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- Not a substitute for professional veterinary help.
Whether you’re looking for a simple way to reward your cat for good behavior or you just want to pamper them with a little extra love, cat treats are the way to go. Treats come in a variety of textures and flavors, and some offer impressive health benefits, too.
But every cat is different—and what one cat finds irresistible, another may find completely unpalatable. The best cat treats for your own special kitty will depend on their health and personal taste. Not sure where to start? Hop down to our cat treat breakdown, or read on for our favorite cat treats in every style, from long-time supermarket-brand favorites to lickable treats and high-protein freeze-dried goodies.
- Best Lickable Treats: Inaba Churu Lickable Cat Treats
- Best CBD Treats: HolistaPet CBD Cat Hard Chews
- Best Dental Treats: Greenies Feline Catnip Flavor Dental Treats
- Best Freeze-Dried Treat: Remy’s Kitchen Just Turkey Hearts
- Best Soft Treats: Tiki Cat Soft & Chewy Treats
- Best Crunchy Treats: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats
- Best for Cats with Sensitive Stomachs: Instinct “Digestive Health” Raw Boost Mixers
- Best Low-Calorie Treats: Temptations MixUps
- Best Raw Treats: PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
- Best for Cats with Kidney Disease: Get Naked Urinary Treats with Cranberry Juice
- Best Cat Sticks: Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks
- And more!
Best Lickable Treats: Inaba Churu Lickable Cat Treats
Made for licking instead of chewing, lickable treats are highly palatable and work well for senior cats or kitties with dental issues. They also offer versatility when it comes to serving. You can dish them out to serve alone—or add them to meals as a topper for cats who need extra calories or encouragement to eat. Lickables are also great ways to disguise pills and medications or bond with a wary cat by hand-feeding.
These creamy Inaba Churu treats come in little half-ounce tubes (5 or 6 calories each) and can be doled out by the dab or squeezed on top of your cat’s regular food. Churu lickables are grain-free, contain 91% moisture, and are 6 calories per tube. The high moisture content means these treats are hydrating as well.
What we like:
- 19 flavors available (so there’s bound to be something your kitty likes)
- Contains taurine, vitamin E (for immune health), and green tea extract
- Great for picky eaters
- Safe for all life stages: kittens to seniors
Things to consider:
- Won’t help with dental hygiene
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Best CBD Treats: HolistaPet CBD Cat Hard Chews
While scientific studies to date are somewhat limited, CBD is reported to help with feline ailments such as arthritis and anxiety. It’s also said to bolster the immune system, reduce inflammation, and improve mobility.
Unfortunately, CBD products aren’t fully regulated by the FDA yet. So cat parents considering giving their pet CBD goodies will need to do their homework. The folks at HolistaPet have done most of the work for you—the company partners with a third-party testing facility, which checks for potency and pesticides. What’s more, lab reports are posted on HolistaPet’s website, so pet parents can feel good about what they’re feeding their cat.
Each crunchy bite contains 2 mg of CBD (and 0% THC, so it won’t get your kitty “high”).
What we like:
- Each batch is lab-tested for potency and quality
- Contains tryptophan, valerian root, and hemp extract to promote relaxation
- Soft chews are also available
Things to consider:
- HolistaPet treats are on the pricey side
- Proper dosing is important with CBD treats
Best Dental Treats: Greenies Feline Catnip Flavor Dental Treats
Healthy gums and teeth are an important part of your cat’s overall well-being. In addition to regular tooth brushing, crunchy dental cat treats can promote oral health. Munching on crunchy bites helps to remove plaque and tartar buildup. Plus, all that chewing produces more saliva, which helps to naturally rinse your cat’s mouth.
Widely regarded as the market’s premium pet dental treats, Greenies are designed with a unique shape and crunchy texture to help loosen tartar buildup. The catnip flavor brings variety to the table, but if your cat is a strict seafood lover, there are tuna and salmon flavor options as well (chicken, too!).
