Pumpkin is a wonderful addition to baked goods in the fall and hearty meals in the winter. But if you have a soft spot for this sweet orange fruit (yes, it’s a fruit, not a vegetable!) you may be wondering if you can give your cat a taste.
Is it true that felines can enjoy a pumpkin pie? To put it simply, yes. Pumpkin, in its most basic form, can be eaten raw or cooked to benefit your digestive system. However, it should never be fed to a cat unless it is in the form of a treat, and there are several pumpkin preparations that are harmful to felines.
Read on to learn if and how you can give your cat pumpkin.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkins?
It’s pumpkin season, so you might be wondering if your cat is safe to feed one. But, can felines munch on gourds? The good news is that you can safely feed pumpkin to your cat if you follow a few simple guidelines.
Is there a special way to cook a pumpkin so that a cat can enjoy it? First, you should know that canned pumpkin that is simply pumpkin and nothing else is a great treat for your cat. Pumpkin may not provide much in the way of protein, but it makes up for this in the fiber department.
While there’s no reason to avoid feeding your cat pumpkin, too much of a good thing can make your cat sick.
However, I was wondering about the raw pumpkin you have displayed outside. While safe for your cat to eat, it may not be a favorite due to its stringy texture and difficulty in chewing. It’s also not a good idea to let your cat snack on the pumpkin stem.
Finally, avoid giving your cat any Thanksgiving pumpkin pie. The spices in pumpkin pie are dangerous for cats. If your cat eats pumpkin pie, call Pet Poison Control at 888-426-4435 right away.
Check out these healthy homemade cat pumpkin treats if you’re looking for creative ways to serve pumpkin to your cat this autumn.
Do cats like pumpkin?
In most cases, that is correct. A lot of cats love pumpkin, either as a separate treat or blended into their regular diet.
However, not every cat is the same. If your feline friend doesn’t react enthusiastically to the sugary taste of a freshly cut pumpkin, it’s because they don’t have the taste receptors that allow them to identify sweet foods.
If your cat refuses pumpkin, though, you shouldn’t feel too bad about it. Your cat doesn’t need pumpkin, so don’t feel bad if you forget to feed it to it occasionally.
The Health Benefits of Pumpkin
Your pet and you will both benefit from eating more vegetables. The Animal Emergency & Referral Center of Minnesota states that pumpkin is an excellent source of fiber, water, potassium, phosphorus, calcium, and numerous minerals and vitamins, especially vitamins A, C, and K. The orange squash is low in calories and nutritious.
Pumpkin’s fiber content can help treat your pet’s diarrhea by absorbing fluid in the digestive tract and increasing stool bulk.
Constipation can be eased by eating pumpkin because of the water content. The key is self-control and limiting one’s portions. Excessive pumpkin consumption has been linked to diarrhea.
Feeding Your Cat a Balanced Meal Plan
If you find that your cat enjoys a spoonful of the vibrant vegetable, keep in mind that it is meant as a treat and not a regular part of its diet.
You can make a cool, refreshing treat by freezing the squash in ice cube trays. You could also serve a small amount of cooked pumpkin on the side of their kibble. Then, keep an eye on Fido.
Avoid giving your cat pumpkin if it has digestive problems like flatulence, rumbling, or difficulty defecating.
However, incorporate pumpkin into regular feedings if you notice it helps with bowel irregularity. Daily servings of pumpkin for cats? If your pet appears to be happier or healthier as a result, then yes!
Cats may beg for treats, but that is not enough to sustain them. They need to eat premium cat food that provides them with a complete and balanced diet.
If your cat enjoys squash, you may find some pet foods with pumpkin to be especially tasty. If you think a pet food with pumpkin in it would be good for them, ask your vet about it.
We like to spoil our furry friends, but giving them a pumpkin treat that has been seasoned or sweetened isn’t the best idea.
Instead, get your cat a treat-toy that doubles as a fun game, such as a ball stuffed with tasty treats that can be enjoyed as your cat plays. Or, if your feline friend is particularly fond of pumpkin, you could serve it as a treat during your weekend cuddle session.
Buying a can of pure pumpkin is a wonderful excuse to make a pumpkin smoothie and a tasty reward for your cat.
How much pumpkin can I give my cat?
So, you’ve decided to give your furry friend a pumpkin snack. Is there a recommended donation amount? As a special treat, you can give your pet up to 1 teaspoon of pumpkin once in a while.
Keep in mind that cats are obligate carnivores (meat eaters), so pumpkin shouldn’t be a major part of their diet.
When preparing a pumpkin yourself, it’s important to get rid of the stem, skin, and pulp. You can bake or boil pumpkin before chopping it into bite-sized pieces, or you can make pumpkin puree from scratch. Both raw and cooked pumpkin are fine for cats to eat, and pumpkin seeds are a healthy and tasty treat for rewarding good behavior.
Canned pumpkin, which is readily available year-round, is another option you can feed your cat. Try mixing a tablespoon into your cat’s regular food if you don’t have time to cook it yourself.
But first, make sure the canned pumpkin you use is unseasoned and plain. You shouldn’t feed your cat things like pumpkin pie filling because it contains sugar and other ingredients that cats shouldn’t have.
When introducing pumpkin to your pet for the first time, start slowly to make sure it’s well tolerated. Be wary of giving your pet an excessive amount of pumpkin because it may cause stomach distress.
Does pumpkin settle a cat’s stomach?
As was previously mentioned, pumpkin can be useful in ending constipation.
So it may come as a surprise to learn that pumpkin is a good choice of food for your pet if they have diarrhea. The answer lies in the soluble and insoluble fiber found in pumpkin.
Pumpkin’s soluble fiber helps reduce diarrhea by soaking up fluid in your pet’s digestive tract when he or she is sick.
Therefore, if your cat has an upset stomach, giving them a small amount of pumpkin can help them feel normal again.
Keep in mind that pumpkin is just a temporary fix for your pet’s pain. Get them checked out by the vet if their diarrhea doesn’t improve after 48 hours or if they seem sick.
Can cats have pumpkin pie?
Pumpkin pie, oh my! The thought of this traditional Christmas dessert is probably enough to make your mouth water. This is one human food that should never be given to a cat.
Your cat shouldn’t eat pumpkin pie because it contains sugar, which can cause stomach problems, and because it also contains spices that are toxic to cats.
For instance, nutmeg can make cats sick to their stomachs and even be toxic in large enough doses. Our furry friends can also experience digestive issues if they ingest cinnamon.
Pet Poison Helpline reports that eugenol, found in cloves and allspice, is toxic to cats’ livers. These spices are also frequently found in pumpkin pies.
Because of this, it’s best to keep your cat away from pumpkin pie at all costs. Avoid pumpkin pie filling when purchasing canned pumpkin for your cat.