Think cats can’t be trained? Think again. Cats are intelligent, motivated creatures who absolutely can learn tricks, commands, and good behavior — they just need the right incentive. And nothing motivates a cat quite like a really, really good treat.
But not all treats are created equal when it comes to training. The best training treats are small, soft, aromatic, and irresistible. In this guide, we’ll review the best cat treats for training and share tips for using treats effectively.
Why Treats Are Essential for Cat Training
Unlike dogs, cats aren’t naturally inclined to please humans. Their motivation comes from what’s in it for them. Treats tap into this food motivation.
How treat-based training works:
1. Cat performs desired behavior
2. Cat immediately receives a high-value treat
3. Brain releases dopamine, creating a positive association
4. Cat repeats behavior to earn more treats
5. Over time, behavior becomes habitual
Key principle: Timing is everything. The treat must come within 1-2 seconds of the desired behavior.
What Makes a Good Training Treat?
The ideal training treat has these characteristics:
Small size: Training requires many repetitions. Look for treats about the size of a pea.
Soft texture: Soft treats can be eaten quickly without crunching.
Strong aroma: Cats are scent-driven. Strong-smelling treats capture attention.
Irresistible taste: The treat should be something your cat goes crazy for.
Nutritious: Even treats should have some nutritional value.
Easy to carry: Treats that crumble create messes.
Consistent quality: Treats should be the same size, shape, and taste every time.
Best Soft Treats for Training
Soft treats are the gold standard for training:
1. PureBites Minced Chicken Treats — Single-ingredient, freeze-dried chicken pieces.
2. Vital Essentials Mini Chicken Treats — Raw, freeze-dried chicken bites.
3. Instinct Raw Boost Mixers — Freeze-dried raw pieces that can be broken into smaller bits.
4. Blue Buffalo Bursts — Soft, chewy treats with real chicken or fish.
5. Temptations Mixups — Soft inside with a crunchy coating.
Pro tip: Break larger treats into pea-sized pieces to make them last longer.
Best Freeze-Dried Treats for Training
Freeze-dried treats retain nutrients and have intense flavor:
1. Stewart Freeze-Dried Liver — Chicken liver is one of the most motivating treats.
2. PureBites Single Ingredient Treats — Available in chicken, fish, and shrimp.
3. Primal Freeze-Dried Nuggets — Can be crumbled into tiny training pieces.
4. Open Farm Freeze-Dried Treats — Ethically sourced with transparent ingredient lists.
Freeze-dried advantage: Long shelf life, no refrigeration needed, retains nutritional value.
Best Budget Training Treats
Training doesn’t have to be expensive:
1. Temptations Classic — The most popular cat treat in the world.
2. Friskies Party Mix — Budget-friendly and available in multiple flavors.
3. Meow Mix Tender Centers — Soft centers with crunchy coating.
4. Generic store brands — Many store brands offer soft, affordable treats.
Budget tip: Break larger treats into smaller pieces to stretch your budget.
Human Foods as Training Treats
Some human foods make excellent training treats:
Safe options:
– Cooked chicken (plain, no seasoning)
– Small pieces of cooked fish
– Plain cooked egg
– Small bits of cheese (in moderation)
Avoid these:
– Onions and garlic (toxic)
– Chocolate (toxic)
– Grapes and raisins (toxic)
– Anything with xylitol
– Salty or seasoned foods
Training Techniques Using Treats
How to use treats effectively:
Lure and reward: Hold a treat near your cat’s nose and guide them into the desired position.
Clicker training: Use a clicker to mark the exact moment of desired behavior, then give a treat.
Capture behavior: When your cat naturally performs a desired behavior, immediately mark it and treat.
Shaping: Reward successive approximations of the desired behavior.
Session length: Keep training sessions to 3-5 minutes maximum.
End on success: Always end training on a positive note.
How Many Treats Should You Give?
Portion control is crucial:
Daily treat limit: Treats should make up no more than 10% of daily calories.
Training session budget: Divide the 10% across all sessions.
Adjust meal portions: If you’ll have an intensive training day, slightly reduce regular meal portions.
Treat size matters: Smaller treats mean more repetitions without excess calories.
Monitor weight: Regularly check your cat’s body condition.
High-value vs. low-value: Save ultra-high-value treats for challenging new behaviors.
Common Training Mistakes to Avoid
Set yourself and your cat up for success:
1. Using low-value treats.
2. Training when your cat isn’t hungry.
3. Sessions too long.
4. Inconsistent timing.
5. Punishing mistakes.
6. Skipping breaks.
7. Being inconsistent.
Frequently Asked Questions
Q: Can I train an adult cat with treats?
A: Yes! Cats of all ages can learn with treat-based training.
Q: How long does it take to train a cat?
A: Simple behaviors can be taught in 1-2 weeks. More complex tricks may take 4-6 weeks.
Q: What if my cat is food-motivated but not toy-motivated?
A: Food motivation is actually better for training. Use it to your advantage.
Q: My cat gets fat from treats. What should I do?
A: Use lower-calorie treats, break them into smaller pieces, and reduce meal portions.
Q: Can I use clicker training with treats for cats?
A: Yes! Clicker training is excellent for cats and one of the most effective training methods.
Veterinary Disclaimer
Disclaimer: This article is for informational purposes only and does not replace professional veterinary advice. Always consult your veterinarian before making changes to your cat’s diet or health routine.