Best Cat Treats in South Africa: What to Choose for Your Cat - The Apartment Cat

Best Cat Treats in South Africa: What to Choose for Your Cat

Whether you're rewarding good behaviour, supporting a picky eater, or simply bonding with your feline companion, cat treats are a wonderful addition to your cat's routine — when chosen wisely. This guide covers everything South African cat owners need to know about choosing the best cat treats, from ingredients to life stage suitability.

What Makes a Good Cat Treat?

Not all cat treats are created equal. When shopping for cat treats in South Africa, it pays to look beyond the packaging and consider what's actually inside.

Quality Ingredients Come First

The best cat treats use real, named protein sources — chicken, tuna, salmon, or beef — listed as the first ingredient. Cats are obligate carnivores, which means their bodies are designed to thrive on animal protein. Treats that lead with meat or fish are generally a better choice than those padded with grains, starches, or vague "meat derivatives."

Palatability and Moisture

Cats have notoriously discerning palates. A treat that smells and tastes appealing to your cat is one they'll actually eat. Moisture content also matters — many cats don't drink enough water, so treats with higher moisture content (like lickable or liquid treats) can offer a small but meaningful hydration boost.

Protein and Portion Control

Treats should complement your cat's diet, not compete with it. Look for treats that are high in protein and low in unnecessary carbohydrates. Equally important is portion control — even the healthiest treat can contribute to weight gain if given too freely.

Suitability for Your Cat

Consider your cat's age, health status, and any dietary sensitivities. Some treats are formulated for specific life stages or needs, such as dental health or skin and coat support. When in doubt, check with your vet.

Why Lickable Treats Are So Popular

If you've spent any time in the cat owner community — online or at your local vet — you've likely come across lickable treats. These small, squeezable pouches of creamy, smooth goodness have taken the cat world by storm, and for very good reason.

The Inaba Churu Phenomenon

No conversation about lickable treats is complete without talking about Inaba Churu. Developed in Japan by Inaba Foods — a company with decades of experience in seafood processing — Churu (pronounced choo-roo) launched internationally and quickly became one of the most talked-about cat products in the world.

The formula is deceptively simple: real tuna or chicken, water, a small amount of tapioca starch as a binder, and added taurine. No artificial colours, no artificial flavours, no preservatives. The result is a smooth, intensely aromatic treat that cats find almost irresistible.

What made Churu go viral — particularly on social media — was the reaction cats have to it. Videos of cats going wide-eyed and frantic at the sight of a Churu tube have racked up millions of views globally. Cat owners in South Africa have been no exception. The combination of a strong fish or chicken aroma, a creamy lickable texture, and a clean ingredient list hit every note that cats (and their owners) respond to.

Inaba has since expanded the Churu range significantly, with variants for kittens, functional formulas for skin and coat health, stew-style treats, and bite-sized options. At The Apartment Cat, we stock several of these:

Hydration Support

One of the biggest practical benefits of lickable treats is their high moisture content. Cats evolved as desert animals and often have a low thirst drive, making them prone to mild chronic dehydration — a contributing factor in urinary and kidney issues. Lickable treats can help supplement fluid intake in a way that's genuinely enjoyable for your cat.

Bonding and Trust Building

The act of offering a lickable treat from your hand or fingers creates a moment of closeness between you and your cat. This is particularly valuable for shy, anxious, or newly adopted cats who are still building trust with their humans. Many South African cat owners who've adopted from shelters or rescues have found lickable treats invaluable in those early weeks.

A Lifeline for Picky Eaters

If your cat turns their nose up at everything, a creamy lickable treat can be a game-changer. The strong aroma and smooth texture appeal to even the fussiest felines, making them an excellent tool for encouraging reluctant eaters.

Hiding Medication

Many cat owners have discovered that lickable treats are one of the easiest ways to administer medication. A small amount of creamy treat can mask the taste of a tablet or liquid medicine effectively — a trick that has saved many a cat owner from a scratched arm.

Enrichment and Mental Stimulation

Lickable treats work beautifully with enrichment tools. Spread a Churu across a LickiMat™ Casper or a LickiMat® Slomo™, and you transform a simple treat into a slow-feeding, calming activity. The repetitive licking motion has been shown to reduce stress and anxiety in cats — making it particularly useful during thunderstorms, fireworks (a very real concern for South African cat owners around New Year), or vet visit prep. Browse our full range of enrichment tools in The Arsenal | Cat Toys & Enrichment.

