Our Methodology

Transparency matters. This page explains exactly how we evaluate cat treats, what our ratings are based on, and, just as importantly, what we don't do.

For the regulatory and standards context behind our methodology, see our guides on what the VOHC seal means, AAFCO cat treat standards, and how to read cat treat labels, and our vet-recommended cat treats and Reddit cat treat recommendations guides.

What We Analyze

Every product we review is assessed across five dimensions:

  • Ingredient quality: we read the full ingredient list, not just the marketing highlights. We flag artificial colours, vague terms like "meat by-products" (without specifying the animal), excessive fillers, and known allergens. We note when a product uses named animal proteins (e.g. "chicken") vs generic terms (e.g. "poultry").
  • Nutritional profile: we check protein, fat, fibre, and calorie content against AAFCO nutrient profiles and veterinary feeding guidelines. We note whether the guaranteed analysis is published and whether the calorie content is stated per treat or per kilogram.
  • Manufacturing transparency: where the product is made, whether the brand discloses sourcing, whether they conduct third-party safety testing, and any recall history. Products made in countries with strong pet food safety regulations (US, EU, Canada, Australia, New Zealand) are noted.
  • Value for money: price per treat, price per gram, bag size, and whether the quality justifies the cost. We compare against similar products in the same category.
  • Aggregated buyer feedback: we review verified buyer feedback across retailers to assess real-world palatability, texture, and suitability for different life stages and health conditions. We note patterns in what buyers report rather than conducting our own feeding trials.

How We Research

Our reviews are built from publicly available information:

  • Manufacturer-published ingredient lists and guaranteed analyses
  • AAFCO (Association of American Feed Control Officials) nutrient profiles and labelling rules
  • Published veterinary and nutritional research on feline dietary requirements
  • VOHC (Veterinary Oral Health Council) accepted products list for dental claims
  • FDA and brand-published recall notices
  • Aggregated verified buyer reviews from major retailers

What We Don't Do

We believe in being upfront about the limits of our reviews:

  • Hands-on testing is in progress, not complete. We are adopting a published testing protocol, but results are added one product at a time as tests are completed. Until a product has a real, dated result, its review is research-only: based on ingredient analysis, nutrition, recall history, and aggregated verified buyer reviews, not our own feeding trials. We never retrofit a "tested" claim onto a research-only review.
  • We're not veterinarians. Our safety analysis is based on published veterinary research and regulatory standards, not a veterinary review of each product. For cat-specific dietary advice, always consult your vet.
  • We don't accept payment for positive reviews. Affiliate commissions do not influence our ratings. See our affiliate disclosure for details.

Our Rating Criteria

Each product receives an editorial score (out of 5) based on:

  • Ingredient quality (30%): named proteins, absence of fillers and artificial additives
  • Nutritional profile (25%): protein, fat, calorie content vs. feline dietary needs
  • Value for money (20%): price per treat and per gram vs. comparable products
  • Buyer satisfaction (15%): aggregated palatability and suitability reports from verified buyers
  • Transparency (10%): clear labelling, disclosed sourcing, recall history

Treat Grade (A–E)

Some products carry a Treat Grade: an at-a-glance A–E rating of nutritional quality, shown alongside (and separately from) the overall star score. It summarises the ingredient and nutrition criteria above: how much named meat the product leads with, its protein and calorie profile, and whether it relies on fillers or artificial additives.

  • A (Excellent): named meat first, minimal or no fillers, strong protein and calorie profile.
  • B (Good): a clean label with minor compromises.
  • C (Mediocre): average quality or notable fillers, fine in moderation.
  • D (Poor): low protein with multiple fillers or artificial additives.
  • E (Skip): predominantly filler or artificial ingredients.

The grade reflects our analysis of the published label and guaranteed analysis. It is an editorial assessment of nutritional quality, not a substitute for veterinary advice about your cat's diet.

How Often We Update

We update reviews when:

  • A product changes its formulation or ingredient list
  • A product is recalled or a safety issue is identified
  • Pricing changes significantly
  • New comparable products enter the market that shift our relative rankings

Each review is dated. If you spot something we've missed or a product that has changed, please let us know.

Affiliate Relationship

cattreats.com participates in affiliate marketing programs, including Amazon Associates. We may earn a commission on purchases made through links on this site. This does not affect the price you pay and does not influence our ratings. See our affiliate disclosure for full details.