Functional cat treats
Functional cat treats are built around doing something beyond tasting good — a dental treat that helps against plaque, a hairball formula aimed at reducing fur build-up, or a similar targeted benefit worked into a normal treat format your cat still enjoys.
What 'functional' actually means here
A dental cat treat generally works through texture, using a crunchy structure to help reduce plaque as your cat chews, in the same mechanical way a dental dog chew does. It supports dental health rather than replacing a vet dental check.
A hairball formula treat typically works by supporting normal digestion so that swallowed fur passes through more easily rather than building up. It helps manage a common and usually harmless issue, not treat an underlying condition if hairballs are frequent or severe.
Fitting them into a normal diet
Functional treats are still treats calorie-wise, so they should be factored into your cat's daily food allowance rather than added entirely on top, particularly for an indoor or less active cat.
If your cat is bringing up hairballs frequently, or shows any sign of discomfort or reduced appetite alongside it, that is worth mentioning to your vet rather than relying on a treat to manage it indefinitely on its own.
Reading the pack before you buy
Functional treats vary a fair amount between brands even within the same category, so it is worth checking what the specific product actually contains rather than assuming any dental or hairball treat does the same job as another.
A treat aimed at long-haired cats for hairball control, for example, may differ in formulation from one aimed at general digestive support, so match the specific claim on the pack to the issue you are actually trying to help with.
In this section
Everything below is in stock with us, priced with delivery worked out, and packed and posted by hand in the UK.
Catit Nibbly Jerky Chicken & Fish Treats
Soft chicken and fish jerky treats for cats, two named meats high on the list, grain free
£1.89
Dreamies Meaty Sticks Adult Cat Treats with Tasty Chicken
Soft meaty stick treats for adult cats with chicken, individually wrapped, not for kittens
£1.59
Catit Creamy Tuna Treats 4 Pk
Lickable 26% tuna purée tubes for cats, 4 x 10g, up to 3 a day in place of main meal
£1.89
Dreamies Cat Treats with Salmon
Complementary Dreamies salmon-flavour cat treats for adults and kittens, 60G
£2.05
Dreamies Cat Treats with Chicken
Dreamies chicken cat treats for adults and kittens, in a 60G pack
£2.05
Catit Creamy Chicken Treats 4 Pk
Lickable chicken cat treats, 4 tubes, for treating or as a food topper
£1.89
Whiskas Relax & Unwind Adult Cat Treats with Chicken
Chicken treats for adult cats with tryptophan declared at 1.3%
£1.49
Felix Goody Bag Seaside Mix Cat Treats
60G treat for cats, with composition and analytical figures set out clearly
£1.45
Felix Goody Bag Original Mix Cat Treats
Felix Goody Bag cat treats in 60g or 330g, with composition and analytical figures set out clearly
From£1.45
HiLife Cat Tasty Duck Breast Treats
Freeze-dried 100% duck breast cat treats, 84% protein, described as grain free
£1.75
Whiskas Groom & Care Adult Cat Treats with Chicken
Chicken treats for adult cats, with green tea declared at 0.03%
£1.49
Common questions
- Do dental cat treats actually reduce plaque?
- They can help through the mechanical action of chewing a textured treat, similar to a dental dog chew, but they support dental health rather than replacing a proper dental check with your vet.
- How often should I give hairball treats?
- Follow the guidance on the pack, since formulas vary, and factor the treat into your cat's normal daily food allowance rather than giving it in addition to a full portion.
- Are functional treats suitable for kittens?
- Check the pack, since many functional treats are formulated for adult cats. A kitten's needs are different, and hairball or dental issues are less relevant at that age.
- My cat brings up hairballs often even with treats — what should I do?
- Frequent or severe hairballs are worth discussing with your vet rather than managing with treats alone, since regular grooming, coat health and underlying digestive issues can all play a part.
Related
Written by Matt Garnett, who runs Giddy Pets and is a lifelong pet owner — not a vet. This is general information, not veterinary advice, and it cannot replace an examination by the vet who knows your animal. How we write these guides.