Cat Soups, Broths, and Wet Treat Toppers

Wet treat toppers and stew-style treats are a growing category — and one that cats tend to adore.

Adding Moisture to Meals

Poured over dry kibble or served alongside wet food, a stew-style treat adds moisture and flavour to an otherwise ordinary meal. This is particularly useful for cats who are reluctant to drink water or who are transitioning between food types.

Excitement at Mealtimes

Even cats who eat well can become bored with the same food day after day. A warm, aromatic stew topper can reignite interest in meals and make feeding time feel like an event — something South African cat owners with multi-cat households will appreciate, especially when one cat is a more enthusiastic eater than another.

What to Look For

Choose soups and stews made specifically for cats — not human stock, which often contains onion, garlic, or excessive salt. Look for simple ingredient lists with real protein sources and no artificial additives.

Inaba Churu Stew Cat Treats | The Family Pot is a wonderful example of this category done right. Made with real tuna or chicken in a light, flavourful broth, it can be served as a standalone treat or spooned over your cat's regular food as a topper. The ingredient list is clean, the aroma is compelling, and cats consistently go back for more.

Crunchy and Bite-Sized Treats

Crunchy treats remain a staple in many South African cat households, and they have their rightful place in a balanced treat routine.

Ideal for Training and Rewards

Biskitty Cat Treats | The Crunch File are a South African favourite — crunchy, flavourful, and available in a range of variants to suit different cats. They work particularly well as training rewards or enrichment treats, and the generous bag size makes them practical for multi-cat households.

For cats who enjoy a bit of adventure, Inaba Churu Fun Bites Cat Treats | The Green Light bring the beloved Churu flavour profile into a soft, bite-sized format. They're easy to handle, portion-friendly, and carry that same irresistible Inaba aroma in a form that's quick and convenient to give.

Portion-Controlled Snacking

Because crunchy treats are small and discrete, it's easier to count and control how many your cat receives. This makes them a practical choice for owners who want to be mindful of calorie intake.

Dental Treats and Functional Treats

Functional treats go beyond simple snacking — they're formulated to support specific aspects of your cat's health.

Dental Treats

Kit Cat Breath Bites Dental Treats for Cats 60g | The Breathalyser are specifically formulated to support oral hygiene and freshen breath. They're crunchy, palatable, and a practical addition to your cat's daily routine — particularly for cats who resist tooth brushing (which, let's be honest, is most of them).

Important: Dental treats are not a replacement for professional veterinary dental care. If your cat shows signs of dental disease — bad breath, difficulty eating, or red gums — please consult your vet.

Other Functional Treats

The Inaba Churu Skin & Coat Creamy Lickable Cat Treats are a good example of a functional lickable treat — delivering the hydration and palatability benefits of standard Churu with added support for coat health. For South African cats who spend time in dry, warm climates, skin and coat support can be particularly relevant.

The Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ Cat Treat | The Envelope earns its place in the functional category by offering more than just a tasty reward. Made with real protein and enriched with added nutrients, these lickable treats are designed to support specific wellness needs while still delivering the irresistible flavour cats love. Available in specialised formulas for urinary care, joint support, and collagen support, they're an easy way to add targeted nutrition to your cat's daily routine. Whether you're supporting mobility, urinary tract health, or skin and coat condition, Purr Puree Plus+ makes functional feeding feel like a treat rather than a chore. For cat owners looking to combine indulgence with practical health benefits, this is one of the simplest ways to do both.

As with dental treats, functional treats support health but do not replace veterinary diagnosis or treatment.

Treats for Kittens, Adults, and Senior Cats

Kittens

Kittens have different nutritional needs to adult cats — they're growing rapidly and require more protein and calories per kilogram of body weight. If you're giving treats to a kitten, choose options specifically formulated for kittens or labelled as suitable for all life stages. Introduce treats gradually and in very small amounts.

Inaba Churu Kitten Creamy Lickable Cat Treats 4 Pack | The Recruitment Snacks are formulated with kittens in mind — a gentler, appropriately portioned version of the classic Churu that's safe to introduce from an early age. They're also an excellent bonding tool during those critical early weeks when you're building trust with a new kitten.

