Ever notice how your cat becomes a small tornado of fur and enthusiasm just from the treat bag rustling and and dried mealworms? Cats are odd, eccentric little animals with a taste for drama. Those small bits can transform a fussy cat into a purring machine of thanks. But have you ever stopped to consider what might really be inside these enchanted morsels?
Cats are obligatory carnivores, hence they flourish on diets high in meat. Oh, but how they savor the crunchy, chewy cosmos of goodies that explodes with taste. Like having dessert following every meal but with less calories. Still, it is not a free-for-all. Moderation is essential. Too many snacks can make your elegant kitten a fluffy ball of well, less than healthy proportions.
Look for high-protein choices if you’re trying for the best. There are several ingeniously labeled snacks on the market that highlight actual meat as the first component. It’s like finding the snack aisle’ goldmine. Steer clear of the ones heavy on grain fillers rather than real meat. You wouldn’t want to eat a donut covered with sawdust? Neither your cat nor anyone else.
There then is the taste experiment. For the discriminating kitty taste, there are many options including chicken, salmon, even duck. Whiskers, my friend Mary’s cat, will not touch anything without beef flavor. With tastes as sophisticated as his tuxedo-fanned appearance, he is the James Bond of cats. Luna, my own cat, leans mostly towards tuna and sardines and thinks of herself as a fish enthusiast.
Life can occasionally call for imagination. Ever attempted creating homemade treats? Not only do you get to be chef, but it’s also fun seeing your cat value your cooking—or dismiss it entirely. Whichever direction the whisker-twitch points, the journey counts. Blender a tuna can with an egg, bake it, and voilà—a feline feast.
See sweets as little expressions of kindness. But love returned with wide eyes and an anticipating tail wag—yes, some cats wag their tails! Use incentives for training or to gently pull a shy one from beneath the sofa. They are like little keys releasing moments of connection. Like a bribe? maybe. But a great one.
Have you ever come across snacks made from cat grass? Apart from being a wonderful chew toy, they help digestion and provide some greenness to their diet. Consider it as a course on salads in the great feast of life. Though it’s all part of the feline fun, your floor could wind up looking like a tiny lawn party.
In the end, the vast and colorful universe of cat treats reflects the personalities they aim after. The next time you find yourself in the pet section, practice inner snack detective. Though your cat might not say thanks, you will know you made a good decision when they wrap up on your lap and purr in pleasure. That is now what I consider to be a meow-tastic success.