifetime of joy and companionship.