Treats are one of the easiest ways to bond with a cat, reward good behaviour, and make training more enjoyable. But choosing the wrong treats or feeding too many can sometimes do more harm than good.
Not every treat that a cat happily eats is actually the right fit for them. The best treats do more than taste good; they support your cat’s age, lifestyle, and health needs, too. A growing kitten may need softer, nutrient-rich treats to support development, while an older cat could benefit from lighter options or treats designed for specific concerns like digestion or urinary care.
To make choosing easier, here’s a look at some of the best treats for kittens and adult cats in 2026, along with what makes each one a good addition to your cat’s routine.
Not all cat treats are made the same. Some are packed with better ingredients and added benefits, while others are simply tasty snacks with very little nutritional value. Before choosing treats for your cat, it helps to know what actually makes a treat worth adding to their routine.
Cats are obligate carnivores. Their digestive systems are built around animal protein, not grains, corn starch, or plant-based fillers. Treats with real proteins (chicken, salmon, tuna, duck) as the primary ingredient are far better.
Artificial colours, flavours, and preservatives serve the manufacturer, not your cat. They extend shelf life and make food more visually appealing to humans — neither of which benefits a cat.
The texture and format of a cat treat can make a big difference in how useful and enjoyable it is for your cat. Crunchy treats can support dental health by encouraging chewing, while soft and chewy treats are gentler for kittens or cats with sensitive teeth. Lickable treats and puree tubes are great for picky eaters and can also help distract cats during grooming sessions or vet visits. Choosing the right format based on your cat’s age, comfort, and preferences can make treat time more beneficial.
Treats are meant to complement your cat’s diet, not replace regular meals. Feeding too many treats can lead to weight gain and may affect the balance of nutrients your cat gets from their main food. Keeping treats as an occasional reward helps ensure your cat continues to receive complete and balanced nutrition every day.
Kittens grow fast. Between 8 weeks and 12 months, they're building muscle, developing their immune system, forming bone density, and establishing eating habits that tend to stick. Treats at this stage should be easy to digest, high in quality protein, and ideally support that growth rather than just reward it.
Made with over 90% chicken and fish, these dehydrated treats are packed with protein to support growing kittens and active adult cats. The dehydration process helps retain more of the natural nutrients and flavour, giving your cat a wholesome and protein-rich snack without unnecessary fillers.
The grain-free recipe is gentle on sensitive stomachs and contains no artificial flavours, colours, or preservatives. Rich in quality protein, these treats can help support muscle development, energy levels, and overall immunity. Their crunchy texture also makes them rewarding for playful kittens who are always ready for their next burst of energy.
Made with bonito, a fish known for being naturally rich in Vitamin B12, these treats help support your kitten’s energy levels, nerve health, and overall growth. Since kittens are constantly growing and staying active, nutrients like B12 play an important role in supporting their everyday development.
The recipe also includes taurine for heart and eye health, fish oil for a healthy coat, and prebiotics to support digestion. Its soft and chewy texture makes it easier for younger kittens to enjoy, while the fish flavour is usually a big hit even with fussy eaters.
These creamy tuna treat tubes are a great option for kittens who prefer softer textures or need a little encouragement during feeding time. The smooth, lickable format also makes portion control easy and mess-free.
Along with taurine for healthy vision and heart support, the recipe includes fibre to help support digestion during different feeding transitions. Omega-6, zinc, and DL methionine help maintain healthy skin and a soft, shiny coat. With their rich tuna flavour and creamy texture, these treats are often loved even by selective eaters.
Lickable treats can be incredibly useful, especially for kittens who are still getting comfortable with handling, grooming, or trying new foods. These creamy treats are easy to feed and work well as a reward, a topper, or even a distraction during nail trims and vet visits.
Made with wild-caught fish along with fresh chicken and liver, the recipe provides quality protein along with Omega-3 and 6 fatty acids to support skin and coat health. Taurine helps support healthy heart and eye development, which is especially important for growing kittens. The grain-free and gluten-free formula also makes it easier on sensitive stomachs.
