Cat treats occupy a deceptively important role in feline nutrition and behaviour management. Used correctly — as positive reinforcement during training, as medication delivery vehicles, and as enrichment tools — treats strengthen the bond between cat and owner and provide mental stimulation. Used incorrectly — as guilt-driven overfeeding, as meal replacements, or as the primary calorie source — treats contribute to the UK’s growing feline obesity epidemic (an estimated 50% of UK cats are now overweight).
The golden rule: treats should constitute no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calorie intake. For an average 4kg indoor cat requiring approximately 200 kcal/day, this means a maximum of 20 kcal from treats — roughly 2-3 Dreamies or one Catit Creamy stick.
Cat Treat Types: Which Format Does Your Cat Prefer?
- Crunchy biscuits (Dreamies, Felix Party Mix): The most popular format by UK sales volume. Small, flavoured biscuits with a soft centre. High palatability. Typically grain-based with flavouring rather than high meat content.
- Lickable purees (Catit Creamy, INABA Churu): The fastest-growing treat category globally. Squeeze-tube purees of blended fish or chicken. Excellent for medication delivery, hydration supplementation, and training (the licking action is inherently calming for cats).
- Freeze-dried single-ingredient: Pure meat or fish, freeze-dried to remove moisture while retaining 100% of the nutritional profile. The “gold standard” for treats from a nutritional perspective — no fillers, no grains, no artificial anything. Brands include PureBites and Orijen.
- Dental treats (Beaphar Malt Bits, Greenies Cat): Treats with a specific dental or hairball function. Beaphar Malt Bits are the UK market leader for hairball prevention in treat form.
Quick Comparison: Best Cat Treats UK 2026
| Product | Format | Main Ingredient | Best For |
|---|---|---|---|
| Catit Creamy Variety | Lickable Puree | Real chicken/tuna | Overall best / Training |
| PureBites Chicken Breast | Freeze-Dried | 100% chicken breast | Sensitive / Single ingredient |
| Dreamies Mix | Crunchy Biscuit | Chicken/cheese flavour | Everyday / High palatability |
| Applaws Tuna Loin | Whole Fish Fillet | 100% tuna loin | Premium / Natural |
| Beaphar Malt Bits | Crunchy + Malt | Malt paste centre | Hairball prevention |
Our Detailed Reviews
1. Catit Creamy Variety Pack — Best Overall
Catit Creamy treats have revolutionised the UK cat treat market since their launch. The lickable puree format is uniquely suited to cats — the licking action releases endorphins (similar to grooming), making these treats inherently calming. They are free from artificial flavours, colours, and preservatives, and contain genuine chicken or tuna as the primary ingredient. The squeeze tube format makes them ideal for medication delivery — squeeze the puree over a crushed tablet and most cats will consume it without objection.
2. PureBites Chicken Breast — Best for Sensitive Cats
PureBites contain exactly one ingredient: freeze-dried raw chicken breast. No fillers, no grains, no artificial additives, no secondary proteins. For cats on elimination diets, cats with known food sensitivities, or owners who want to know exactly what they are feeding — PureBites is the most transparent treat available. The freeze-drying process preserves 100% of the protein and nutrient content of raw chicken while eliminating moisture and bacterial risk.
3. Dreamies Mix — Best Everyday
Dreamies are the UK’s best-selling cat treat for a reason — the crunchy-outside, soft-inside texture is irresistible to the vast majority of cats, and the portion-controlled packaging makes calorie management straightforward. The ingredient list is not premium (primarily cereals and vegetable by-products with meat flavouring), but for daily training reinforcement or bonding, palatability trumps ingredient purity and Dreamies delivers on palatability consistently.
For treat alternatives through food, see our Almo Nature HFC guide — many owners use HFC Natural tins as high-value “treat” feeding alongside a complete diet.
Part of our Best Cat Food UK guide series.