Pumpkin has a broad range of benefits for both cats and dogs, as it regulates digestion due to its fiber content, and it also doesn’t contain too much sugar. But can cats eat pumpkin?
We’re answering this question and much more in today’s article. Read on to find out whether you are allowed to add pumpkin to your cat’s diet.
Can cats eat pumpkin?
The simplest answer to this question is yes! Cats can eat pumpkin, but as you can expect, they are obligate carnivores, so it shouldn’t make up a big part of their diet.
It’s widely acknowledged that treats, as is the case with this food, should never be more than 10% of a cat’s diet, and even less. But pumpkin has a number of benefits, mostly aimed at regulating a cat’s digestion.
If you are the owner of a geriatric cat and your feline friend suffers from chronic constipation, or you just want to prevent hairballs in cats, you can use pumpkin for both of these purposes.
It stimulates bowel movements, it prevents hairballs, and it even soothes diarrhea, if your cat has recently developed indigestion. Due to its laxative abilities, pumpkin can also make sure that your cat doesn’t become obese.
Cats and pumpkin – Nutrition
Besides the amount of fiber, it is rich in, you might be wondering what pumpkin has to offer to your feline friend. Well, it’s rich in several vitamins such as A, C, and E, and it also contains minerals like calcium, zinc and iron.
While talking to PetMD, Dr. Heather Meyers, a veterinarian for Carolina Pets Hospital in Wesley Chapel, North Carolina notes that “vitamins A and C, which help support vision and immune system health.”
The amount of lutein (beta-carotene and vitamin A) present in pumpkin also positively affects your cat’s health, as numerous studies have found it to have anti-inflammatory properties. This carotenoid can also prevent eye health issues, so if you add pumpkin to your cat’s diet, she’ll retain excellent vision for the remainder of her life.
How much pumpkin is safe?
The amount of pumpkin that a cat can have per week depends on her specific weight and size. However, it’s safe to say that most cats should get just one teaspoon of mashed pumpkin per week.
If they’re particularly large, you can feed them 2 or even 3 teaspoons per week. Make sure to consult your veterinarian before adding any pumpkin to your cat’s diet.
Finally, as Chewy.com advises, always remember “to start slowly (1/2 teaspoon for smaller cats and 1 teaspoon for adult cats per meal) and adjust the amount as needed.”
Can cats eat pumpkin pie?
In this case, too, it mostly depends on the pumpkin pie. If it’s store-bought, it’s usually unsafe to give to pets, as it might contain additives such as preservatives or artificial colors or binders that can be extremely dangerous for them.
If it is homemade, it is safer, but you should also consider that cats aren’t supposed to have any sugar. Besides, using artificial sweeteners such as xylitol can pose a serious health threat to all pets.
The safest way to feed pumpkin to your cat is to mix a tiny amount into her canned food.
Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?
While it’s very likely for them to pose no danger to a cat, pumpkin seeds should be avoided, as well as the rind and the other hard parts. Make sure you clean the pumpkin very well and remove its core where the seeds are located.
Due to their size and features, the seeds could cause indigestion or, in a worst-case scenario, even an intestinal blockage. So, in a nutshell, no, you shouldn’t feed pumpkin seeds to your cat.
Can cats eat canned pumpkin?
Yes, and these days there are varieties uniquely made for pets, which don’t contain any sugar or the additives that we previously mentioned. If you get human-grade canned pumpkin, make sure it is as clean as possible in this sense.
A final note
Raw, organic, and locally sourced pumpkin is the best choice for cats. You can get it from your local Farmer’s Market to make sure that it contains no traces of pesticides or weed killers, which could be dangerous for cats.