So, you're a human. What reason do you need to spoil yourself? Christmas? Your birthday? The end of a tough week? Cats have long since noticed you are wracked with guilt and driven by the need to look busy. You find it hard to treat yourself. It's a problem – and it's not one shared by cats. In fact, we cats are willing to 'take one for the team' and receive treats 24/7, 365 days per year (and more in leap years). We'll take them whenever they are thrust upon us.
But what does a 'treat for cats' actually look like? What different forms can a treat take? We cats also realize that you humans are not very imaginative – you lack ideas, and to be fair, because of the whole 'guilt' thing mentioned above, time to act on them, so we've decided to inspire you with our…
Top Ten Treats for Cats
Grab a paper and pen, and for goodness sake, take notes because here comes a countdown of how you can make us happy. Can you guess what's on the list? Can you predict what's number one? Here goes…
10. Give us Something to Scratch
Scratching isn't just a hobby - it's a way of life, a way to sharpen our claws, a way to mark our territory. Of course, if you don't wish to put your hands in your pockets and intervene, we'll happily just do this on your favorite sofa or carpet - but give us a scratching post sprinkled with cat nip (free hit), and suddenly, everyone's winning. Without realizing it, you've treated yourself to your sofa not being scratched.
9. Play Table Tennis With Us
It's regrettable that we can't actually play table tennis. Top cat professors have been poring over the problem of why not for centuries, and it all comes down to a lack of opposable thumbs. But never mind, we're happy enough if you simply throw a table tennis ball for us – they're perfect for hockey and those ever-so-awkward role-play moments when we lose ourselves in a mock battle against a mighty foe (the table tennis ball) and momentarily forget we're being watched. Embarrassing.
8. Make Us a Lookout Spot
We love a good view. Preferably one with birds in it so we can mutter at them, twitching our whiskers slightly in unbridled rage. What we're talking about here is a window seat – hurry up, we want to look at stuff.
7. Let Us Outside to Play
Even better is the chance to go outside. Intriguing smells, the thrill of exploration, the thrill of excitement one gets from a bit of wind (not that kind) – these things all make us feel like the wild hunters we really are (or were). Just make sure we're safe.
6. Make Us a Den
Who doesn't love a cozy, snuggly spot for a cat nap? Beware, though. We love to be contrary, so you may find that the cozy, snuggly spot you spent hours preparing is actually trumped by that random, uncomfortable-looking spot over there on the floor, which still smells of that mouse we once caught. Just go with it, or if you want to talk us around, sprinkle some catnip to make your effort more appealing.
5. Dangle Something
We love things that dangle—a piece of string, a stick with a feather on the end, anything. Whatever it is, it transports us immediately to a world in which we're fierce predators, moving in for the kill with stealth and agility. It's extremely satisfying.
4. Toys, toys, toys!
Variety is the spice of life. And toys. So a variety of toys = double good. Generally, if it's small enough that we can dominate it – an E.G. toy mouse – that's a good start. Then, if it makes a noise, feels nice, or contains catnip (free hit), that's a whole different level.
3. Dish Out the Savory Cat Treats
Nothing says love – apart from items 2 and 1 on this list, and to a lesser extent, items 10 to 4 – like a modest scattering of high-quality, healthy, savory cat treats. What do we want? Gourmet goodies! When do we want them? Now!
2. Let Us Love You on Your Lap
So here's the thing. We actually like you. We recognize that despite the fact that you are noisy (there's just no need!), inconsiderate (what's the point of dogs?), and smell strange (so artificial!), a warm lap is the ultimate in soothing, bonding experiences: our two hearts beating as one, the shared body warmth, the opportunity for you to worship us through the giving of gentle strokes and chin scratches. I know - you're so lucky!
And finally, (a very quiet) drumroll please…topping the list (at the bottom of the article, because that's how countdowns work)…
1. Bring the Catnip
The number one treat for us cats is, of course, catnip! Whether it's loose, dried catnip, catnip treats, real leaves, a spray, or a catnip toy, the cat world's number one happy herb' never fails to fill us with joy. For something new, try catnip tea for cats. Just mix some catnip into lukewarm water and let us sip away. It's like cat wine! Or, for the ultimate treat, why not organize a Cat Crack Party?! Invite any feline friends we share a home with to join us, dish out the good stuff, and bingo – you've got yourself a great big love-in!
(If you want to know more, read our Ultimate Guide To Hosting A Catnip Party here).
Can Cats Eat Catnip?
Absolutely! Catnip is a 100% natural and non-toxic herb, so it is perfectly safe to eat. Whether we're licking Cat Crack off the floor, munching on a catnip treat, or sipping on some homemade catnip tea, you can rest assured we're enjoying ourselves safely. Moderation is key, though - too much of a good thing (and catnip is a VERY good thing!) can give anyone the ick, so please help us catnip responsibly – but catnip will never harm or poison us.
For more on eating catnip, check out our interview with the hosts of cat food reality show Top Cat Chef here.
So there you have it – our Top Ten Treats For Cats.
Life can be complex and full of distractions. We get that. We sympathize—to a degree. But not if it means we miss out on things. So perhaps think of it this way: You have one job: dedicating all of your energy to making us happy whilst ignoring dogs. Understand? Good. Then, the best way to prove it is with treats.
For more great ideas on how to spoil a cat, head here.
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