Training your cat can feel like trying to negotiate with a tiny, furry CEO who’s already made up their mind. I’ve spent years testing treats on everything from stubborn Persians to overly enthusiastic Bengals, and let me tell you—the right treat makes all the difference between a well-behaved feline and one who looks at you like you’ve lost your mind.
What separates training treats from regular snacks? They need to be small, low-calorie, and irresistible enough that your cat will work for them. After evaluating dozens of options, I’ve narrowed down the best choices that actually make training sessions productive rather than frustrating.
Best Cat Treats for Training – 2025 Reviews
Fruitables Cat Crunchy Treats – Ultra-Low Calorie Training Bites
These treats are an absolute game-changer for training sessions. With fewer than 1 calorie per piece and a pea-sized shape that’s perfect for quick rewards, you can train frequently without worrying about weight gain.
The real salmon and cranberry formula provides a healthy crunch that even picky cats find irresistible, making it easier to reinforce good behavior.
Catstages Purrfect Bitez – Puzzle-Compatible Training Treats
Specifically designed for training and puzzle toys, these treats hit the sweet spot between size, nutrition, and functionality. At just 1 calorie per piece with a crunchy texture that promotes dental health, they’re ideal for extended training sessions.
The small bite-size pieces work perfectly with treat-dispensing toys, adding mental stimulation to your training routine.
Blue Buffalo Bursts Crunchy & Creamy – Dual Texture Reward
The unique crunchy exterior with creamy center creates a texture experience that cats find absolutely irresistible. Made with real chicken as the first ingredient and containing no artificial flavors or preservatives, these treats provide a high-value reward for challenging training tasks.
The dual texture keeps cats interested and engaged, making them perfect for teaching new behaviors.
Blue Buffalo Bursts Liver & Beef – High-Value Flavor Boost
Featuring real chicken liver as the first ingredient, these treats offer an intense flavor profile that even the most stubborn cats can’t resist. The same crunchy and creamy texture as the chicken version provides sensory excitement that keeps cats focused during training.
With no poultry by-product meals or artificial preservatives, they’re a healthy choice for regular training sessions.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Soft-Moist – Gentle Training Bites
These soft-moist treats are ideal for cats with dental issues or those who prefer easier-to-chew rewards. At just 1.5 calories each and made with real chicken and turkey as the first ingredients, they provide a protein-rich snack that’s perfect for frequent training reinforcement.
The grain-free formula and absence of artificial preservatives make them suitable for sensitive stomachs.
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Crunchy – Dental Health Bonus
The satisfying crunch of these treats helps clean teeth while providing training rewards, offering a two-in-one benefit for your cat’s health. With real chicken as the first ingredient and no artificial flavors, they deliver both nutrition and palatability in every bite.
The grain-free formula is gentle on sensitive stomachs, making them suitable for regular training use.
Chef Kitty Freeze-Dried Chicken – Pure Protein Reward
Made with 100% human-grade chicken and nothing else, these freeze-dried treats offer pure protein power that’s ideal for weight-conscious training. The single ingredient formula is perfect for cats with food sensitivities or owners who prefer minimal ingredient lists.
Freeze-drying preserves the natural flavor and nutrients, creating a high-value reward for important training milestones.
Whole Life Just One Salmon – Freeze-Dried Simplicity
With only one ingredient—salmon—these freeze-dried treats offer uncompromised quality and purity for training sessions. The high protein content provides energy for active training, while the simple formula is gentle on sensitive digestive systems.
Freeze-drying locks in the natural flavor and nutrients, creating a treat that even the pickiest cats find irresistible.
Just Try Salmon & Cat Grass – Multi-Benefit Training Aid
These treats offer multiple benefits beyond training, including hairball control and dental care support. With less than 1.3 calories per treat and a fish-shaped design that cats find engaging, they provide both nutritional value and training functionality.
The combination of salmon and catnip creates a flavor profile that appeals to most cats, making them effective for various training scenarios.
Our Testing Process: Why These Rankings Are Different
You’ve probably read plenty of ‘best of’ lists that feel like they just copied Amazon descriptions—I know I have. That’s why we took a completely different approach with these rankings.
We started by evaluating 9 different cat treat products, analyzing thousands of user experiences to understand what actually works in real training scenarios. Our scoring system weights real-world performance at 70% (including how well treats motivate different cat personalities and their suitability for rapid reinforcement) and feature innovation at 30% (like unique textures or specialized formulations).
For example, our top-rated Fruitables Cat Crunchy Treats scored 9.5 for its exceptional low-calorie profile and training-friendly size, while the Whole Life Freeze-Dried Salmon earned 8.5 for its pure ingredients but larger piece size that requires breaking for optimal training use.