What we like:
- Each treat is less than two calories
- Cleans teeth and freshens breath
- Added vitamins and minerals
Things to consider:
- The crunchy texture might be too hard for cats who struggle with chewing
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Best Freeze-Dried: Remy’s Kitchen Just Turkey Hearts
Cats are obligate carnivores, which has a lot of cat parents turning to protein-packed freeze-dried treats. These treats offer the nutrition and taste of fresh meat—but they’re far less messy and don’t require refrigeration. Generally, freeze-dried treats are made with a single ingredient, making them ideal for cats with known allergies or sensitive digestive systems.
Perfect for training or simply snacking, these freeze-dried turkey hearts are a bite-sized boost of protein, nutrients, and natural flavor. These treats are grain-free and contain one single ingredient: 100% turkey hearts. They’re okay for cats and dogs, so they’re a good pick for multi-pet households.
What we like:
- Made with human-grade ingredients
- No hormones, antibiotics, chemicals, or artificial preservatives
- Suitable for both cats and dogs
Things to consider:
- Some reviews complain about the crumbly texture
Best Soft Treats: Tiki Cat Soft & Chewy Treats
Hard crunchy kibble can be challenging for some older cats, kittens with teeny baby teeth, and cats with painful dental issues. In these instances, a cat may prefer the gentler feel of soft, moist chews.
Cats of all ages can enjoy Tiki Cat soft chews, which feature meat as the first ingredient. Each treat contains three calories, which is slightly more than the usual one to two calories of other brands.
What we like:
- Pumpkin added for digestion
- Fragrant aroma entices hesitant snackers
Things to consider:
- Contains some filler ingredients, like maple syrup for cat appeal
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Best Crunchy Treats: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Treats
Hard, crunchy treats are popular with many cats, and they have the added benefit of keeping teeth clean. They’re generally good for cats with healthy teeth, but they can be a struggle for senior cats or those with dental issues. Dry, crunchy treats also tend to last longer than moist cat treats, and they’re easy to store and serve.
With real chicken as the first ingredient, these protein-rich Blue Buffalo treats offer a satisfying crunch and a taste that cats seem to love. They’re also grain-free, so they make a nice snack for allergy sufferers.
What we like:
- No poultry by-products
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Chicken is the number-one ingredient
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Best for Sensitive Stomachs: Instinct Raw Boost Mixers: Digestive Health
For cats who regularly experience digestive problems like constipation or diarrhea, consider treats with gut-healthy nutrients and limited ingredients (preferably with no fillers or grains).
Instinct Raw Boost Mixers are made without fillers like corn, grain, wheat, soy, or legumes that can be rough on sensitive tummies. These treats also contain fiber and probiotics for better digestion, and they’re soft and easy to chew. Try pairing them with cat food made for sensitive stomachs.
What we like:
- Contains whole-food ingredients for better digestion: sweet potato, pumpkin, chicory root, and apple cider vinegar
- Suitable as a snack or meal topper
- Many picky eaters enjoy these
Things to consider:
- Fairly expensive
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Best Low-Calorie Treats: Temptations Mix-Ups
While heavier or less active cats may have to limit their calorie intake, they still deserve the occasional treat. To avoid tipping the scales, a low-calorie option is best. These crunchy Temptations Mix-Ups are under two calories each, so you can feed them without the guilt. We think the unique texture (crunchy on the outside, creamy in the center) will appeal to many cats.
What we like:
- Affordable
- Available in several flavors
- Vitamins and taurine added
Things to consider:
- Only for adult cats
- Some users complain about the lid design (doesn’t stay sealed well)
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Best Raw Cat Treats: PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
Raw treats are new to the pet food scene. Some pet parents prefer raw treats because they more closely model what cats eat in the wild. And many report improvements in digestion, weight management, and overall health—though the science isn’t in yet on raw diets.
