Giving Your Cat Treats

Does your kit ty like treats? Cats kind of vary widely on their opinions about snacks. Some of our feline patients will steal your pizza the moment your back is turned. Others are quite finicky, and will turn their little noses up at many treats. An Oconomowoc, WI vet offers some advice on giving your furball treats in this article.

S  tore-Bought Treats

You may find that the process of finding your feline friend’s favorite store-bought treats is pretty much hit or miss. Kitties may absolutely love one brand, and refuse to touch another. Just experiment a bit, and pay attention to what Fluffy reacts to.

Homemade Goodies

If you like cooking, you can try your hand at making Fluffy some homemade treats. Here’s an easy recipe: Combine some canned tuna with some plain, fat-free yogurt and a little parsley. Divide into small portions. (Tip: a bottlecap can work as an impromptu cookie cutter.) Bake at 350F for about 20 minutes, and then add more time as needed.

Whole Foods

Fluffy can eat many things that people eat. Plain, cooked fish is a great option. In fact, kitties can have most types of seafood, including scallops, crabmeat, lobster, shrimp, and crawfish, as long as they are cooked and don’t contain any bones or shells. Your furball can also enjoy most types of poultry, including chicken, turkey, duck, and quail. Many meats are also fine, though you do want to limit organ meats, fatty meats, and processed meats.

Portions

If your feline buddy does like treats, then congratulations! You’ve found an easy way to pamper your pet, and keep that motor going. Just be careful not to go overboard. Even giving Fluffy just ten calories too much each day can cause her to pack on a pound a year. That’s not much for a person, but it really is a lot for a cat!

Avoid Unsafe Foods

Not everything in your kitchen or pantry is going to be safe for your furry friend. Some unsafe foods include garlic, onion, scallions, and chives; chocolate; grapes, currants, and raisins; avocado; dairy products; alcohol; caffeine; processed foods, and anything that contains xylitol and/or a lot of salt, sugar, or fat. Ask your vet for more information.

Please do not hesitate to reach out if ever we can be of assistance. As your local Oconomowoc, WI veterinary clinic, we are here to help!