11 Best Cat Treats in 2025, Recommended by Vets
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All products in this article have been reviewed by our trusted vets and experts. PetMD is owned by Chewy.
The best cat treats will make your pet meow for joy and be good for them too. But with so many options available, how do you know which ones will do the job?
Consider the purpose (like rewarding or training), along with texture, flavor, and any health considerations when deciding. Count those calories too, as treats shouldn’t exceed 10% of a cat’s daily diet.
To make choosing the right one for your cat simpler, we consulted our team of veterinary experts for their picks on the best treats for cats—treats they recommend to their cat patients and feed to their own cats.
What To Consider When Choosing Cat Treats
Purpose
Our expert panel recommends matching the cat treat to the purpose. For example, training treats should be small, enticing, easy to eat quickly, and low in calories, as more than a few are given during cat training sessions.
Look for brands backed by research and key ingredients, particularly when choosing a treat to help control hairballs or support dental or joint health.
Our experts especially value dental treats with the Veterinary Oral Health Council (VOHC) seal, which certifies that they’ve been scientifically proven to control plaque and/or tartar when used as directed.
Texture
Cat treats come in a variety of textures: puree, soft, chewy, and crunchy. Match the treat texture to your cat’s preference, age, and health.
Our panel of pet health experts recommends introducing kittens to a variety of textures early on to prevent pickiness later in life.
Flavor
Look for the flavor your cat likes best, especially for training treats. Since cats are obligate carnivores, which means they require meat to survive, most cat treats come in meat flavors, which they typically love.
Our expert panel recommends introducing a variety of flavors, particularly to kittens to prevent them from being fussy eaters later in life. However, it’s important to change treat flavors slowly and carefully to avoid stomach upset and give your cat time to adjust to the new flavors and textures.
Calories
The No.1 criteria for all of our veterinary experts in choosing treats is that they are low-calorie. Sixty-one percent of pet cats are overweight or obese, and monitoring their treat calories is key to managing their weight.
If your cat is overweight, consider a treat that is around 2 calories or less per treat and ensure you are not giving more than 10% of their total allotted calories as treats in a day.
Health Benefit
If your cat has a specific health concern—anxiety, dental issues, hairballs—work with your veterinarian to find a treat formulated to address the issue.
Choose a reputable brand that conducts scientific research to back up the treat’s effectiveness.
Before introducing a new treat, especially if your cat has a condition like diabetes or food sensitivities, check with your veterinarian. Not all treats meet the dietary requirements of cats with special health issues.
How We Selected the Best Cat Treats
This list of the best cat treats was meticulously curated by a panel of veterinarians and veterinary technicians who are employed by Chewy, the publisher of PetMD.
They were asked to choose the best cat treats in their honest opinion, across multiple categories, based on the following:
- Their knowledge and practical experience
- A review of information published by the manufacturers
- Attributes such as purpose, texture, flavor, calories, and health benefits
Opinions and product recommendations in this article belong solely to the review panel of vets and animal health experts. Manufacturers and vendors cannot buy placement in Vet Verified content or exert influence on our panelists as they evaluate products.
Our sole goal with this program is to provide pet parents with the information they need to make the best decision for their pets.
Cat Treats FAQs
Q: What are healthy treats for a cat?
A: Healthy cat treats align with your individual pet’s needs and are low in calories. Choose treats from a trusted brand that are suitable for your cat’s age and without artificial colors or flavors.
If your cat has a specific health concern, such as anxiety, hairballs, or dental problems, look for beneficial ingredients that address the issue. Your vet can help you make the best choice for your cat’s individual needs.
Q: What is an irresistible treat for cats?
A: Cats love flavorful, aromatic (i.e., deliciously stinky!) treats made from their favorite proteins, like fish or chicken. Match the treat’s texture to your cat’s preference—crunchy treats for those who love dry food, and soft or puree treats for seniors or cats with dental problems.
Q: Should cats have treats every day?
A: Giving cats treats every day can support bonding and training. Treats should be low-calorie and factored into your cat’s daily calorie intake. Adjust your cat’s meal portions to account for treat calories, making sure that treats never make up more than 10% of their total diet.
Q: What are the best cat treats for training?
A: The best training treats are high-value and low-calorie, designed to quickly capture your cat’s attention.
High-value cat treats are those that have the flavor and texture your individual cat loves and comes running to get. They should be bite-size and soft or chewy, making them convenient to give quickly and easy to swallow.
