Are you giving your cat too many high-calorie treats?

21st February 2022

There are certain human foods that cats love as a treat, but do you know how highly calorific they are for your feline friend?

Here are some startling insights into how unhealthy some treats are for cats in human terms:

• 25g of crème fraiche – equivalent to five iced doughnuts for humans
• 43g of pate – equivalent to seven iced doughnuts for humans
• 30g of cheddar cheese – equivalent to six iced doughnuts for humans

This chart, created by Royal Canin, gives further insight into the impact certain treats could have on your cat’ health. What might seem like a titbit to you might be so much more filling to your cat.

If your cat has access to too many, high calorie treats then this can put them at risk of obesity and weight-related illnesses, which can have a real impact on their overall health and wellbeing.

Sticking to treats designed specifically for your cat is the best option, or better still, treat your cat in different ways by giving them a cuddle or playing a game – treats that won’t affect their waistline. Grooming, playing and interactive toys are all great ways to treat your cat, and they last longer than a treat which might be consumed in a few second.

If you do decide to give your cat food-related treats, be sure to take it out of their daily food intake so that you don’t risk overfeeding them.

Speak to your vet if you are concerned about your cat’s weight or health. Your vet can help you to put together a healthy eating plan for your pet if they find them to be overweight.