Key Points
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Limited-ingredient treats reduce the risk of potential allergens for cats with sensitive stomachs or skin.
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Positive reinforcement is more effective than punishment when training your cat.
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When using treats as a reward in training, present the reward immediately after the desired behavior for the best results.
Training your feline friend is rewarding and useful in curbing destructive behaviors, teaching fun tricks, and providing a bonding experience with your pet.
A key element in this process is cat treats, which serve as positive reinforcement to nudge your furry companion in the right direction.
When selecting the best treats for your cat, consider things like their size, potential allergenic ingredients, inherent value, nutritional composition, and their taste and texture.
Follow this guide to choose the perfect cat treats to have your cat eating out of the palm of your hand.
Bite-Sized Treats
Most cat treats are bite-sized, but some come in long strings or strips. If your cat tends to eat quickly, the strings may be a choking hazard. Giving them small bites reduces that risk.
When it comes to cat treats, size matters. Small, bite-sized treats are easier and safer for your cat. They also help in portion control, which is important in preventing weight gain.
Treats are usually higher in calories and carbs, so in this case, less is more.
Top Recommended Bite-Sized Treats for Training
The market is full of a wide array of bite-sized cat treats. Standouts like Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats are excellent for training due to their size, flavor variety, and nutritional balance.
by Blue Buffalo
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy Cat Treats
This is a grain-free option from a company well-known for their quality ingredients and lack of by-products in their food. These Wilderness Treats contain salmon as the primary ingredient but also come in flavors like chicken, turkey, and trout.
If your cat doesn't like the taste of fruits found in other treats, they may like these meat-rich morsels. The 12-ounce tub means you don't have to reorder as often.
To avoid the possibility of waste, try the two-ounce package first to determine if your finicky feline fancies it.
Customers say it improves their cat's bad breath and is gentle on sensitive feline stomachs.
Risks & Safety Tips When Using Bite-Sized Treats
When using bite-sized treats, ensure they are small enough to prevent choking. Monitor your cat's munching for the first few times to be sure your cat handles the treat size.
Don't use treats as a food substitute. Keep them within 10 percent of the daily caloric intake. Most treat labels note the recommended number of treats per day.
Food Allergies and Sensitivities
If your cat has unknown allergies, the best way to figure out what causes them is to eliminate some ingredients from their diet. As you cut out ingredients, you reduce the possible culprits for your cat's problem.
Allergies are a bane for all creatures. Cats may be allergic to some ingredients, most commonly dairy, fish, beef, and grains.
When choosing treats for a cat with allergies, check treat ingredient lists meticulously to keep adverse reactions at bay.
Identifying Allergies and Sensitivities in Cats
Allergies in cats usually present as skin conditions, vomiting, or diarrhea. If you notice any unusual behavior after introducing a new treat, consult your vet.
Blood work, specialized diets, and skin testing are common diagnostic methods.
Recommended Hypoallergenic Cat Treats for Training
In case of allergies, opt for limited-ingredient treats or ones for cats with sensitive stomachs, like Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats. Verify the accuracy of hypoallergenic claims.
by Shameless Pets
Shameless Pets Crunchy Cat Treats
These treats are only 1.5 calories each, with fresh meat as the first ingredient. It comes in several flavors for cats allergic to certain proteins. They contain prebiotics and probiotics for digestive health.
There's a short ingredient list to minimize the risk of allergens.
Customers say their cats love the catnip-flavored variety. The cranberry addresses UTI-related symptoms.
When cats ingest catnip, it instills a sense of calm. This variety may help felines with anxiety issues.
The Concept of High-Value Treats in Training
A high-value treat is one your cat finds irresistible. They are a game-changer during challenging training exercises, efficiently grabbing your cat's attention.
Observing your cat's interest and eagerness towards a particular treat identifies a high-value treat for your pet. If they want that snack, they are more likely to do what you want them to do.
Understand that each cat is different and has their own preferences. If you are blessed with two cats, one may be wild for the treat and the other may literally turn their nose up in disgust.
It may take some trial and error to find the perfect one for your kitty.
by Whole Life Pet
Suggested High-Value Cat Treats
A high-value treat to consider is Whole Life Pet Freeze-Dried "Just One" Cat Treats. As an obligate carnivore, cats love real meat.
