Can Cats Eat Pumpkin?

Yes, cats can have pumpkin, and it even has some benefits for them.  

However, not all pumpkin is safe for cats, and you’ll want to search for 100% pumpkin puree with no additives—that means no pumpkin pie filling. 

In fact, it’s best to choose pumpkin that is specially formulated for cats to be safe.  

Yes, pumpkin cat be good for cats if it’s 100% pumpkin puree with no additives.  

The most widely known benefit of pumpkin for cats is to help treat digestive issues. Ask your vet if pumpkin is a good choice for your cat.  

Some more health benefits include:  

• Helps relieve constipation: Pumpkin has a high water and fiber content and can act to hydrate your cat’s intestines when cats are constipated. 
• Helps prevent hairballs: This high-fiber content also makes pumpkin a great part of your cat’s routine to aid in hairball reduction.  
• Helps alleviate diarrhea: Pumpkin can also be used to alleviate mild diarrhea. The soluble fiber in pumpkins helps absorb excess water in the bowels that the body didn’t absorb properly, thereby helping to calm diarrhea. 
• It’s chock-full of nutrients, essential fatty acids, and antioxidants: Pumpkin is also good for overall healthy skin and fur, and it’s an excellent source of vitamin A, beta-carotene, potassium, and iron. While these vitamins and minerals are beneficial, your cat should technically get all that they need from their complete and balanced diet—pumpkin is just a bonus. 
• Helps aid in weight loss: Pumpkin adds bulk and will help keep your cat feeling full longer. Ask your vet if pumpkin is a good option for your cat.  

Yes, pumpkin can be bad for cats in certain instances.   

In fact, certain forms of pumpkin are toxic and should be avoided.

Do not give your cat:  

• Pumpkin pie filling, which can have dangerous additives like nutmeg and cinnamon, as well as xylitol, which can be deadly  
• Pumpkin seeds, which are a choking hazard 
• Other pumpkin products with additives (that is, anything that is not 100% pumpkin puree)   
• Jack-o’-lanterns, which have raw pumpkin parts that can spoil quickly; plus, the leaves and stems are covered in sharp little hairs, which can irritate your cat’s mouth and GI tract and cause tiny cuts in their intestines 

Although pumpkin is a great addition to most cats’ diets, there is a limit to just about everything.  

Cats are obligate carnivores, meaning that they eat mostly meat. So, pumpkin should be an occasional treat.  

“Just introduce slowly—and under the guidance of your vet,” says Rachel Barrack, DVM, a veterinarian at Animal Acupuncture in New York City.  

So, what’s the correct amount of pumpkin? There’s no set amount but you can try to start with:  

• 1 teaspoon for adult cats  
• 1/2 teaspoon for smaller cats and kittens 

The amount can be increased up to 4 teaspoons for larger adult cats. 

A warning sign you are overdoing the pumpkin supplementation is if your cat’s poop: 

• Becomes orange 
• Is larger than usual  
• Has a pudding-like firmness  
• Becomes loose 

Unless otherwise directed by your vet, pumpkin should be given only as a treat—that’s no more than 10% of their daily caloric intake, including other treats.  

If your cat has a medical condition, such as diabetes, chronic kidney disease, or dehydration, always talk to your vet first. 

Here’s are some rules for giving your cat a taste of pumpkin.  

1. Offer some 100% pumpkin puree straight from the spoon to see if they like it.  
2. Consider adding some to your cat’s food as a topper or mixed in.  

3. Always start with a small amount that your vet approves of.  

4. You can also pick a pumpkin treat made especially for felines.   

5. Consider making them their own cat-friendly pumpkin treats at home. Want more? Find them here.  

6. You can also make pumpkin a regular part of their diet—pick a wet food that has it as an ingredient.  

While pumpkin can be helpful for GI issues, it’s always best to ask your vet for advice if your cat has active diarrhea. That said, 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon is a common recommendation.  

Maybe. Treats, including 100% pumpkin puree for your cat or pumpkin cat treats, should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily calories. The rest should come from a complete and balanced diet.  

No. Pumpkin seeds are a choking hazard and should be avoided.  

Yes, as long as it’s 100% pumpkin puree with no additives, it’s safe for cats. However, pumpkin pie filling our puree with additives can be potentially toxic, so avoid it.  

No. Pumpkin pie is not safe for cats and may be potentially toxic. Avoid it.