After a long day at work,many cat owners long to get home and spend time with their feline companions.To keep their pets happy,owners often use treats to strengthen their bond.However,feline experts warn that excessive treats can negatively impact a cat's health.

"Obesity is a prevalent and significant health concern in dogs and cats,"says Dr.Rachel Barrack(DVM),a veterinarian and acupuncturist at an animal acupuncture clinic."Studies have shown a strong link between obesity and a range of serious health problems in dogs and cats,including cancer,degenerative joint disease,type 2 diabetes,and high blood pressure.It also leads to shorter lifespans and a lower quality of life.The most common cause of obesity in pets is overfeeding—with excessive treats being a major contributing factor."

It's important to note that this doesn't mean owners should never treat their cats,but rather that they should carefully control the timing and amount of food given at each feeding.Feeding cats healthy treats seems like a natural thing to do,but Dr.Amy Farcas(DVM),a veterinary nutritionist at the California Veterinary Nutrition Center,points out that choosing and feeding treats to cats is more difficult than feeding treats to dogs.

"Cats have unique dietary preferences,"she explains."They typically don't readily eat human or other treats that we consider suitable for pets."Dr.Farcas adds that most cats also don't show a strong interest in fruits and vegetables.

Based on this,the following are six recommended healthy treats for cats,for cat owners'reference.

1.Small Pieces of Lean Meat

The American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals(ASPCA)clearly states that a cat's physiological needs dictate that it must ingest certain amino acids from protein;therefore,ensuring adequate meat intake is crucial for cats.While a balanced staple food is the best choice to meet a cat's nutritional needs,many cats also enjoy small pieces of lean meat as treats.

“Some cats prefer meat chunks as treats,which is quite common,but others will be indifferent to meat and instead ask,‘Where's my food?’”Dr.Farkas said.

II.Cat Food

Using cat food as a treat might sound like it lacks a“reward,”but from another perspective,cats naturally enjoy eating their main food,so using it as a treat is an effective way to control their calorie intake.

“It’s recommended that owners set aside a portion of their cat’s daily main food as a‘reward’during the day,”Dr.Barak suggested.“This effectively prevents cats from consuming too many calories.At the same time,it’s important to ensure that all family members are aware of the cat’s total food intake to prevent overfeeding due to multiple people feeding the cat.”

III.Dry Liver

Protein is an essential nutrient in a cat’s diet,and dry liver is rich in high-quality protein,making it a suitable treat.However,the Knox County Humane Society reminds caters that the amount of this treat should be controlled to avoid overfeeding and putting a strain on the cat’s digestive system.

IV.Wet Cat Food

The Oregon Humane Society states that while many cats prefer dry food,wet cat food can also be a good reward option,satisfying their appetite while providing adequate hydration.

V.Commercially Available Cat Treats

Dr.Farkas states that if owners enjoy preparing treats for their cats,it's undoubtedly an effective way to strengthen the bond.If owners find it inconvenient to prepare their own,there's no need to worry about commercially available cat treats being unhealthy.Because each cat's physiological needs and dietary tolerance differ,owners are advised to consult a veterinarian before choosing commercially available cat treats,selecting those that suit their cat's individual needs.

VI.Affection and Interaction

While humans crave treats late at night,simple petting isn't enough.Cats are different—they don't constantly need treats to feel their owner's love or confirm that their behavior is appreciated.

“I understand that treats are an important way for owners to express praise and affection to their pets,but in reality,petting,playing together,or going for walks(for cats that are willing to go outside)achieve the same effect,”Dr.Barak said.

Key Consideration:Strictly Limit Treats

Owners must clearly remember that no matter how healthy cat treats may seem,from a nutritional standpoint,cats do not actually need extra treats.

“Even if you’re feeding them what is considered healthy food,it’s still an unbalanced supplement because such foods cannot provide all the nutrients a cat needs for a complete diet,”Dr.Farkas emphasized.

Furthermore,it’s important to note that excessive treats can lead to a cat reducing its intake of its daily healthy food.“Most commercial pet foods have a high level of nutritional balance,so allocating 5%to 10%of a cat’s total daily intake to treats can serve as a reward without causing nutritional deficiencies in its main food intake,”Dr.Farkas added.