Cut treats into bite-sized pieces. This will help you control the portion size of the treat and make it easy for your kitten to eat and digest. [2] X Research source It might take some trial and error to discover which treats are your kitten’s favorites. Try feeding your kitten a variety of treats until you discover which ones it likes best.
In addition, many cats are lactose intolerant, so giving your kitten milk could cause it to have diarrhea. [4] X Research source Always check with your vet about what you should and shouldn’t feed your kitten.
To find out more about the ingredients in a specific type of treat and the amount of calories it contains, contact the pet food manufacturer. There should be a number provided on the packaging. You vet should be able to provide you with some quality options for kitten treats as well. [5] X Research source It is recommended you avoid giving your kitten catnip until it is between three and six months old. [6] X Research source
Ingredients on pet food labels are listed in order of predominance, so when you’re looking for a treat that is high in protein, choose one with “meat” or “meat meal” listed as the first ingredient. It is best to stay away from treats that have artificial colors, flavors, stabilizers, and preservatives, but it can be tough to find one that excludes these altogether. If you can’t find a treat that contains no artificial ingredients, look for ones that are identified as “Generally Recognized As Safe (GRAS). ”[8] X Trustworthy Source US Food and Drug Administration U. S. government agency responsible for promoting public health Go to source You can also give your kitten small pieces of steak, salmon, prawns, or other meats as a treat.
Treats should make up no more than five percent of your kitten’s diet. [10] X Trustworthy Source American Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals Leading organization dedicated to the prevention of animal cruelty Go to source
When you’re training your kitten, reward its positive behavior immediately. Cats have short attention spans and will not know what to associate the treat with if you wait too long after they perform the behavior you want. If you’re feeding your cat more than the recommended amount of treats, cut down on the amount of food you give it at meals. Think about your kitten’s overall food intake, factoring in treats, and keep it consistent. [11] X Trustworthy Source The Humane Society of the United States National organization devoted to the promotion of animal welfare Go to source
Hide a treat out of sight (under a chair, for example), and then encourage your kitten to go find it. Let your kitten smell the treat first so it knows what to look for. You may need to help your kitten by giving it hints as to where the treat is hidden. For example, drag your finger along the ground toward the treat or shine a laser pointer or light in the direction of the treat. Get a food puzzle for your cat to play with throughout the day. Put a treat in this puzzle and let your cat figure out how to get the treat out. Attach the treat to the end of a string and let your kitten try to catch the treat as you move the string around. [12] X Research source
