๐Ÿ† Complete Buyer's Guide ยท Cat Food

Best Cat Treats for Short Hair Cats: Top 5 for Coat & Hairball Care

Short hair cats need omega fatty acids for their dense coat and fiber to manage hairballs. Compare 5 top treats including Royal Canin Thin Slices in Gravy to support skin and digestion.

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Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food โ˜… Top Pick: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in โ€ฆ Check Price on Amazon →
40-50
Calories per treat (average)
10-12
Treats per day (max for adult cat)
30-40%
Protein content (dry matter basis)
5-8%
Fat content (dry matter basis)
โšก Key takeaways
  • Best Overall: Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food. This wet treat offers balanced nutrition with high-quality protein and omega-3 and omega-6.
  • Best for Sensitive Stomach: Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Rice Stew. Designed for cats with digestive sensitivities, this stew contains prebiotic fiber and is.
  • Best Budget: Fancy Feast Grilled Seafood Feast in Gravy. An affordable yet quality option, this treat features real seafood as the first ingredient.
  • Best Grain-Free: Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food. This grain-free wet food mimics a feline's ancestral diet with high protein from real chic.
  • Best for Urinary Health: Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food. Formulated to support urinary tract health, this wet food helps maintain a healthy urinary.
At a Glance

Quick Comparison

Quick answer

Our top pick for cat treats for short hair cats is Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy. It provides balanced nutrition with high-quality protein and omega fatty acids to support a healthy coat. For budget-conscious owners, Fancy Feast Grilled Seafood Feast offers great value. If your cat has a sensitive stomach, Hill’s Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin treats are excellent.

What to consider for Cat Treats For Short Hair Cats

Short hair cats have a dense, sleek coat that benefits from omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids for shine and skin health. They may also be prone to hairballs despite shorter fur, so treats with fiber can help. Additionally, short hair cats often have active metabolisms; treats should complement their diet without excess calories. Always choose treats that are appropriate for your cat’s life stage and health status.

What to look for in a cat food

When selecting cat treats, look for an AAFCO statement indicating the food is complete and balanced for your cat’s life stage. The first ingredient should be a named meat source (e.g., chicken, salmon) to ensure high animal protein. Taurine is an essential amino acid for cats and must be present. For wet treats, higher moisture content supports urinary health. Consider your cat’s specific needs: kitten, adult, or senior formulations are tailored accordingly.

How we chose these picks

  • Evaluated ingredient quality, focusing on named protein sources and absence of artificial additives.
  • Checked for AAFCO nutritional adequacy statements for the appropriate life stage.
  • Considered brand reputation and history of safety recalls.
  • Reviewed customer feedback for palatability and digestive tolerance.
  • Assessed value for money based on price per serving.
  • Prioritized products with added omega fatty acids for coat health.
  • Included options for various dietary needs (sensitive stomach, weight management).
  • Never ranked a product higher just because it pays a commission.

What to avoid

  • Avoid treats with unnamed meat or by-products as the first ingredient.
  • Steer clear of products lacking taurine or with insufficient animal protein.
  • Do not assume an all-life-stages food is appropriate for kittens or seniors without checking.
  • Avoid abrupt diet changes; transition treats gradually over 7 to 10 days.

For more guidance, explore our cat guides, including cat food and cat health resources.

Why this matters

Short hair cats have a dense coat that benefits from omega fatty acids, but they are also prone to hairballs despite shorter fur. Choosing treats with added fiber can help manage hairballs while supporting skin and coat health.

The Options

Types Explained

Wet Treats

Canned or pouch foods with high moisture content, often in gravy or broth. They support hydration and urinary health.

Best for: Cats that need extra moisture or have urinary issues.

Dry Treats

Crunchy kibble-like treats that help with dental health by reducing plaque. They are convenient and shelf-stable.

Best for: Cats that enjoy crunchy textures and need dental support.

Freeze-Dried Treats

Raw, single-ingredient meat or fish that is freeze-dried to preserve nutrients. They are high in protein and low in carbs.

Best for: Cats on a raw or grain-free diet.

Soft Chews

Moist, chewy treats often fortified with vitamins or supplements. They are easy to break and good for senior cats.

