If you’ve got a picky cat at home, you know the struggle is real.
When we first started raising Bengals, we assumed mealtime would be easy — these cats are active, intelligent, and curious. But when it came to treats? Let’s just say some of our kittens had very specific opinions. One of our queens, in particular, would give a dramatic little sigh before walking away from yet another treat we thought she’d love.
Sound familiar?
The truth is, cats — especially Bengals — can be incredibly discerning when it comes to taste, smell, and texture. Over the years, we’ve tested dozens of treats in our cattery. Some were instant hits. Others… well, let’s just say they became offerings to the raccoons.
Here’s what we’ve learned about why cats are picky, plus the treats that consistently win over our fussy felines 🐾
Why Are Some Cats So Picky?
It’s not just personality (though Bengals have plenty of that). Cats are biologically wired to be cautious about new foods. In the wild, unfamiliar flavors can signal danger — so when your cat sniffs a treat and walks away, it’s their survival instinct at work.
Other common reasons?
- Strong sense of smell (if it doesn’t smell right, they won’t touch it)
- Mouthfeel matters — some prefer crunchy, others creamy
- Freshness counts — stale snacks are an automatic no
Bengal-Tested Treats: Our Real Reviews
1. Temptations Classic Treats for Cats
The Verdict: Surprisingly effective — even with picky cats
We don’t love the ingredients for everyday use, but Temptations treats often work in a pinch when nothing else does. That crunchy shell and soft center? Irresistible to many Bengals.
Pros:
✔️ Budget-friendly
✔️ Widely available
✔️ Comes in many flavors
Cons:
❌ Contains fillers and by-products
❌ Not ideal for regular feeding
🌟 We use these as “break-glass-in-case-of-emergency” treats — like crate training or early socialization.
2. Greenies Feline Dental Treats
The Verdict: Depends on the cat
Greenies are great for promoting dental health. Some cats love the crunchy texture, while others take a little convincing.
Pros:
✔️ Vet-recommended for oral hygiene
✔️ Crunchy and low-calorie
Cons:
❌ Harder texture isn’t for everyone
❌ Some flavors are more successful than others
🦷 Worth testing — just start slow and offer as a post-meal bonus.
3. PureBites Freeze-Dried Chicken
The Verdict: A clean, healthy winner (eventually)
With just one ingredient — 100% chicken — PureBites is a solid choice. Bengals tend to love real meat, but the texture takes some getting used to.
Pros:
✔️ High-protein, no fillers
✔️ Low-calorie
✔️ Great for sensitive cats
Cons:
❌ Crumbly
❌ Slightly more expensive
🌿 We recommend PureBites as a healthy option during training or bonding — and it’s fully aligned with the ingredient standards in Feed the Cat Better.
4. Sheba Meaty Tender Sticks
The Verdict: Mixed results
These jerky-style treats look promising, but many of our cats rejected them. The smell and texture just didn’t appeal.
Pros:
✔️ Individually wrapped
✔️ Easy to chew
Cons:
❌ Artificial ingredients
❌ Not a hit with our Bengals
Lesson: Texture and freshness make or break soft treats — especially with smarter breeds.
5. Inaba Churu Lickable Cat Treats
The Verdict: Our ultimate crowd-pleaser
Creamy, hydrating, and packed with flavor, Churu tubes are adored by nearly every cat in our cattery. We use them for everything — socializing kittens, hiding supplements, or just bonding.
Pros:
✔️ High moisture
✔️ Picky-cat approved
✔️ Perfect for training and hydration
Cons:
❌ Messy if you’re not careful
❌ Pricey if used daily
✨ This is the treat we always keep on hand for special moments — it builds trust and never fails to please.
Our Top Picks for Picky Bengals
💛 Inaba Churu — Best overall for bonding, hydration, and picky eaters
💛 PureBites — Ideal for health-focused cat parents
💛 Temptations — A functional fallback when you need to seal the deal
Tips for Treating Picky Cats
- Offer new treats beside their regular food first
- Let them smell, walk away, and revisit — it’s part of the process
- Keep treats in an airtight container to retain freshness
- Be consistent — even a picky cat will eventually warm up to new textures
- Use treats to reinforce routines (feeding, grooming, or crate training)
Final Thoughts: Patience, Not Pressure
If your cat turns their nose up at every treat you offer, don’t give up — and don’t take it personally. Cats know what they like (and what they don’t) — but that doesn’t mean there isn’t a perfect treat out there waiting to be discovered.
At Brigite’s Bengals, we’ve found success by choosing simple, protein-forward options that mirror the natural diets we talk about in Feed the Cat Better. The trick is offering them with calm confidence and letting your cat decide on their terms.
Because once you find their treat? It becomes more than a snack — it’s a trust-builder, a training tool, and sometimes, the secret to making vet visits 100% less dramatic. 🐾