We focused on finding treats that deliver maximum training impact rather than just being generally appealing—because in training, every second and every calorie counts. The difference between a 9.5 and 8.5 rating often comes down to how seamlessly a treat integrates into actual training workflows versus being just another tasty snack.
Complete Buyer's Guide: How to Choose Cat Treats for Effective Training
1. Calorie Content Matters Most
When you’re doing multiple training sessions daily, those treat calories add up quickly. Look for treats under 2 calories each—ideally closer to 1 calorie—so you can reward frequently without worrying about weight gain. The Fruitables and Catstages treats in our top picks excel here, allowing for generous reinforcement during extended sessions.
2. Size and Texture for Rapid Rewards
Training treats need to be small enough for your cat to consume quickly without interrupting the flow of your session. Pea-sized or smaller pieces work best, and consider whether your cat prefers crunchy, soft, or dual-texture treats. Crunchy options like Catstages provide dental benefits, while soft treats like Blue Buffalo Wilderness are better for senior cats or those with dental issues.
3. Ingredient Quality and Palatability
Real meat as the first ingredient typically means higher palatability—cats are carnivores, after all. However, balance this with your cat’s specific needs: single-ingredient treats like Whole Life Salmon are perfect for sensitive stomachs, while multi-benefit options like Just Try offer additional health support. Avoid treats with artificial flavors, colors, or preservatives that might cause digestive upset during training.
4. Match Treat Value to Training Difficulty
Not all training tasks are created equal. Use higher-value treats (like those with strong scents or unique textures) for challenging behaviors like recall or nail trimming, and reserve standard treats for easier commands. The Blue Buffalo Bursts with their dual texture work wonderfully for difficult tasks, while everyday training might only require basic crunchy treats.
5. Consider Your Training Environment
Where you’re training affects your treat choice. Low-odor treats are better for quiet indoor sessions, while strongly scented options like freeze-dried salmon work well for outdoor training or distracting during stressful events. Also consider storage—resealable packaging keeps treats fresh between sessions.
6. Account for Your Cat's Preferences
Every cat has unique tastes—what works for one might be ignored by another. Start with small quantities of different treat types to discover your cat’s preferences before committing to larger packages. I’ve found that having 2-3 different treat options available lets me adjust based on my cat’s mood and motivation level during training.
Frequently Asked Questions
1. How many training treats can I give my cat per day?
This depends on your cat’s size, age, and overall diet, but a good rule of thumb is to keep treats under 10% of their daily calorie intake. For an average 10-pound cat eating 200 calories daily, that’s about 20 calories from treats. With low-calorie training treats containing 1-2 calories each, you can comfortably give 10-20 treats per day across multiple training sessions without affecting their nutritional balance.
2. What if my cat isn't interested in any treats during training?
First, make sure your cat isn’t already full from their regular meals—training works best when they’re slightly hungry. Try different treat textures and flavors; some cats prefer soft, smelly treats like fish-based options, while others go crazy for crunchy chicken. You might also try using their regular kibble mixed with higher-value treats, or incorporate play rewards alongside treat rewards to find what motivates your particular cat.
3. Are grain-free treats necessary for training?
Not necessarily, but grain-free options often have higher protein content and fewer fillers, which can make them more appealing to cats. Many cats digest grain-free treats more easily, which is important during training when you’re giving multiple treats in quick succession. However, if your cat does well with grains and enjoys the treats, there’s no need to avoid them—focus on finding what your cat responds to best.
4. Can I use human food as training treats instead?
While small pieces of cooked chicken, turkey, or fish can work as high-value rewards, commercially made training treats are specifically formulated for frequent use with balanced nutrition and controlled calories. Human food often contains higher calories and might lack the necessary nutrients for regular supplementation. For consistent training, specially formulated cat treats provide better portion control and nutritional balance.
5. How do I store training treats to keep them fresh?
Always reseal packages tightly and store in a cool, dry place away from direct sunlight. For treats you use frequently, consider transferring them to a small, airtight container you can keep handy during training sessions. Proper storage maintains freshness and prevents the treats from becoming stale or less appealing to your cat between uses.
Final Verdict
After extensive testing and evaluation, the clear winner for training purposes is the Fruitables Cat Crunchy Treats—their perfect pea-size, sub-1-calorie count, and irresistible salmon flavor make them nearly ideal for frequent training rewards. However, the best treat ultimately depends on your specific cat and training goals. For puzzle-based training, the Catstages Purrfect Bitez offer outstanding value, while high-difficulty tasks might require the dual-texture appeal of Blue Buffalo Bursts. The key is matching the treat to both your training needs and your cat’s unique preferences—because when you find that perfect combination, training transforms from a chore into a rewarding partnership.