Healthy Weekly Treats for Your Cats: Beyond Cat Food and Cat Treats
Choosing the right treats for your cats is an important aspect of their diet, considering that cats can get picky just like people. Here are some creative ideas to keep your feline friends happy and healthy without relying on regular cat food or treats.
Preferences of Your Cats
My four cats have different tastes when it comes to their weekly treats. They have developed a fondness for cold cuts of ham, depending on what we have for our Sunday roast. Sometimes it's chicken, but occasionally it's a mix of turkey, pork, or beef. Two of them also enjoy fish skin, and occasionally they will indulge in the cheap clearance ham from the supermarket.
Homemade Treats
One popular and easy homemade treat is cooked and shredded chicken breast mixed with cooked white rice. This not only satisfies their taste but is also a nutritious meal alternative.
Unwanted Choices
On the other hand, we tried feeding offcuts of cold meats from the local deli to our cats, but they were unequivocally clear that they did not want ham, chicken, or beef. They appreciated their regular cat food more and less enjoyed the random meats. This made us rethink our approach to out-of-the-ordinary treats.
Exploring New Ideas
One alternative that we have tried successfully is canned tuna. Tuna is a common favorite among many cats due to its mild and appealing taste. It's a good isotonic source of proteins and can be a refreshing change from their usual diet. However, remember to check for and avoid any salt or flavor enhancers that could be harmful to your cats.
Experiment with Treats
Rotisserie chicken can be a delightful reward for your cats. When I would buy one for food shopping, I would cut up the dark meat and mix it with some of the light breast meat for the cats. It's especially loved by my Lion, who has a insatiable appetite for this treat. However, it's best to save some for them and also to yourself as it carries a higher calorie content compared to regular cat food.
Non-Edible Treats
There are also non-food treats that may pique your cats' interest. Silver vine, similar to catnip, can be a natural way to keep your cats entertained and happy. Available on Amazon, Chewy, and at pet stores, it may not be a hit with all cats, but it's definitely worth trying. Additionally, allowing your cats access to cat grass, which is typically rye or oats, can be a fun and natural treat when grown in a pre-planted cup. You can also sprinkle some fresh or dried parsley on their food.
Non-food treats can also be exciting for your cats. Saving cardboard boxes, cutting cat-sized holes, and placing them on the floor can encourage play and curiosity. Convenience stores often have beer boxes that can be taped together to make tunnels and towers, which can be fun for your cats to play with, and can be recycled after a few days.
Final Thoughts
Catnip continues to be a go-to choice for cats. It's a classic for a good reason, as it's naturally appealing to many felines. However, exploring other options based on your cats' preferences can keep mealtime interesting and varied.