Help! What is the Best Treat for My Picky Cats? (Vet Answered)
This question has been answered by a vet
Veterinarian & Animal Behaviorist
With nearly two decades in veterinary medicine, Dr. Paola brings hands-on experience across multiple species. A graduate of the University of Guadalajara, she specializes in preventive care, animal welfare, and positive reinforcement training.
The Question
Dear Dr. Paola,
For a treat, can I give my cats Callie and Roscoe regular tuna (such as Starkist), or should I stick with a cat food treat (such as Fancy Feast flaked tuna)? They don’t like dry cat food treats. “ – Carol
Hi Carol,
Thanks for your question. I can understand wanting Callie and Roscoe to enjoy something they love. Plain canned tuna in water, like the kind made for people, can be given occasionally in very small amounts as a special treat. The concern with using it more often is that it is not a balanced diet for cats, so relying on it regularly could lead to nutritional imbalances. Another important consideration is that tuna can contain trace amounts of heavy metals such as mercury, which may accumulate in the body over time if eaten too frequently.
Cat-specific tuna treats, like the Fancy Feast option, are formulated to be safe for feline nutrition and are less likely to pose those risks if offered more regularly. If you decide to give plain tuna, keep portions tiny, more like a taste than a serving, and choose tuna packed in water without added salt or flavorings. This way, Callie and Roscoe can enjoy the flavor without compromising their long-term health. Their main diet should continue to be a complete and balanced cat food, with tuna staying in the “special treat” category.
Best,
– Dr. Paola