Most commercially prepared raw cat food is frozen or freeze-dried, which lowers pathogen risk. The single ingredient in PureBites treats (human-grade duck liver) is ideal for cats with allergies or GI issues. Each treat is about two calories, so they make a nice snack for overweight kitties.
What we like:
- Follows USDA human-grade regulations
- Every batch is lab-tested to ensure it’s pathogen-free
- Hypoallergenic
- High in protein
Things to consider:
- Raw is not ideal for immuno-compromised cats. Talk to your vet about whether raw treats could be good for your cat.
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Best for Cats With Kidney Disease: Get Naked Urinary Care Treats
If your cat suffers from kidney stones, UTIs, or bladder issues, it’s beneficial to serve treats that promote urinary tract health. Made with cranberry juice for added antioxidants, these urinary care treats are a nice way to add some nutrition to your cat’s diet. They also contain fish oil and flaxseed for extra omega fatty acids.
What we like:
- Under two calories per treat
- Crunchy texture also helps promote dental health
- Chicken is #1 ingredient
- Taurine added
Things to consider:
- Some cats don’t like the taste
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Best Cat Sticks: Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks
To change things up and keep your kitty interested, you may want to consider cat meat sticks. These popular Sheba sticks can be broken apart—or given whole for a super special treat. And while they look like cat-size jerky, these treats have a soft texture that’s easy on older teeth. Available in chicken, tuna, or salmon flavor.
What we like:
- No artificial colors or flavors
- No corn, wheat, or soy
- Individually wrapped for freshness
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Best for Bad Breath: DentaLife Savory Cat Treats
Along with regular cleaning and veterinary care, crunchy dental treats can help nip bad breath in the bud. These DentaLife bites have a unique porous texture that allows for optimal tooth penetration. In other words: they’re good for keeping kitty teeth clean and smelling fresh.
What we like:
- Scientifically tested to reduce tartar buildup
- Contains added calcium, taurine, and probiotics
- Resealable pouch makes them travel-friendly
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Best Veterinary-Diet Treats: Purina ProPlan Crunchy Bites
As long as your kitty is on board with the taste, you can’t go wrong with a vet-recommended treat. Not only do these ProPlan Crunchy Bites offer a low-calorie reward for your cat, but they’re also approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council for controlling plaque and tartar.
What we like:
- Low-calorie content makes them good for overweight cats
- Crunchy texture removes plaque
Things to consider:
- Some cat parents mention these treats are too large
Best Catnip Treats: Shameless Pets Catnip N Chill Treats
Does your cat go wild for catnip? Appreciation for this leafy green is split—but if your cat is a fan, they may love a catnip-infused treat. Made with real chicken, these treats from Shameless Pets are also infused with catnip to tantalize your kitty. For better digestion, they include upcycled sweet potatoes as well.
What we like:
- Contain prebiotics and probiotics to support digestive health
- Made in the U.S.
- 20% upcycled ingredients for a more sustainable treat
Things to consider:
- Not every cat likes catnip
Best Grain-Free Treats: Wellness Kittles
In general, grains are not harmful to a cat’s diet. However, if your cat has a diagnosed allergy to rice, corn, or barley, you’ll want to stay away from those ingredients.
Wellness Kittles are completely grain-free, offering a healthy balance of proteins, fats, and carbs. Salmon is the first ingredient. And for an extra health boost, they contain cranberries, blueberries, salmon oil, ground flaxseed, and green tea extract.
What we like:
- Affordable price
- Created by veterinarians and nutritionists
- Cranberries and blueberries provide vitamin C
- Salmon oil provides omega-3 fatty acids for a healthy coat
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Best Single-Ingredient Treat: Whole Life Just One Ingredient Treats
If your cat has been diagnosed with a food allergy, your vet may recommend a limited-ingredient diet. Single-ingredient treats are also a favorite of cat parents who want to know exactly what’s in their pet’s food.
