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Cats/How many cat treats is too many?
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Question
Hello, I have a very important question that I hope you can answer. How many
treats are safe to feed to a cat per day? My mother is feeding the cats too
many treats (Good Life Recipe Brand), as many as fifteen at a time several
times a day. It also seems like the cats are eating treats instead of their own
food and, as a result, receiving a poor diet. Could this be happening? These
treats do not seem like they are meant to be a substitute for dry or wet food.
Thank you,
-Ben
Hi Ben,
Although it depends on exactly what the treat is, generally, treats should make up no more than 10% of a cat's diet. The treats your mother is feeding should be fed sparingly, only about 3-5 pieces a few times a day. Healthier treats, such as pure freeze-dried chicken bits or fish flakes, could be given a little more generously but should still be limited to less than 20% of the diet. You are correct - a balanced food that the cats enjoy is a better treat than treat foods are.
Good luck!
Jessica
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Answers by Expert:
Jessica
Expertise
The areas in which I have gained the most experience are cat health and feral cat management/rescue. I provide supportive care to chronically ill cats, hospice care to terminally ill cats and also am involved in trap-neuter-return efforts. My specialities lie in taming feral cats and in the allopathic treatment of cats with illnesses or special needs. I also have owned Siamese, Himalayans, Abyssinians, Russian Blues, Savannahs, Bengals, Peterbalds, Don Sphynx and Oriental Shorthairs and am well-versed in cat breeds as well as cat behavior and nutrition.
Experience
I have 15 years of extensive experience with cats ranging from breeding to medical care. My daily routine consists of caring for cats with diabetes, thyroid disease, kidney failure, feline leukemia, feline AIDS as well as feral cats. I have experience with liver patients, heart patients, feline infectious peritonitis, cancer, recovery from amputation and trauma, congenital deformities and most every disease in between. I have assisted cats giving birth and hand-nursed kittens who were neglected by their mother from 2 days old through weaning.
Education/Credentials
15 years' hands-on experience
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