Here Kitty, Kitty, Kitty: Cat Treats

Is your cat a snacker? Hungry all the time and ready to devour any treat you put in front of her? Maybe she has gained a few pounds, doesn't seem to get much exercise in and is also growing older. So, what should you do about the cat treats?

One thing you should avoid is giving your cat a treat because you don't have the time for the interaction and attention he craves. It may be easier to toss a cat treat in the direction of kitty and think that you are doing him a favor when what you really need to do is spend a little one-on-one time with him.

Many cats are receiving three or more treats a day. This is not a good idea because in most cases this pattern will eventually lead to obesity. This can then result in a myriad of health problems.

If you read labels and are careful which treats you choose for your cat you can actually find snacks that are healthy and will complete a nutritionally sound diet plan. The key here is substitution and not just addition. There are cat treats that fight tartar, help joints function properly, strengthen gums, and reduce the chance of hairballs.

Cats may also be more likely to show signs of behavior modification when treats are a part of their lives. Remember that the way you give the snack is more important than the snack itself. The treat may not taste any different than the food your cat is used to eating but when it is given in a special way it becomes a real treat.

Many cats will enjoy a yummy treat of lean meats. This is a good choice because lean meats are high in protein and low in fat. Liver is a snack that is relished by many kitties and liver has a high concentration of amino and nucleic acids. Chicken is another flavor craved by cats and it has lots of protein.

There are other cat treats that are not meat-based. These are special treats that many cats seem to appreciate. Catnip is a member of the mint family and while some cats do not care as much about it as others it can be given every day without problems. It may be better to space out the catnip offerings for maximum enjoyment. Catnip has many benefits such as the ability to aid mobility and normalize digestion.

Cat grass is another cat treat that many cats love. Plant fiber is an essential part of a healthy cat's diet and when they don't get it they may try eating other things that remind them of fiber such as shoelaces, or strings. You may need to experiment with different kinds of cat grasses to find one that your cat likes.

Visit with your vet about cat treats and choose the ones that are the most beneficial and safe for your cat.