These dry kitten treats combine chicken and codfish to create a flavourful snack that also delivers important nutrients like Omega 3, Omega 6, Vitamin B6, and Vitamin B12. Together, these nutrients help support healthy skin, coat condition, and overall development during the growing months.
Their crunchy texture makes them enjoyable for kittens above 2 months of age, and they can also be crushed over meals as a topper for picky eaters. Easy to digest and free from artificial colours, these treats are a simple way to add both flavour and variety to your kitten’s routine.
Adult cats may have outgrown their kitten phase, but their treats still play an important role in supporting overall health and daily well-being. At this stage, concerns like weight management, urinary care, digestion, skin health, and stress become more common, which is why choosing better quality treats can make a real difference. The right treats should not only satisfy your cat’s cravings but also offer added nutritional support suited to their lifestyle and needs.
Made with real chicken, wild caught salmon, and catnip, these soft treats are a great option for adult cats who enjoy chewy textures or have sensitive teeth. The slow-baked preparation helps retain flavour and nutrients while keeping the treats soft and easy to eat.
The addition of catnip gives these treats an extra calming touch, making them especially useful for cats that get anxious, stressed, or easily overstimulated. Along with being grain-free and free from artificial additives, the high-protein recipe also helps support muscle maintenance, immunity, and coat health.
These dehydrated treats combine high-protein chicken and fish with the added benefits of cranberries, making them a smart everyday option for adult cats. Cranberries are commonly included in cat diets to help support urinary tract health, which becomes increasingly important for indoor and adult cats.
The grain-free formula contains no artificial preservatives or colours, while the dehydration process helps preserve the natural nutrients and flavour of the ingredients. Rich in protein and antioxidants, these treats work well for cats needing extra urinary and immune support.
These creamy lickable treats are designed to make treat time feel extra special. The smooth blend of maguro and tuna cream creates a rich texture that many cats find irresistible, especially picky eaters or cats who prefer softer foods.
Their spoon-shaped format also makes feeding cleaner and more interactive, turning snack time into a bonding moment. With high meat content and a soft, creamy consistency, these treats are ideal for rewarding, comforting, or pampering your cat once in a while.
Made with real duck meat, these filet bites offer a flavour change for cats who may be bored of common proteins like chicken or fish. Duck is also considered a good alternative protein option for cats with certain food sensitivities.
The soft, meaty texture makes them highly palatable, even for selective eaters, while the protein-rich recipe supports overall health and energy. These treats are suitable for all breeds and work well as a rewarding snack between meals.
These salmon-based treats are specially made to support healthy skin and a shinier coat. Rich in Omega 3 and 6 fatty acids, they can help reduce dryness, support the skin barrier, and improve overall coat condition over time.
The recipe also includes taurine, prebiotics, and seaweed powder to support digestion, heart health, and overall wellness. With their soft chewy texture and strong salmon flavour, these treats are a good everyday option for adult cats needing extra coat and skin support.
You can browse the full range of cat treats, for kittens and adults, at Heads Up For Tails. Shop online at the HUFT website, or visit your nearest HUFT store if you'd like to explore options in person.
Not always. Kittens have higher protein and calorie needs, and some adult treat formulas are calorie-controlled in ways that aren't appropriate for growing cats. Always check the age suitability on the label. The kitten-specific options listed above are formulated with growth requirements in mind.
For most cats, yes. Cats don't have a nutritional requirement for grains, and grain-free treats reduce the chance of digestive upset, particularly in cats with sensitivities.
Treat fixation is common but worth managing. Cats can become conditioned to specific textures or flavours, which makes it harder to introduce necessary dietary changes later. Rotating between 2-3 formats gradually helps maintain flexibility.
Small, soft, fast-to-consume treats work best for training. You want the reward to be delivered and processed quickly so the cat associates it with the right behaviour. Meowsi Soft Treats and the Happi Skippi chewy treats are good options. Avoid treats that take too long to chew.
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