Why Do Cats Love Treats So Much? The Role Treats Play in Daily Routines

At Webbox, we surveyed 297 UK cat owners to understand how cats shape daily routines. The results show that food-related moments are a major part of everyday cat ownership, with 76% of owners saying they have some kind of morning routine with their cat and 55.5% saying feeding is their first interaction of the day. This suggests treats are not just occasional snacks. For many cats and owners, they are part of a wider routine built around care, reward and connection.

Why do cats like treats?

Cats love treats because they are usually more appealing than everyday food. Many cat treats are strong-smelling, flavourful and different in texture, making them highly rewarding.

Treats can also become linked with positive experiences. If your cat receives a treat after playtime, during training, before bed or when you come home, they may start to associate treats with comfort, attention and routine.

Why Are Cats So Motivated by Treats? 

Cats rely heavily on smell when deciding what to eat. This is one reason a strong-smelling treat can get their attention so quickly.

Texture also matters. Some cats love crunchy treats, while others prefer soft or lickable options. A treat may feel more exciting than regular food because it offers something different.

Cats may be motivated by treats because of:

• Smell: strong aromas can make treats more appealing
• Taste: treats often have rich, enjoyable flavours
• Texture: crunchy, soft and lickable treats offer different experiences
• Novelty: treats feel different from everyday meals
• Hunting instincts: treat-based games can mimic natural behaviours like sniffing, searching, chasing and “working” for food 
• Reward: cats may associate treats with attention, play or praise
• Routine: cats remember when and where treats usually appear

How Treats Become Part of Your Cat’s Routine 

Cats are creatures of habit. If a treat appears at the same time each day, your cat will probably remember it – and may start reminding you too!

This is why some cats appear when they hear a packet rustle, wait near the treat cupboard or follow their owner into the kitchen. They are not just reacting to the treat itself, but to the routine around it.

Common treat routines include:

• Morning treats as part of a predictable start-of-day routine 
• Playtime treats after chasing, pouncing or puzzle games
• Training treats to reward behaviours
• Grooming treats to create a positive association
• Carrier practice treats to make travel feel less stressful
• Bedtime treats as part of a calm evening routine
• Treats used as a food topper to make meals more appealing for fussy cats
• Soft or lickable treats used to help disguise medication, if advised by a vet

When treats are used consistently, they can support positive habits. When they are used randomly or in response to demanding behaviour, they can accidentally create habits owners may not want.

Can Treats Help You Bond With Your Cat? 

Yes, treats can help you bond with your cat when they are used as part of calm, positive moments. Treat time gives your cat a reason to come close, interact and associate you with something enjoyable.

Bonding with a cat is often about trust and consistency. Unlike dogs, many cats prefer short, gentle interactions rather than constant attention. Treats can help create those small moments of connection without overwhelming them.

You can use treats to bond with your cat with these ideas:

• Create a “treat time” phrase – Use the same phrase each time, such as “treat time” or “come on then”, so your cat starts to recognise it as a positive shared moment. 

• Use lickable treats for calm one-to-one time – Lickable treats are great for bonding because they take longer to eat and encourage your cat to stay close. 
• Reward your cat after play – Give a treat after a short play session to mimic the natural hunting pattern.
• Use treats during grooming – Give a small treat after brushing to help your cat associate grooming with something positive.
• Teach a simple trick – Use treats to teach your cat to come when called, sit on a mat or touch your hand with their nose.
• Reward calm cuddles – If your cat sits near you or relaxes beside you, offer a small treat to reinforce calm closeness.
• Make a mini treat trail – Place a few pieces of Webbox Pocketfuls leading to a toy, bed or scratching post to encourage exploration.

Webbox’s survey found that 86.9% of cat owners said owning a cat improved their mental wellbeing, while 84.9% said they feel more relaxed at home since owning a cat. This shows how meaningful the cat owner bond can be, and treat time can become one of the small daily rituals that supports that connection.

Are Treats Useful for Indoor Cats? 

Treats can be useful for indoor cats when they are used as part of enrichment.

Indoor cats may have fewer opportunities to hunt, explore and problem solve, which means they can sometimes become bored, inactive or spend much of the day sleeping. While cats naturally sleep a lot, regular play and mental stimulation are still important for their wellbeing. 

In Webbox’s survey, 41.8% of cats were indoor-only. The research also found that 70.1% of cats play for less than one hour per day. 

Instead of placing treats straight into a bowl, try using them in:

• Puzzle feeders
• Treat balls
• Snuffle mats
• Hide-and-seek games
• DIY Cardboard box games
• Training sessions
• Climbing games
• Short chase and reward games 

This turns treat time into an activity. It encourages your cat to sniff, search and problem solve.

Can Treats Cause Bad Habits? 

Yes, treats can cause bad habits if they reward unwanted behaviour.

If your cat meows, paws, jumps up or wakes you up and then receives a treat, they may learn that this behaviour works. Over time, they may repeat it whenever they want food, attention or a reward.

This is especially common around morning feeding. In our recent survey, common cat wake up times included 5am–7am, showing how early some cats start trying to get their owner’s attention and wanting to be fed straight away. 

That does not mean morning feeding is wrong. It simply means cats can quickly learn patterns. If your cat wakes you up and is immediately fed, they may start to see early wake-ups as part of the routine. This can become frustrating, especially on those mornings when all you wanted was a little lie-in. 

Common Problems When Your Cat Loves Treats Too Much 

Treats can be a positive part of your cat’s routine, but some cats can become very enthusiastic about them.

How Often Should Cats Have Treats? 

Cats can have treats regularly if they are given in moderation and fit within their overall diet. Treats should not replace complete and balanced meals.

How often you give treats depends on your cat’s:

• Age
• Weight
• Activity level
• Health needs
• Usual diet
• Treat type

Always follow the feeding guide on the treat packaging. If your cat is overweight, has a health condition or is on a special diet, ask your vet before introducing new treats.

What Type of Treat Is Best for Your Cat?

The best treat is usually the one that matches why your cat loves treats in the first place, whether that is smell, texture, routine, interaction or the excitement of getting something different. Some cats prefer crunchy treats, while others enjoy soft or lickable options.

If your cat loves chasing and searching, try treats that can be used in puzzle toys or hide-and-seek games. If your cat is more calm, lickable treats can work well for bonding. If your cat is fussy, you may need to try different textures and flavours to find what they enjoy most.

For more guidance, read our full guide on how to choose the right cat treats.

Final Thoughts 

Cats love treats because they are rewarding, exciting and often linked to positive moments. From the sound of the packet to the routine around treat time, cats quickly learn when something enjoyable is about to happen.

When used responsibly, treats can help with bonding, play, enrichment and training. The key is to use treats with purpose. Reward calm behaviour, make treat time interactive and keep treats as a small part of your cat’s overall diet. After all, for your cat, a treat is not always just a snack. Sometimes, it is the best part of their day – and a small moment of connection with you.