Training a cat might sound like a punchline, but it’s totally possible—with the right motivation. And let’s be honest, nothing motivates a feline quite like food. Whether you’re clicker training, teaching tricks, or just trying to get them off the counter for once, using the best cat treats can make all the difference.
But not all treats are created equal. Some are too big, too crunchy, or loaded with stuff your cat shouldn’t be eating. Plus, if your kitty is anything like mine, they’ll turn their nose up at half of them anyway. That’s why we’ve rounded up treats cats actually go wild for—options that are healthy, high-value, and perfect for positive reinforcement.
In this list, you’ll discover eight treats legit cat parents (and plenty of pros) swear by for training. From soft bites to lickable rewards, there’s something here that’ll have your kitty sitting, spinning, or high-fiving in no time—well, maybe with some extra coaxing.
1. Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows
Looking for a training reward that won’t upset your cat’s delicate tummy? Vital Essentials Freeze-Dried Minnows might just be the perfect pick.
These single-ingredient snacks are made from 100% real minnows. No fillers, no grains, no nonsense. Just pure protein your feline will flip for.
Because they’re freeze-dried, they retain their natural flavor and aroma—making them irresistible during training sessions. Even picky eaters get hooked.
Better yet, they’re amazing for cats with food sensitivities or allergies. No chicken, no beef, just clean fishy goodness. That’s a win in our book.
Each bag runs around $7–$10, and although they’re light in weight, they pack heavy protein power. Great for cats who thrive on a meat-first diet or lovers of cat food (wet or dry) alternatives.
If your cat’s more diva than dog, these treats will make training feel like a red carpet event.
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2. Inaba Churu Lickable Purée Treats
Training your cat? These purée-style Inaba Churu Lickable Treats make it way easier—and way tastier. The texture alone feels like cat food (wet and smooth), but it’s packed into little single-serve tubes your kitty will go bananas for.
They’re ideal if you have a picky eater or just want a high-value bribe. Seriously—one smell and even finicky cats come running. Plus, they’re low-calorie, grain-free, and hydrating. A nice bonus if your cat avoids their water bowl like it’s evil.
Whether you’re coaxing them into the carrier or rewarding that rare “sit” milestone, Inaba Churu nails the flavor profile. Available in a wide variety of flavors—including tuna, chicken, and shrimp—there’s something for every fussy feline.
At roughly $7 for a pack of 20, it’s a budget-friendly game-changer for consistent training wins. These may just be the best cat treats for motivation-on-demand.
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3. Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Cat Treats
Wellness Kittles Crunchy Natural Cat Treats deliver a satisfying crunch in every bite—your cat might start training you for more.
Grain-free and bursting with natural ingredients like salmon, tuna, and cranberries, these treats offer a flavorful blend cats crave. They’re also made without any fake colors, synthetic flavors, or chemical preservatives. That means clean snacking made simple.
At just 2 calories per treat, they’re perfect for daily rewards without tipping the scale. And because they’re available in multiple flavors, your picky feline won’t get bored. Whether you’re reinforcing good litter box habits or teaching high fives, they work great for consistent positive reinforcement.
Though technically not wet food for cats, Kittles pair well alongside a wet meal routine, adding variety to your cat’s culinary adventures. This is undeniably one of the best cat treats for motivated training sessions.
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4. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
Greenies Feline Dental Treats pull double duty—reward your cat and clean their teeth in one go. That’s right, your cat gets a high-five-worthy snack and you get oral care perks. Everyone wins (except plaque).
This crunchy treat is VOHC-accepted for tartar control, making it more than just a tasty bite. It’s ideal for felines in need of dental hygiene help—without the toothbrush battles. Each piece is shaped to scrub as they chew.
Chicken flavor packs the punch most kitties crave, and thankfully, it has less than two calories per treat. No artificial flavors, no feline drama. Just simple, daily bites that work.
Whether you’re using it after training or sneaking it in after wet cat food, it fits seamlessly into your routine. Ideal for cats 1 year and older.
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5. Stella & Chewy’s Meowfulls
Stella & Chewy’s Meowfulls is a high-reward treat cats will do nearly anything for—yes, even stop ignoring you.
Made from 98% meat, organs, and bone, this freeze-dried option aligns perfectly with high-protein or raw feeding diets. It’s ideal for cat parents who want to stay close to a natural prey model. Zero grains, zero fillers—only clean ingredients.
The freeze-drying process locks in all the raw goodness, which keeps scent and flavor levels high. That means a more motivated feline when it’s time for training. Bonus: it crumbles easily, so you decide portion size without waste.
If you’re hunting for the best cat treats that support raw nutrition while doubling as powerful motivators, this one earns a prime spot.