"Just One" refers to the ingredient list. They use freeze-dried chicken, minimally processed with no fillers, preservatives, chemicals, salt, or artificial ingredients. If you are searching for limited-ingredient cat treats, it doesn't get any more limited than one ingredient.
While many customers say their cats love them, some report a lot of crumbs or dust in the bag. In these cases, sprinkle them on top of your cat's food as a "dressing."
Nutritional Content
When you say "treat," it sounds like a dessert or snack. For cats, the treats you give need to have some nutritional value and be part of their daily allowance of calories.
Treats are not primary food sources, but still need to include ingredients that are good for them. They should be low in calories, minimal in fillers, and include vitamins and minerals.
Reading and Understanding Nutritional Labels
Take time to read and understand labels. Look up ingredients that are unfamiliar and consult your vet if your cat has sensitive skin or digestion.
Spring for treats with real meat as the first ingredient, and avoid treats with excessive dietary fillers, artificial colors, and preservatives.
by Wellness Kittles
Treats with Optimal Nutritional Content for Training
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Grain-Free Cat Treats stand out for their impressive nutritional makeup. They're also good for cats allergic to certain grains.
Wellness Kittles are grain-free, low in carbs, and only two calories each. They are Amazon's number one crunchy cat treat.
Real meat is the primary ingredient in this all-natural treat. They contain cranberries to aid urinary health, fish oil for a shiny coat, and high-antioxidant blueberries for immune support.
The crunchy texture cleans their teeth.
Customers say their cats love them and appreciate their small size. They're also good for pet owners on a budget.
Positive Reinforcement
Most experts encourage positive reinforcement for training. Punishment isn't as effective.
The experts at the Humane Society of Huron Valley in Ann Arbor, Michigan, offer this advice about using positive reinforcement.
"You may be sorely tempted to yell at your cat if you catch her sitting next to a broken vase or clawing the furniture, but punishing your cat after the fact is ineffective. She won’t connect the punishment with something she’s already done and forgotten about."
They say punishing your cat only makes them fearful of you, which is the opposite of what you want.
How Positive Reinforcement Works in Cat Training
When you want your cat to perform a certain behavior, you want to associate that action with something positive. This supports or reinforces that behavior or action.
Ignore your cat's undesired actions. In this case, no reaction is the best course of action.
Treats act as a reward for desirable behavior.
Using Treats for Positive Reinforcement
The right treat for positive reinforcement must be one your cat loves. The treat should be easy to administer and quickly accessible.
Always give the reward (treat) immediately after the desired behavior to cement the behavior-treat connection. If you wait too long, your cat doesn't connect the two and "forgets" why they got the treat.
A July 4, 2023, TikTok video shows owners using a button that triggers the release of a cat's food. The reward comes immediately after the trained behavior.
Texture and Palatability
When you offer your cat two bowls of food, they may turn up their nose at one, even if it has the same ingredients. Texture and taste are important to their dining experience.
Even with treats, cats have preferences in texture and taste. Some favor crunchy treats and others prefer softer ones. Always take your cat's preference into account when selecting treats.
How Texture and Taste Affect Cat’s Response
The texture and taste of a treat mold a cat's response during training. If a cat doesn't like a treat, they may disregard a command.
If your cat doesn't like their food, putting a treat on top may encourage them to eat it. Make sure the treat is appropriate for them to eat.
For crunchy treat lovers, consider Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats. Soft treat enthusiasts might enjoy Wellness Kittles Grain-Free Crunchy Cat Treats.
by TEMPTATIONS
Temptations Classic Crunchy and Soft Cat Treats
This popular brand is number one in Amazon cat treats, with a rating of 4.8 out of five stars. There is a variety of flavors.
They aren't as nutritious as other treats, so give them in moderation and keep track of your cat's nutrition.
A few customers mention the container is easy to open — maybe a little too easy. Keep the treats in a secure cabinet or container so your cat doesn't get into them.
Over-indulging may cause tummy troubles.
Treated and Trained
Many people — probably mostly "dog people" — say cats are untrainable. Not so.
With the right motivation, cats respond quite well. Praise works with dogs, but cats respond more positively to food.
Not all treats work for all cats, so experiment with different treats to learn your feline’s preferences. Always keep their health as your first priority.
With high-quality treats, balanced nutrition, and proven techniques, you’re all set for a positive and productive training experience!
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