Adult Cats

Adult cats (roughly one to seven years) are generally the easiest to cater for when it comes to treats. The key is variety, moderation, and choosing treats that complement their main diet. If your adult cat is prone to weight gain, opt for lower-calorie options and be strict about portion sizes.

The full Inaba Churu Creamy Lickable Cat Treat Tubes, Biskitty Cat Treats, and Inaba Churu Fun Bites all work well for adult cats across a range of preferences.

Senior Cats

Senior cats (seven years and older) may have changing nutritional needs, reduced kidney function, dental sensitivities, or joint issues. Softer treats — like lickable or stew-style treats — are often easier for older cats to eat. The Inaba Churu Stew and standard Churu tubes are particularly well-suited to seniors, as they require no chewing and are high in moisture. Always check with your vet if your senior cat has any diagnosed health conditions.

Ingredients Cat Owners Should Avoid

Reading the ingredient list is one of the most important things you can do when choosing cat treats in South Africa. Here's what to watch out for:

  • Excessive fillers — ingredients like corn syrup, wheat, or soy used to bulk up a product without nutritional benefit
  • Too much salt — high sodium content can strain your cat's kidneys over time
  • Artificial colours and flavours — unnecessary additives that offer no health benefit
  • Onion and garlic — toxic to cats even in small amounts; avoid any treat containing these in any form
  • Chocolate — highly toxic to cats and should never be given under any circumstances
  • Xylitol — an artificial sweetener found in some human foods that is toxic to pets
  • Dog treats — these are formulated for dogs, not cats, and may lack the taurine and other nutrients cats require; some may even contain ingredients that are harmful to cats

When in doubt, choose treats with short, recognisable ingredient lists and a named protein source at the top. All of the treats stocked at The Apartment Cat are selected with these standards in mind.

How Often Should Cats Get Treats?

Treats should be exactly that — a treat, not a staple. As a general guideline, treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. For most cats, this translates to a small number of treats per day, depending on the treat's calorie content.

Overfeeding treats — even healthy ones — can lead to weight gain, nutritional imbalances, and a cat who starts refusing their regular food in favour of the good stuff.

Use treats intentionally: for bonding, training, enrichment, or as an occasional reward. Keep your cat's main nutrition coming from a complete, balanced cat food appropriate for their life stage.

Our Top Cat Treat Recommendations

Every treat stocked at The Apartment Cat is chosen for quality ingredients, palatability, and your cat's well-being. Here's a breakdown by category:

🐾 Lickable Cat Treats

Inaba Churu Creamy Lickable Cat Treat Tubes (4 Pack) | The Interrogation Snacks
The original and still the best. Real tuna or chicken, water, tapioca starch, and taurine — nothing unnecessary. Available in multiple flavours. Resistance, as noted, is futile.

Inaba Churu Skin & Coat Creamy Lickable Cat Treats 4 Pack | The Grooming Bribes
All the magic of classic Churu with added functional support for skin and coat health. A smart choice for cats who need a little extra nourishment.

Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ Cat Treat | The Envelope
A premium lickable treat from Kit Cat, made with real chicken or tuna puree and enriched with added vitamins. Smooth, aromatic, and very well received by cats who appreciate the finer things.

🥣 Creamy Cat Treats

Inaba Churu Kitten Creamy Lickable Cat Treats 4 Pack | The Recruitment Snacks
Formulated specifically for kittens, this is the ideal introduction to the world of creamy treats. Gentle, appropriately portioned, and an excellent bonding tool for new kitten owners.

Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ Cat Treat | The Envelope
Also worth highlighting here for its thick, puree-style texture — slightly different to the Churu formula and a good option for cats who prefer a denser consistency. The added vitamins make it a smart everyday choice.

🍵 Cat Soups and Broths

Inaba Churu Stew Cat Treats | The Family Pot
A light, flavourful stew made with real tuna or chicken in broth. Serve as a standalone treat, spoon over kibble as a topper, or use to entice a reluctant eater. High moisture content makes it particularly valuable for cats who don't drink enough water. Pair with a LickiMat™ Casper for a slow-feeding enrichment experience.