Best for: Older cats or those with dental issues.
The Rankings

Top 5 Picks

#1
Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food
Best Overall

Royal Canin Feline Health Nutrition Thin Slices in Gravy Canned Cat Food

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This wet treat offers balanced nutrition with high-quality protein and omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids to support a healthy skin and coat. It is formulated for adult cats and provides essential taurine. The thin slices in gravy are highly palatable. One limitation is the higher price compared to some other options.

#2
Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Rice Stew
Best for Sensitive Stomach

Hill's Science Diet Sensitive Stomach & Skin Tender Chicken & Rice Stew

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Designed for cats with digestive sensitivities, this stew contains prebiotic fiber and is gentle on the stomach. It includes vitamin E and omega fatty acids for skin and coat health. The limited ingredient list helps avoid common allergens. A trade-off is that it may not be suitable for cats with severe protein allergies.

#3
Fancy Feast Grilled Seafood Feast in Gravy
Best Budget

Fancy Feast Grilled Seafood Feast in Gravy

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An affordable yet quality option, this treat features real seafood as the first ingredient and is rich in protein. It provides essential nutrients and taurine. The gravy adds moisture, which is beneficial for urinary health. However, it contains artificial flavors and colors, which some owners prefer to avoid.

#4
Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food
Best Grain-Free

Blue Buffalo Wilderness Chicken Recipe Grain-Free Canned Cat Food

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This grain-free wet food mimics a feline's ancestral diet with high protein from real chicken. It includes LifeSource Bits, a blend of antioxidants, vitamins, and minerals. Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids promote a shiny coat. One downside is that grain-free diets may not be necessary for all cats and can be more expensive.

#5
Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food
Best for Urinary Health

Purina Pro Plan Veterinary Diets UR Urinary St/Ox Wet Cat Food

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Formulated to support urinary tract health, this wet food helps maintain a healthy urinary pH and reduce the risk of struvite crystals. It is high in moisture and contains controlled minerals. It is a prescription diet, so veterinary approval is needed. A limitation is that it is not intended for long-term maintenance without vet guidance.

Before You Buy

Key Buying Factors

01

Ingredient Quality

Look for named meat sources (chicken, salmon, etc.) as the first ingredient. Avoid by-products and artificial preservatives.

02

Nutritional Balance

Ensure the treat is AAFCO-compliant for your cat's life stage. Taurine must be present for heart and eye health.

03

Coat and Skin Support

Omega-3 and omega-6 fatty acids are beneficial for short hair cats to maintain a healthy, shiny coat.

04

Calorie Content

Treats should not exceed 10% of daily caloric intake. Check calorie per treat to avoid overfeeding.

05

Texture and Palatability

Short hair cats may prefer pate, slices, or gravy. Choose a texture your cat enjoys to ensure they eat the treat.

Living With It

Care, Cost and Maintenance

Portion Control

Treats should make up no more than 10% of your cat's daily calorie intake. For an average 10-pound cat, that is about 20 to 30 calories from treats. Adjust meal portions accordingly to prevent obesity.

Transitioning Treats

Introduce new treats gradually over 7 to 10 days by mixing with current food. This reduces the risk of digestive upset. Monitor for any signs of intolerance, such as vomiting or diarrhea.

Storage and Freshness

Store treats in a cool, dry place. Wet treats should be refrigerated after opening and used within 2 to 3 days. Dry treats should be kept in an airtight container to maintain freshness.

Pro tip

Use treats as training rewards for grooming sessions. Short hair cats still need regular brushing to reduce shedding and hairballs, and a treat reward can make the experience positive.