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6. WholeHearted Soft Cat Treats
WholeHearted Soft Cat Treats are an excellent pick when dealing with a feline who’s a bit picky—or perhaps just sensitive in the teeth department. Especially ideal for kittens and senior cats, these treats boast a soft texture that’s easier to chew and digest.
Made with high-quality proteins like salmon or chicken, they support strong muscles and overall vitality. Plus, they’re soft-baked and free from artificial flavors. That means fewer strange ingredients, more tail flicks of approval.
Thinking about training sessions? These bite-sized goodies are tempting and quick to gobble up—so your cat stays focused on positive reinforcement. If you’re browsing through the best cat treats, this one deserves a spot, especially for furballs with dental worries.
Affordable and available in several savory flavors, they fit seamlessly into your cat’s daily snack rotation—even beside their favorite wet food for cats.
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7. Tiki Cat Stix Purée Treats
Tiki Cat Stix Wet Treats aren’t just adorable—they’re incredibly functional when it comes to bonding with your kitty. These creamy, lickable purées are moist and flavorful, making them perfect as a high-value training reward.
Formulated with real chicken or tuna, each pouch is grain-free and loaded with protein. They work beautifully as a hydration boost too—especially helpful if your cat turns their nose up at the water bowl.
Unlike traditional crunchy bits, these treats go down smooth and are less messy during those quick training sessions. You can also mix them into wet food for cats if you have a picky eater in the house.
If your furball is flavor-driven, this pick might be the best cat treats solution for getting their attention fast—without the guilt of fillers or weird ingredients.
8. PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Treats
PureBites Freeze-Dried Raw Treats are exactly what minimalist pet parents dream about—just one ingredient, typically chicken, salmon, or liver.
This means no fillers, no sugar, and zero preservatives. Just pure, high-protein goodness.
Since it’s freeze-dried raw, the flavor and nutrients stay locked in. This makes them ideal for raw food advocates and cats on limited-ingredient diets.
Your cat gets all those rich meaty aromas without you enduring the mess of traditional wet cat food. Win-win.
They break apart easily—perfect for training sessions or quick rewards during playtime. Best of all, the treats are proudly made in the USA and decently priced for such high quality.
If you’re looking for the best cat treats that double as a healthy reward, PureBites delivers without compromise.
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Popular Questions About Cat Treats
What treats are best for training cats?
When it comes to training cats, the best treats are small, soft, and irresistibly tasty. Think bite-sized pieces they don’t have to chew for ten seconds—cats can be impatient learners. Go for treats high in protein like freeze-dried chicken, salmon bites, or commercially made training treats with minimal additives. Keep some on hand during every session, and use just enough to spark motivation without filling your cat up. Pro tip: if they ignore the treat, it’s not treat-worthy (to them).
How to choose cat treats?
Choosing cat treats boils down to a few key things: ingredients, purpose, and your cat’s preferences (which can change daily, to be honest). Look for treats with real meat or fish as the first ingredient. Avoid anything heavy in artificial colors, corn, or soy—junk food doesn’t sit well with sensitive feline stomachs. Also, are you rewarding behavior? Giving dental support? Just showing love? Different goals need different treats, so one-size doesn’t fit all. Always read the label, even if your cat won’t.
Do cats prefer soft or crunchy treats?
Most cats lean toward soft treats—they’re easier to chew and usually have stronger aromas. Older cats especially favor them due to dental issues. That said, some felines love the satisfying crunch. It really depends on the cat. Try offering both textures to see their pick. And be warned: once you find ‘the one,’ your cat may refuse all others with dramatic flair. It’s a game of preference, and your cat plays to win.
How many treats should you give a cat at a time?
Moderation is key. Limit treats to just 10% of your cat’s daily calories. So, if your feline buddy gets 200 calories a day, no more than 20 should come from treats. That’s roughly 2–5 small treats, depending on their size and type. Giving too many not only risks weight gain but also encourages picky eating. So yes, you can spoil them—but with a calculator in hand.
Treat Your Cat Right—And Get Results
Training your feline takes patience, consistency, and—let’s be honest—the best cat treats you can find. The right reward turns a reluctant kitty into an eager learner. From high-protein bites to irresistible squeezable options, the treats we’ve covered are tailored to help you encourage good behavior without compromising your cat’s health.
We get it—cats can be picky. That’s why this list includes treats with different textures, flavors, and ingredient profiles. Whether you’re using them for clicker training or you just want to reinforce positive behavior, these targeted options make training sessions more productive (and more fun for both of you).
So if you’ve ever stared at 20 brands wondering what won’t just get ignored by your cat—consider your search over. We hope these best cat treats give you the boost you need to train smarter, connect deeper, and maybe even teach that elusive high-five. Your future well-behaved feline will thank you—with purrs, of course.