🐟 Bite-Sized Treats

Biskitty Cat Treats | The Crunch File
A locally loved South African treat available in a range of variants to suit different cats. Great for training, rewarding, or simply keeping your cat entertained — and the generous bag size is particularly handy in multi-cat homes.

Inaba Churu Fun Bites Cat Treats | The Green Light
Soft, bite-sized pieces with the iconic Churu flavour. Easy to portion, quick to give, and very hard for cats to refuse.

🦷 Dental and Functional Treats

Kit Cat Breath Bites Dental Treats for Cats 60g | The Breathalyser
Formulated to support oral hygiene and freshen breath. Crunchy, palatable, and a practical daily addition — especially for cats who won't tolerate a toothbrush. Not a substitute for veterinary dental care, but a meaningful supplement to it.

Inaba Churu Skin & Coat Creamy Lickable Cat Treats
Functional lickable treats that support skin and coat health while delivering all the hydration and palatability benefits of the classic Churu formula.

Kit Cat Purr Puree Plus+ Cat Treat | The Envelope
Enriched with added vitamins and made with real protein, the Purr Puree Plus+ earns its place here too — a lickable treat that does a little more than just taste good.

📋 A Note from Management

Here at The Apartment Cat, we take treat selection very seriously. Every product on our shelves has been assessed for ingredient quality, palatability, and suitability for the discerning South African cat — a creature of considerable opinion and very little patience for substandard snacks.

We stock Inaba Churu because we believe it is genuinely one of the best lickable treats available anywhere in the world, and we're proud to make it accessible to South African cat owners without the hassle of international shipping. We stock Kit Cat because their commitment to quality ingredients aligns with ours. We stock Biskitty because South African cats deserve a local hero in their treat rotation — and The Crunch File delivers. And we stock the LickiMat range because we believe enrichment and treats go hand in hand.

If you're ever unsure which treat is right for your cat, feel free to reach out. We're cat people. We get it.

— Management (and the cats who run this place)

Frequently Asked Questions

Are treats good for cats?

Yes — when chosen carefully and given in moderation. High-quality treats made from real protein sources can support bonding, enrichment, and even certain health goals. The key is to treat treats as a supplement to a complete diet, not a replacement for it.

Can kittens have treats?

Kittens can have treats, but only in very small amounts and only treats that are suitable for kittens or all life stages. The Inaba Churu Kitten formula is specifically designed for young cats. Introduce new treats gradually and avoid anything with high salt content or artificial additives.

Can treats help picky cats eat?

Absolutely. Lickable and creamy treats are particularly effective for picky eaters. The Inaba Churu Stew used as a meal topper, or a squeeze of Churu alongside a new food, can make the difference between a cat who eats and one who stages a hunger strike.

Are lickable treats healthy?

Lickable treats can be a healthy addition to your cat's routine when chosen wisely. The Inaba Churu range, for example, uses real protein, minimal ingredients, and no artificial preservatives — making it one of the cleaner options available. Their high moisture content is an added benefit, particularly for cats who don't drink enough water.

How many treats can I give my cat?

As a rule of thumb, treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. Check the feeding guidelines on the packaging and adjust based on your cat's size, age, and activity level. If your cat is on a calorie-restricted diet, speak to your vet about appropriate treat portions.

Can I use treats for enrichment?

Yes — and this is one of the best ways to use them. Spread a Churu or Kit Cat Purr Puree across a LickiMat™ Casper or LickiMat® Slomo™ for a calming, slow-feeding activity. Hide Churu Fun Bites or Biskitty Cat Treats in a puzzle feeder for a more active challenge. Browse our full enrichment range in The Arsenal | Cat Toys & Enrichment.

Conclusion

Choosing the right cat treats doesn't have to be complicated. Focus on quality ingredients, appropriate life stage suitability, and moderation — and you'll be well on your way to treating your cat in a way that's both enjoyable and responsible. Whether your cat is a Churu devotee, a Biskitty cruncher, or a stew sipper, there's something in our range to delight even the most discerning feline palate.

Ready to find your cat's new favourite treat? Browse The Apartment Cat's full cat treat collection — carefully selected for quality, palatability, and your cat's wellbeing. Because your cat deserves the good stuff.

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