As humans, food is ingrained in our upbringing as a way to show love, comfort and belonging to those most special to us. Since we all love our pets, it’s no surprise that we get almost as much joy from giving treats to our cats as our cats get from eating them! However, just like humans, cats run the risk of health problems like heart disease and diabetes when they consistently eat too much of the wrong kinds of food.
Show your cat how much you care by following these simple tips for feeding her treats:
1. Feline-formulated treats
Perhaps over the years your cat has developed a taste for cheese or lunch meat, but that doesn’t mean that human food is a good choice for your kitty’s digestive system. Feeding him table scraps may not only upset your cat’s stomach; it can also contribute to chronic issues like cat obesity and heart disease. Treats that marketed exclusively for cats have been specifically designed to be compatible with a domestic cat’s diet and should your only choice when it comes to treats.
2. Maximize nutritional value
Tossing a treat to your feline friend is not only a way to make her purr, it’s also an opportunity for you to supplement her regular diet with some additional nutrients. Talk to your veterinarian or visit your local pet shop to find cat treats formulated to address common feline health concerns like hairballs, anxiety or dental disease.
3. Set a daily limit
Just like with people, too much of a good thing can be harmful to your cat’s health. Check the nutrition information on the treats’ packaging to determine how many snacks you should give your cat each day. Since treats can make your kitty so happy, it’s tempting to give in every time he gets that hungry look in his eye, but overindulging his appetite can lead to chronic health issues like diabetes.
4. Use treats as a tool
Cats are much less receptive to verbal praise than dogs are, so treats are an excellent form of positive reinforcement to guide your cat’s behavior. If you’d like to encourage your cat to use a scratching post instead of sharpening her claws on your sofa, give her a treat every time she uses the appropriate surface, or use it to redirect her attention when she’s getting ready to engage in problematic behavior.
5. Make treats a part of playtime
A healthy diet is just half the equation when it comes to warding off cat obesity. Giving your cat an active lifestyle is just as important as monitoring her diet. Fortunately, cat treats can be a fun and effective way to get your kitty moving! After a rigorous session of chasing a feather toy or robotic mouse, your cat will enjoy her treat all the more for having worked for it.
Treats are a tasty way to bond with your cat, but they can easily become an unhealthy habit. Use common sense and moderation to keep your cat happy and healthy.
