My two rockstar cats, Freddie and Hendrix, are as picky as it gets — present them with a humble serving of dry kibble for urinary care, weight management and fur ball reduction, and they haughtily turn up their noses. Place a tube of the so-called “cat Go-Gurt” at their their muzzle, however, and suddenly they’re at the Ritz Cat-lton with their pinky paws raised up, living their best lives. What gives?
The beauty behind “cat Go-Gurt”
“[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.)
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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.”
When should you feed a treat like this to your cats?
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.
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“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.”
Which brand of these treats is best for your cat?
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.
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1
A option for anxious cats
2
A variety pack from the brand that put this treat on the map
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Solid Gold
A seaweed-infused treat with added digestive support
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4
A lower-calorie treat
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5
Kitty Up
A treat fortified with additional vitamins
Cats Love These Lickable Treats – A Vet Explains Why
