Enjoy a slice of pumpkin pie yourself? Heard that pumpkin has some health benefits for cats? Wondering, can cats eat pumpkin pie?
Well, pumpkin is an acquired taste, especially pumpkin pie. But I for one love it. Not just over the Halloween period, I eat it all year round.
Both of my cats are very obviously drawn to pumpkin pie when I have some. As always, before letting them have some of what I’m eating, I did some thorough research.
Here’s the rundown on whether or not you cat should be nibbling on your pumpkin pie, and other forms of pumpkin too:
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Pie?
In a word, NO.
Your cat should not be eating pumpkin pie. I know it’s hard when they start purring and cozying up next to you, but it’s in their best interests that they don’t eat any.
You may have heard that pumpkin is good for cats, and dogs for that matter. This is true, as I will explain in more detail later. But pumpkin that has been prepared as a pie is not good for your kitty.
The problem with pumpkin pie is that it’s full of sugar, which can cause weight gain and even diabetes in the long-term. As well as spices, like nutmeg which is harmful to cats. There’s also a little bit of salt and other ingredients that cats shouldn’t be ingesting.
If you’re now thinking back to all the times your cat has had a nibble, don’t stress. It’s not life-threatening in small doses, just make sure they don’t get their paws on anymore in the future.
Can Cats Eat Raw Pumpkin?
Pumpkin should be fed to your cat raw, but not via you cutting pieces off of a pumpkin. You should only feed your cats 100-percent pure organic pumpkin products designed for animals. Such as this product from Nummy Tum Tum available on Amazon.
This way you know there are no pesticides, additives, or any other ingredients that your cat shouldn’t be consuming.
What’s a Safe Way to Feed Cats Pumpkin?
I just feed it to my cats stright out of the tin and into their food bowl. Both of my cats love it, and I give it to them just a few times a year as a treat when I’m having some myself.
Where to Buy Canned Pumpkin for Cats?
The organic pumpkin I give my cats is this Nummy Tum Tum brand. I’ve seen a few others, but honestly, there isn’t a lot to say about food that contains one ingredient. Which in this case is just pure pumpkin, nothing else.
Health Benefits of Pumpkin for Cats
According to Petmd and some other trusted cat health websites, there are some of the health benefits for cats eating pumpkin:
High in Fiber
Pumpkin is naturally rich in fiber which has a number of benefits for cats (and us). Fiber plays a part in helping cats maintain a healthy weight, so if you’ve got an overweight kitty it’s something to consider!
It also so helps treat diarrhea if that’s something you’re dealing with at the moment. As well as being one of the natural solutions for a constipated cat.
If you’re looking for constipation solutions, check out these posts – how to give your cat olive oil for constipation, and how to give your cat MiraLax.
High in Nutrients
Pumpkin is also rich in a range of vitamins and nutritional content that’s beneficial to cats. It’s a good source of vitamins A, C, and E, which are good for maintaining a healthy immune system among other things.
It also contains zinc, which helps keep your cat’s skin and coat nice and healthy. Pretty good for a seasonal food that most people carve up and leave on their porch, eh!
Most Cats like the Taste
Let’s face it, most cats are fussy when it comes to food that isn’t formulated cat food, or sweet treats they shouldn’t be eating. Much like a lot of us, right?
The interesting thing about pumpkin that I’ve found is that most cats like the taste of it. Which is great, because it’s a healthy treat as I’ve explained. I also find that it’s a love it or hate it kind of taste for humans, which is also interesting.
It’s a sure benefit because it makes it easier to give some to your cat. Especially if you’re doing so because they need the extra fiber in their diet.
Can You Use Pumpkin for Cats Vomiting?
Pumpkin is known to help reduce vomiting with cats, yes. The fiber in pumpkin helps a cat pass feces and hairballs, so if either of these issues is causing them to vomit you might find it a solution.
For hairballs, in particular, start adding a little pumpkin to their food to up their fiber intake. This should facilitate the passing of hairballs a lot easier and smoother without the wretching and vomiting some cats go through.
It’s always best to consult your vet for advice though. Especially if this is a persistent problem.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
Cats can eat pumpkin seeds, yes. The seeds contain much of the goodness that the pumpkin flesh does. Some cats prefer the seeds, and some owners find it easier to crush them and add a little to their food.
It’s advisable you roast them first though, roast the seeds for an hour or so. If you’re buying pumpkin seeds to give to your cat, all the same rules apply. Make sure there are no additives, salts, sugars, or any of the other seasoning and ingredients they shouldn’t be eating.
In Summary
If you want the short answer to whether or not cats can eat pumpkin pie, the answer to that question is no.
They can, however, eat organic pumpkin. Pumpkin has a load of health benefits for cats and can help relieve constipation and issues passing hairballs. So, it’s a food you should look into and consider sharing with your kitty when you’re enjoying some.
Just stay away from the pies and other sugary pumpkin treats. Keep it strictly to the canned organic pumpkin or seeds with no additives or other ingredients cats shouldn’t be eating.
If you found this article useful, check out some of my others. Such as, can cats eat blueberries, bread, canned salmon, and even grasshoppers!
