Last Updated on November 26, 2022 by ellen
Is pumpkin good for cats? Now that it’s fall, you might be wondering if you can give your kitty some special treats to help them celebrate.
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You know I recently talked about can dogs eat pumpkin. So, it only stands to reason that I’d want to know about our feline friends as well.
There are several different ways you can feed your cat people food. But, before you start you need to make sure that you’re doing it safely.
Table of Contents
Is Pumpkin Good for Cats?
These is loaded with all kinds of nutrients and that’s one of the reasons why it’s recommended for people. But, cats and dogs are not the same as we are and that means they have different nutritional needs.
Everywhere you look right now, you see pumpkins. They’re in our gardens, the stores, and in many treats that we enjoy eating this time of the year.
Pumpkin is loaded with dietary fiber which makes it a great choice for cats that are constipated or have diarrhea. The fiber helps to absorb the acid in their stomachs and can help with hairballs or indigestion.
Is pumpkin good for cats that are overweight?
They also have Vitamin E, Vitamin A, Vitamin C, and beta carotene. And, because it’s high in fiber, it can help your cat feel full without overeating.
If your cat is already getting a balanced diet through their pet food, there really isn’t any reason that they should need extra vitamins. But, if they are having digestive issues, it may be beneficial.
While cats and dogs don’t really need fiber, it can be helpful if they have diarrhea, hairballs, diabetes, or are vomiting.
Frequently asked questions
How to cook pumpkin for cats?
When giving your feline some of this treat, it’s important that you start with puree and NOT pie filling. They should not have the sugar and spices that are in pie filling.
To cook this vegetable, simply slice it in half and remove the seeds. Bake it in the oven until you can put a knife in the center easily. How long this takes depends on the size of the vegetable.
If you want to give your cat the seeds, you can do that as well. Just clean them off and roast them. This will take about an hour at 350F.
How much pumpkin for cats?
You should only give your cat between 1/2 teaspoon and 1 teaspoon of puree each day. If you have a kitten or a small feline, start with 1/2 teaspoon and see how they react to it.
As with anything else, you can still have too much of a good thing. Start slowly.
If your cat has any type of medical issue, check with their vet before making any changes to their diet.
Can I feed my cat my Jack o Lantern?
No. Once your Jack o Lantern has been carved and sat outside, it may have begun to bad. It could contain mold or be rancid and this is definitely not good for anyone or anything.
Summary: Is pumpkin good for cats?
The safest way to give your cat some puree is to start with a whole fresh vegetable. If you don’t want to cook one from scratch because they only need a tiny amount, This brand offers pumpkin in pouches that are intended for pets.
Just add 1/2 to 1 teaspoon of puree to their food as a topper. Or, if they have canned or moist food, you can mix it up.
Repeat as needed but not more than once per day.
So, enjoy the holiday season with your pets and let them enjoy this treat occasionally.
Ellen runs a small pet sitting business in southern Vermont. She has experience with a variety of small animals, dogs and cats. She has also cared for ducks, chickens and rabbits. Combined, she has over 20 years of experience in pet care and pet sitting.