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My Picky Cats Are Obsessed With These Squeezable Treats — A Vet Explains The Hype
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We hope you love our recommendations! While every product is independently chosen by our editors, BuzzFeed and our publishing partners may collect a share of sales or other compensation from the links on this page. You can read more about how our affiliate partnerships work in our Editorial Standards & Ethics Guide. Meet their nutrition and hydration needs in a couple licks. “[This] moist, lickable cat treat that comes in a soft or squeezable tube, much like an iconic yogurt of our childhood,” says Dr. Liza Cahn, veterinarian at Embrace Pet Insurance. “These flavorful pouches are made by several different brands, and the flavor and texture is often highly appealing to cats.” The strong aroma paired with the novelty of licking it directly from a tube is also what keeps kitties coming back for more. (It probably goes without saying that these treats are not associated with portable snack from Yoplait — they’re simply packaged in a similar way, leading many pet owners on the internet to use “Go-Gurt” as shorthand.) Part of its appeal is how versatile the treat is, too. “It may be consumed directly from the tube or squeezed into a dish or on top of food to encourage eating,” she says. “The high moisture content can also be beneficial for cats to help ensure adequate hydration, which is particularly important for urinary health.” If your cat gets regular yearly checkups, chances are your vet has advised on a specific diet regimen and food brand, so it’s important to be mindful of how and when you feed this treat to your cats. “As with any treat, it should be used in moderation and make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily caloric intake,” says Cahn, adding that the majority of your cat’s diet should come from complete and balanced cat food, containing the essential nutrients, vitamins and minerals your cat needs. “More than [10%] can risk unbalancing your cat’s diet or lead to obesity, which can then be associated with medical conditions such as diabetes, heart disease and arthritis,” says Cahn. “Cats with preexisting conditions such as diabetes, food allergies, chronic kidney disease or a history of gastrointestinal sensitivity may need more careful treat selection.” This may sound obvious, she says, but avoid allowing your cats to chew on the treat’s plastic packaging. While Cahn says you can feel free to give your cat lickable treats just because, “they are also often recommended as a way to hide medication, train your cat, as a form of enrichment if added to a lickmat or frozen and to reward good behavior.” With so many options out there, you’ve really got your pick of the litter. It turns out, your cat might do the choosing for you. “Individual cats may have different preferences in terms of brand, flavor and texture, so you may need to try a few to find what they like best,” says Cahn. She noted that not all lickable treats are nutritionally identical, and some may be higher in sodium or calories than others, so it’s worth checking the label or asking your vet which ones are best suited for your pet. This is especially crucial for cats with underlying medical conditions or those on calorie-restricted diets. If your cat is anxious, they may benefit from this chill-inducing snack. “You may see this type of treat used in the vet clinic to distract cats during minor procedures and help them build a positive association,” said Cahn. “Happy Snack by Feliway is a... lickable treat that also contains alpha-casozepine, a natural milk protein that may help promote relaxation and reduce anxiety.” Promising review: “I bought Happy Snack by Feliway for my cat, and it worked better than I expected. My cat is usually anxious and picky, but she loved the taste immediately. Within minutes, she was noticeably calmer and more relaxed without being sleepy or sluggish.” —Nina Gvelesiani “Churu is generally considered the original lickable treat, and it still remains one of the most popular with both cats and their owners,” said Cahn. Not sure if your cat gravitates toward fishy or meaty flavors? Grab this variety pack of 50 tubes, which includes tuna, salmon, chicken and cheese varieties that’ll perfectly mask pills or serve as a nutritious treat. Promising review: “The Inaba Churu Cat Treats are an absolute staple in my house. These lickable, grain-free purée treats are basically kitty magic, my cat wakes me up to get their daily treat. He taps me on my shoulder until I sping into action for him. They’re creamy, delicious (according to her VERY enthusiastic reactions), and a perfect way to sneak in a little extra nutrition.” —Elizabeth Challoner If your cat’s got tummy troubles, talk to your vet about introducing these tuna-based lickable treats. They include seaweed, which the brand claims can aid in digestion, along with flaxseed oil and omega-3 to promote skin and fur health. Promising review: “Hello, fellow felines and their humble human servants. Alright, fellow feline fanatics, gather 'round! I've stumbled upon a snack so divine, even the pickiest of our purr-babies can't quiet resist. Allow me to introduce myself: It is I, Sir Purrsalot, a connoisseur of all things delicious and a professional napper. Today, I'm here to share my whisker-tingling experience with Solid Gold Lickable Cat Treats - Chicken SeaMeal Squeeze Squeezable. Yes, it's quite the mouthful, but trust me, it’s a mouthful you want. The texture is what dreams are made of — smooth, lickable, and utterly irresistible. I could slurp it straight from the pouch, off my human’s finger, or any other surface it lands on (not that I’m clumsy or anything). It's a flavor explosion that danced on my taste buds and left me purring with satisfaction.” —Sleepless Get it from Amazon for $29.97+ (available in two sizes). Complete with human-grade meat and fish, these lickable treats make it easy to distribute medication, reward good behavior or treat your furry friend just because. With just six calories per serving, they’re designed to assist with nutrition and hydration goals without maxing out your pet’s energy requirements or contributing to additional metabolic issues. Promising review: “These are by far the best lickable treats. I have tried many other brands and came across these and tried them. My cats gobble them up. Mine prefer the chicken variety and especially the chicken and turkey. No nasty smells. I haven’t had a bad package yet. They’re always fresh, easy to use and feature healthy ingredients. It’s a win-win for my babies!” —Billie9741 Get them from Amazon for $16.99 (available in eight flavors). Fortified with essential amino acids like lysine and taurine to support your pet’s cardiac, eye and immune function, these tuna-flavored lickable treats serve as a healthy addition to your cat’s existing diet. They feature a tender, soft texture for easy digestion whether offered by hand, topped over kibble or served in a bowl. Promising review: “I have an eight year old cat named Mango with a congenital heart condition and Kitty Up Treats literally saved her life. Her vet cardiologist decided to change one of her medications to a new one that needed to be taken with a potassium supplement. Somehow the supplement did not get prescribed. She became very ill and refused all food. I tried over 30 different kinds of cat foods/treats and she refused them all. I found Kitty Up Vitality treats the day before I was supposed to take Mango to a vet teaching hospital to get on IV nutrition and she immediately finished one off and meowed for another. Her cardiologist said, ‘Hallelujah! Give her as many as she wants.’” —Bradley T. Abrams Get them from Amazon for $17.99+ (available in three flavors). Reviews for this post have been edited for length and/or clarity.
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