The Best Cat Treats for Training

The Best Cat Treats for Training: Cats have a reputation for being aloof and difficult to train, but the truth is they’re highly intelligent and responsive to positive reinforcement, especially when food is involved. The secret to successful training lies not just in technique, but in finding the right treats that motivate your cat without harming their health.

Whether you’re clicker training your kitten, teaching your senior cat to sit, or trying to get your stubborn feline to use a scratching post instead of the couch, the right treats can make all the difference.

In this guide, we’ll explore the best types of cat treats for training, what ingredients to look for, how to use them effectively.

Why Use Treats for Training Cats?

Cats are not pack animals like dogs, so they don’t respond to praise or commands in the same way. Instead, food-based positive reinforcement is one of the most effective ways to encourage repeat behavior.

Benefits of Treat-Based Training:

• Strengthens the bond between cat and owner
• Encourages learning through reward cycles
• Reinforces good behavior
• Helps redirect negative habits
• Makes training sessions fun and engaging

What Makes a Good Training Treat?

Not all treats are created equal. The ideal training treat should check off several boxes:

1. High Motivation Factor

Your cat should love the treat. You’ll know it’s a high-value treat if your cat becomes alert, follows it with interest, or responds to commands just to earn it.

2. Small and Soft

Training involves repetition. Treats should be small enough to avoid overfeeding and soft enough to be eaten quickly without interruption.

3. Low in Calories

Training can involve multiple treats in a session, so low-calorie options prevent weight gain.

4. High in Protein

Cats are obligate carnivores. Look for treats made with real meat or fish as the first ingredient.

5. Minimal Fillers

Avoid artificial preservatives, grains, sugars, and excessive carbs. Cats thrive on simple, clean ingredients.

Top Cat Treat Types for Training

Here are the most effective types of cat treats based on form, flavor, and function:

1. Soft Moist Treats

These are the gold standard for training. They’re easy to chew, quick to consume, and highly palatable.

Top Picks:

• Inaba Churu: These are lickable purees in convenient tubes. Cats go wild for them. Great for distracting or rewarding during grooming or vet visits.
• Hartz Delectables Squeeze Up: Creamy and flavorful. Excellent for bonding or luring your cat into crates or carriers.
• Wellness Kittles Soft Bites: Grain-free and made with real meat. Small, chewy pieces perfect for repeated training.

2. Freeze-Dried Treats

Freeze-dried options are pure meat and usually very appealing to cats.

Top Picks:

• PureBites Chicken Breast: Single ingredient, high in protein, no additives. Can be broken into tiny bits.
• Stella & Chewy’s Carnivore Cravings: Available in multiple proteins like rabbit, duck, and salmon.
• Vital Essentials Mini Nibs: Raw freeze-dried meat in crunchy form; great for food-motivated cats.

3. Commercial Training-Specific Treats

Formulated for training with size and calorie content in mind.

Top Picks:

• Blue Buffalo Wilderness Cat Treats: Grain-free, real meat first ingredient, soft texture.
• Tiki Cat Stix: Creamy texture and highly palatable. Great alternative to Churu.

4. Homemade Options

If you prefer full control over ingredients:

Ideas:

• Boiled chicken bits (unseasoned)
• Shredded turkey breast
• Tiny flakes of tuna (in water, not oil)
• Scrambled eggs (plain, no dairy or seasoning)

Just remember, homemade treats must be used quickly and not left out for long periods.

How to Use Treats Effectively in Training

1. Start Small

Begin with basic behaviors like “come,” “sit,” or using a scratcher. Use a small treat each time they get it right.

2. Pair with a Cue

Say a command or use a clicker, then immediately offer the treat when the behavior is completed.

3. Keep Sessions Short

Cats have short attention spans. Limit training to 5–10 minutes at a time, and end on a positive note.

4. Mix It Up

Use a variety of treats to keep your cat interested. What excites them on Day 1 may bore them on Day 5.

5. Use Treats for Redirecting Behavior

Reward your cat for scratching a post instead of furniture or staying calm during a nail trim.

READ ALSO: Preparing Your Dog for a New Baby: A Step-by-Step Guide

Special Considerations

Weight Management

Many indoor cats are prone to obesity. When training with treats:

• Factor treat calories into daily food intake
• Use ultra-small pieces
• Limit treats to 10% or less of daily calories

Allergies or Sensitivities

If your cat has dietary restrictions, choose hypoallergenic treats—often labeled as limited ingredient or single protein source.

Age and Dental Health

Senior cats or those with dental issues benefit from soft, moist treats over crunchy ones.

FAQs

Can cats really be trained like dogs?

Yes! Cats can learn tricks, commands, and routines using treat-based positive reinforcement. It just takes a different approach—more patience and motivation.

How many treats are too many?

Try to keep treats to no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. For most cats, this equals 3–6 small training treats a day, depending on size and calorie count.

What if my cat isn’t food-motivated?

Try a variety of treat textures and flavors. Also consider training before mealtime when your cat is more likely to be hungry and interested.

Are human foods okay as cat treats?

Some are safe in small amounts, like plain cooked chicken or turkey. Avoid onion, garlic, chocolate, dairy, and heavily processed meats.

What’s the healthiest treat option?

Freeze-dried single-ingredient treats (like chicken or salmon) are typically the healthiest—high in protein, low in calories, and free from fillers.

Should I use treats during litter box or crate training?

Absolutely. Treats can create positive associations with areas or objects your cat might be hesitant about, like a carrier or a new litter setup.

My cat loves treats but ignores me when I train. Why?

Make sure your cat is slightly hungry, use high-value treats, and keep distractions minimal. Some cats need more repetition and shorter sessions to stay engaged.