What is a Good Treat For a Cat

The first thing that comes to mind once you get home after a busy working day is getting happy with your cat. This is one way of bonding with them and cheering them up after a boring lonely day. But, how do you cheer up your feline? Well, according to most pet parents, giving your feline treats is one surefire way of showing them how much you love and care for them.

Another reason why we give treats to our rosy felines is to reward, pamper or appreciate them for something they’ve done such as taking medication.

But, have you ever sat back to think about the negative effects these treats can pose to your feline friend? Well, according to a study released by the Association for Pet Obesity Prevention, nearly 60% of all cats that take treats are obese or overweight.

According to most veterinary professionals, obesity is one cause of major medical conditions in most pets such as cancer, type 2 diabetes, high blood pressure, decreased life expectancy, and hip and joint diseases among others.

So, does this mean that cats should not be given any treats whatsoever? Of course, not. But you should be careful about what you give them and how you give them. For this reason, here are some healthy cat treats that you can give to your feline friend without exposing her to any health risks.

Salmon

This is one human food that has proven to be a delicious treat to most cats. Highly rich in proteins and Omega-3 fatty acid, salmon is a treat that’s widely used in most commercial cat foods today to add flavor to your cat’s meals. To guarantee your cat’s health, it’s advisable that you give her cooked salmon rather than feeding her with raw food.

Eggs

Another treat that will definitely be of immense help to your kitty is eggs. Rich in proteins and B Vitamins, eggs are safe for your feline as they reduce the risk of food borne diseases. Before feeding her, make sure that you cook the eggs thoroughly.

Chicken/turkey

Just like their cousins in the wild, cats are obligate carnivores that require meaty diets to keep up. Unlike dogs which are more like omnivores, cats cannot feed on most human foods due to difficulty digesting the fibers. Due to this reason, cats require a unique amino acid found in proteins to help maintain their cell structure while giving them a smooth fussy fur especially during winter.

Pumpkin

Yes! You heard me well. Pumpkin is another excellent treat your feline will truly love as its low in calories and high in fiber. Pumpkin is also highly effective for cats suffering from abnormal stools. To introduce pumpkin as part of your cat’s diet, simply do this with the help of commercially-available supplements for cats.

Their own cat food

Yes. Your own cat food can turn into a delicious treat at some point. If your cat is used to taking dry cat food, you may consider giving her wet cat food this time to make the meal feel different. Cat food is highly important when you need to cut down excess calories from your cat.

Spinach

Although its human food, spinach can make a great treat for your feline thanks to its high concentration of Vitamin (A, C, and K) and minerals (iron and calcium). Spinach is a treat with high health benefits and is only forbidden to cats with a history of calcium oxalate bladder stones.

Tuna flakes

Just like most sea foods, tuna flakes are a rich source of Omega-3 fatty acids, Selenium, Niacin, and Vitamins B6 and B12. Also referred to as “Bonita tuna flakes”, this treat will offer your cat something she can’t resist while still reaping the available benefits. The Omega-3 is essential as it helps to prevent dry skin while still keeping your cat’s coat neat and looking healthy.

Conclusion

Of course, there are lots of other great treats you can give to your feline friend to make her feel loved without exposing her to any health issues. Some treats such as Blueberries, Apples, Bread, Cheese, and Oatmeal can also be considered as they offer immense health benefits to your cat.

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