Can Cats eat Pumpkin?
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With the arrival of Fall comes our yearly obsession with pumpkins. They’re everywhere – not just on our front porches, but in pumpkin spice lattes, pies, granola, cheesecake, muffins, pancakes…you get the picture.
So as a cat lover, you wonder if your precious tabby can participate in the fun – and the question arises: Can cats eat pumpkin?
The short answer is: “Yes, but….”
Let’s take a closer look.
But, is Pumpkin good for Cats?
Pumpkin can actually be beneficial for catsif it’s fed to them in moderation and safely prepared (see below for more on that!). It’s a great source of fiber, protein, minerals and vitamins.
These are some of the ways your fuzzy feline can benefit from a bit of pumpkin:
- If she has digestive issues.Because of its high fiber content, pumpkin can help cats who suffer from either constipation or diarrhea. The fiber adds bulk to kitty’s stool and contains water that helps move food through the digestive tract. It also can absorb excess water and helps regulate bowel movements.
- If your cat needs to lose weight.Pumpkin is low in calories so you can use it as a filler to help your snuggle bug feel fuller. But warning: Pumpkin shouldn’t replace a balanced and complete cat food, nor should it be given in large amounts.
- If you want to improve urinary health.Pumpkin’s high water content adds to your cat’s overall hydration, an important key to urinary tract health.
- If you want to avoid hairballs.The fiber in pumpkin can help move hair through the digestive system, potentially reducing the occurrence of hairballs. Well, that’s a plus for cat lovers like us at Banixx!
What kind of Pumpkin can Cats Eat?
Pumpkin is not normally on a cat’s regular diet. Cats are carnivores, and their digestive systems are not made to handle some ingredients that we humans add to our food. Those additions come under the name of sugar and spice! These often accompany human pumpkin treats but are definitely on the list of problematic foods for cats. They may not only upset kitty’s stomach – they could even be toxic if given in larger amounts. That’s why it’s a good idea to consult with your veterinarian before introducing pumpkin into your cat’s diet. He/she will know better if it’s safe and appropriate for your furry feline.
Here are the basics on what kind of pumpkin you can feed your cat:
- Can cats eat raw pumpkin or pumpkin guts?Best not to offer either of these to your pointy-eared pal! Her digestive system will do better with pumpkin puree when it’s cooked or steamed with NO added condiments (sugar, spices).
- Can cats eat canned pumpkin?Yes! but only if it’s plain , canned pumpkin with no added ingredients. Be careful and read labels – do not feed them “pumpkin pie filling,” which contains lots of sugar, spices and other things meant for humans, not our feline furrballs.
- Can cats eat pumpkin puree?If you decide to take raw pumpkin and prepare it as a puree for your kitty, just remove the skin and seeds. Then just cook the flesh, with no added ingredients. Puree for your “purr-ee.”
- Can cats eat pumpkin pie?As you can imagine, that’s a definite “no!” Pumpkin pie has all the spices, sugar and ingredients that can have a bad effect on your cat’s system. Stick with plain pumpkin.
- Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?Yes, they can eat pumpkin seeds but, in moderation. But make sure you prepare them by first removing the outer shell, which can be hard to digest. (You can purchase pumpkin seeds without shells, which may be the easiest solution.) Then roast and dry them, as that makes them easier to chew and digest. Don’t add salt or other seasonings, as these can be harmful to your puss.
How much Pumpkin should you feed your Cat?
Now that you know cats CAN eat pumpkins, it’s best to first make sure your vet is okay with introducing this new food into your cat’s diet.
Then, if you get the go-ahead:
- Start with very small amounts: 1-2 teaspoons per day.
- Mix pumpkin puree in with your cat’s regular food or give your cat pumpkin puree or seeds as a treat.At no point should you be offering large amounts of pumpkin or pumpkin seeds.
- Monitor for allergic or adverse reactions.If your cat begins vomiting, has diarrhea or exhibits other non-normal behavior, stop the pumpkin immediately and talk with your vet if necessary.
- Adjust the amount you offeronce your cat has shown he or she can tolerate the pumpkin (and likes it). Take into consideration your cat’s size and response to the pumpkin.
If you’re a pumpkin aficionado (and who doesn’t love pumpkin spice lattes?), we know how tempting it is to give your a-meow-zing friend all the same things you like to eat. But for the health of your kitty this Fall and holiday season, remember: PLAIN PUMPKIN in small to moderate amounts. It’s the purr-fect plan for your cat!
Banixx Blogs
So, there you have it. Another tasty, healthy treat idea for your pointy eared friend! Of course, we already know that you care a lot about your cat’s health and happiness otherwise you wouldn’t be reading this blog! That’s why we hope you’ll come back to ourblogto learn more about how to keep your purr-fect, furball friend happy and healthy. If, on the other hand, you are interested in how totreat cat hot spotsor takeof your cat’s ear infection, we have that information for you. Or, are you interested in more quirky items? such as whydoes my cat get hairballs, or, why doesCatnip have such a hilarious effecton your cat? we’ve got those covered. And don’t forget about your pup!We have a blog about dogs eating pumpkins too!
Sources
https://www.rd.com/article/can-cats-eat-pumpkin/https://cats.com/is-pumpkin-good-for-cats
https://www.thedodo.com/dodowell/can-cats-eat-pumpkin
https://www.petmd.com/cat/nutrition/can-cats-eat-pumpkin
https://www.petguide.com/blog/cat/pumpkin-for-cats-how-and-when-to-use-it/