Frequently asked questions

How many treats can I give my short hair cat per day?
Treats should not exceed 10% of your cat's daily caloric intake. For an average adult short hair cat weighing about 10 pounds, that is roughly 20 to 30 calories from treats. This translates to about 2 to 4 small treats per day, depending on the treat's calorie content. Always adjust your cat's main meal portions to account for treat calories. Consult your veterinarian for personalized recommendations, especially if your cat has health conditions like diabetes or obesity.
Are wet treats better than dry treats for short hair cats?
Both have benefits. Wet treats provide extra moisture, which supports urinary health and helps prevent dehydration, especially for cats that don't drink enough water. Dry treats can help with dental health by reducing plaque buildup through crunching. For short hair cats, which may be prone to hairballs, wet treats with added fiber can aid in passing hair through the digestive tract. The choice depends on your cat's specific needs and preferences. A mix of both can be beneficial.
Should I choose grain-free treats for my short hair cat?
Grain-free treats are not necessary for all cats. While some cats may have grain allergies or sensitivities, true grain allergies are rare. Grain-free diets often replace grains with other carbohydrate sources like potatoes or peas. Some studies have linked grain-free diets to dilated cardiomyopathy (DCM) in dogs, but the link in cats is less clear. If your cat has no known grain allergy, high-quality grains like rice or oats can be part of a balanced diet. Always consult your veterinarian before switching to a grain-free diet.
Can I give kitten treats to my adult short hair cat?
Kitten treats are formulated for growth and have higher calorie, protein, and fat content than adult treats. Giving them to an adult cat can lead to weight gain and nutritional imbalances. It is best to choose treats specifically labeled for your cat's life stage. However, occasional kitten treats as a small reward are unlikely to cause harm, but they should not replace regular adult treats. For senior cats, choose treats designed for their age to support joint health and digestibility.
What treats are best for senior short hair cats?
Senior cats often benefit from treats that support joint health (glucosamine, chondroitin), are easy to chew (soft chews or pate), and have controlled phosphorus for kidney health. Look for treats with added omega-3 fatty acids for anti-inflammatory benefits. Avoid high-calorie treats if your senior cat is less active. Always consult your veterinarian to address any age-related health issues before introducing new treats.
Can treats help with urinary health in short hair cats?
Some treats are specifically formulated to support urinary health by promoting a healthy urine pH and providing controlled levels of minerals like magnesium. Wet treats with high moisture content can increase water intake, diluting urine and reducing the risk of crystal formation. However, treats alone cannot prevent or treat urinary issues. If your cat has a history of urinary problems, follow your veterinarian's dietary recommendations and ensure fresh water is always available.
How can I use treats to manage my cat's weight?
For weight management, choose low-calorie treats or use a portion of your cat's regular kibble as treats. Measure treats carefully and account for them in daily calorie intake. Interactive treat-dispensing toys can slow down eating and provide mental stimulation. Avoid high-fat or high-carb treats. If your cat is overweight, consult your veterinarian for a weight loss plan that includes appropriate treats and exercise.
My short hair cat is a picky eater. How can I find treats they will like?
Picky eaters may prefer certain textures or flavors. Try a variety of textures: pate, slices in gravy, or freeze-dried. Strong-smelling proteins like fish or liver are often appealing. Offer small samples before committing to a full package. You can also warm wet treats slightly to enhance aroma. Be patient and avoid offering too many options at once. If your cat refuses all treats, consult your veterinarian to rule out underlying health issues.
Are there any treats that help with hairball control for short hair cats?
Yes, some treats contain added fiber (like psyllium husk) or natural lubricants (like petroleum jelly) to help hair pass through the digestive tract. Regular grooming reduces the amount of hair ingested. While short hair cats shed less than long hair breeds, they can still develop hairballs. Treats formulated for hairball control can be part of a preventive strategy, but they should not replace a balanced diet. If hairballs become frequent, consult your veterinarian.
A note on advice: This guide is general information, not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. Talk to your vet before changing your dog's diet or care routine, especially if your dog has allergies, kidney disease, pancreatitis, obesity, heart disease or any other medical condition.
Transparency

How we made this guide

How we chose. We compared the options on the factors that matter most for Cat Food, using manufacturer specifications, aggregated verified owner reviews and editorial comparison. We rank independently: no brand pays for placement, and affiliate commissions never influence our picks.

How it was written. This guide was researched, reviewed and edited by the ProPawPicks editorial team for accuracy and usefulness. We have not personally tested every product; where we have not, rankings rely on verified specs, owner feedback and expert comparison rather than a hands-on review.

Affiliate disclosure. ProPawPicks is reader-supported. If you buy through links on our site, we may earn a commission at no extra cost to you. See our affiliate disclosure.

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Sources and further reading

Some links below are affiliate links. If you buy through them we may earn a small commission at no extra cost to you. Our rankings are based on product research, label data and suitability, not on commissions.