All of us who live with furry friends do so because we love them dearly and always hope to give them the best. Sometimes they can test our patience, but it quickly fades when they look at us with those sweet eyes; other times, we're surprised by how well-behaved they are. These moments are ideal for reinforcing desired behaviors with some cat treats.
The question is: which ones? And in what quantity? A treat is still food, so it's important not to give them too many to maintain a healthy physical condition.
We might think that talking about rewards means talking only and exclusively about food, but that's not the case. In reality, there are many ways to reward a cat for good behavior, and they are as follows:
- CariciaPetting him when he's done something well is a way of saying "very good." We can pet him as often as we like, but we'll have to... Stop if you feel overwhelmed.
- Squinting: If we do this and look at it with affection, it will be as if we were giving it a cat hug. Indeed, it is the way that cats show affection to their kind, and also to us.
- Game: playing with the feline is the best way to strengthen our friendship with him, and incidentally, to make him happy and stay in good shape. To do this, we can buy cat toys, but we have to know that with a cardboard box that has some holes or with a ball made of aluminum foil he will have a great time.
- Lunch time: Of course, we can also give you food, either in the form of a cat treat or in the form of a tin or special food. But do not go overboard. In the case of sweets, 1 to 4 will be enough (it will depend on the size of the animal. Up to 2kg, no more than 2 units, and if it is greater than 3 to 4).
That way, your furry friend will be very happy  ..
Positive reinforcement: when to reward and when not to
Positive reinforcement works best when the reward is given within 3 seconds of the desired behavior. Don't reward meowing for food, scratching furniture, or other undesirable behaviors: ignore or redirect them and reward only the right thing to do. Avoid physical punishment or yelling ; it increases fear and hinders learning. Keep in mind that every cat has preferences : what appeals to one cat may not motivate another (treats, catnip, play, or cuddles).
How to offer the prize correctly
Cats don't see well up close ; bring the treat close to their nose so they can detect it by smell. Try what they find more comfortable: taking it from your fingertips or from the palm of your hand . Give the treat quickly and calmly to associate it with the desired behavior.
If you use toys as rewards (e.g., with catnip), reserve them only for after the desired action and remove them after the session. This will maintain their motivational value. During training sessions, offer very small , frequent treats .
Types of prizes and guaranteed amounts
There are regular treats (for everyday use and training) and treats for special occasions . In both cases, snack calories should be less than 10% of daily calories ; the other 90% should come from their overall diet. If you give snacks, adjust the meal portion for that day accordingly.
Check labels: prioritize animal protein as the first ingredient, choose few other ingredients , and avoid artificial colors. Look for low-carb treats (ideally less than 20% of your cat's energy intake). Avoid sugars like fructose or xylitol. If your cat has kidney, thyroid, or urinary tract conditions , check the mineral content (phosphorus, magnesium, sodium, calcium, iodine) beforehand.
Dental treats can help, but the best oral hygiene is daily brushing with a feline-specific toothpaste. Introduce new foods gradually , one at a time and in small portions.
Liquid snacks and other healthy options
Creamy snacks or lickable treats provide extra hydration , improve palatability for picky eaters, and make it easier to conceal supplements or medication . Use them in moderation (not exceeding 10% of total calories) and vary the flavors according to your cat's preferences. You can also use portions of their regular food as a treat, a safe and consistent option within their diet.
Remember that cats are obligate carnivores and usually prefer wet food . They also eat many small meals throughout the day; the key is to keep treats small and controlled.
Homemade treats and suitable foods (and those you should avoid)
Homemade ideas: bite-sized pieces of oven-baked chicken with egg, bites of cooked, boneless tuna or salmon , or turkey with a touch of oats . No-bake options: cooked pumpkin balls, lactose-free and sugar-free yogurt in micro portions, or snacks with catnip . All without salt or spices.
Suitable for occasional use: cooked lean meats, cooked fish, and unsalted eggs ; small portions of cooked pumpkin or carrots . If you offer turkey ham , make sure it's low-salt and cut into very small pieces. Dairy products should be lactose-free and in minimal quantities.
Dangerous foods: onions, garlic, chocolate, caffeine, grapes, raisins, raw dough, and products containing xylitol . Avoid them completely.
Play and enrichment as a reward
Interactive play sessions are an excellent reward: wands, balls, tunnels, or cardboard boxes. They keep the cat active and reduce sedentary behavior and obesity . If you use a laser pointer, finish with a physical toy that the cat can "catch." Incorporate puzzles and agility courses with small treats.
Almacenamiento y seguridad
Homemade treats should be stored in airtight containers . Refrigerate for up to 5 days and freeze for up to 3 months . Check for smell, texture, and color before offering. Keep commercially packaged treats sealed and follow the manufacturer's expiration date and instructions.
Kittens and cats with special needs
Introduce a variety of proteins early on to reduce neophobia. For overweight cats , choose low-calorie treats and prioritize non-edible rewards (cuddles, play, brushing). If your cat has allergies or health conditions, consult your veterinarian to adjust the treats accordingly.
Choosing the right treats, giving them at the right time , keeping to the 10% calorie limit, and also using petting and play as rewards will help your cat learn better, stay healthy, and enjoy your time together much more.