These Whole Life treats feature one nutritious ingredient: human-grade, wild-caught salmon. Raw filets are freeze-dried to remove moisture while retaining nutritional value. You can serve them as whole chunks, crumble them into a powder over food, or mix them with water to create a savory seafood broth.
What we like:
- 100% salmon: wild and sustainably caught in the US
- Good source of omega 3s, B vitamins, and selenium
- High in protein
Things to consider:
- Pieces are irregular, so you may need to break them apart
- Fairly expensive
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Best Salmon Flavored Treats: Rachel Ray Nutrish LoveBites
Cats tend to love salmon for its strong smell and robust flavor. With real salmon as the first ingredient, these Nutrish LoveBites deliver a fish-packed flavor punch. Crunchy on the outside and tender on the inside, these treats offer variety in texture.
What we like:
- No poultry by-products or artificial flavors
- Crunchy outside texture helps clean teeth
Best Tuna Flavored Treats: Fancy Feast Purely Hand-Flaked Tuna Treats
As a “sometimes” snack, canned tuna is safe for cats to eat. However, too much tuna can overload a cat with mercury. So if your cat is a tuna fanatic, managing portion size is critical.
This hand-flaked treat is made with 100% natural tuna—and nothing else. Each bag comes with 10 single-serve packets that keep things fresh and take the guesswork out of portion sizes.
What we like:
- High moisture content is hydrating
- High in protein, low in fat
Things to consider:
- Because they’re single-serve, these treats have a lot of packaging
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Best Treats With Greens: Pet Greens Cat Craves
Does your cat love to nibble on grass? Pet-safe cat grass is packed with antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. These soft Cat Craves offer a different take on your kitty’s favorite greens. They feature salmon as the main ingredient and include nutrient-rich supplemental ingredients such as wheatgrass and fish oil. Not all kitties go for these, but the ones that do are just wild about them! Check out other flavors, including turkey and duck, roasted chicken, and tuna.
What we like:
- Includes additional fish oil
- Good source of fiber to aid in digestion
- No by-products, soy, corn, or wheat gluten
- No artificial colors or flavors
Things to consider:
- Some cats won’t like the taste
How To Pick a Good Cat Treat
There are tons of cat treats on the market these days—so many that it’s easy to get overwhelmed. New to the world of feline snacks? Here’s what to know about the different kinds.
Crunchy cat treats are a go-to for many cat parents. They provide a satisfying bite and help clean your cat’s teeth by scraping away tartar. They can sometimes be a hard sell for fussy cats, since they don’t pack in quite as much flavor, but they’re a win for both dental health and convenience.
Soft or wet treats, on the other hand, are ideal for senior cats with weaker teeth or kitties with dental issues. Wet treats need to be refrigerated, but soft treats can usually hang out tightly sealed at room temperature.
Lickable treats are a kind of wet treat that comes in tubes or pouches. These creamy purees work well as meal toppers to encourage reluctant eaters, or pet parents can use them for bonding by holding the tube while their cat licks away. They’re also excellent disguises for pills and medications.
There are also freeze-dried cat treats, which are minimally processed to retain nutrient content. Typically, these feature a single ingredient, so they’re a smart pick for cats with food allergies or sensitivities. They can also be high-value rewards.
Many cat treats incorporate “superfood” ingredients and added vitamins and nutrients to target specific health concerns. You can find treats that help with digestive issues, kidney problems, and even feline anxiety. It’s also important to consider a treat’s caloric content: underweight cats will do well with more calories, while our heavier kitties should stick to low-calorie snacks.
Our best advice for pet parents new to cat treats? Start small with sampler packs, and grab a wide variety so you can see what flavors and textures your kitty gravitates toward—then you can start building a proper stash.
How We Chose
The treats featured here were selected based on a comprehensive look at customer reviews across several retail platforms as well as feedback from our own opinionated cats. We prioritized treats with nutritious ingredients, palatable flavors, textures, and added health benefits. We also considered a variety of cat parent needs, taking into account a range of budgets, health concerns, and lifestyles.