Pumpkins are a popular Halloween treat – plus they’re delicious.
However, if you’re preparing a Samhain-themed pumpkin dance, you’ll want a spooky, dancing character to represent the ritual. Cats are excellent actors, and they certainly won’t refuse a pumpkin dance made in thier silly, amusing manner.
So, can cats eat pumpkin puree? Yes!
Cats are omnivores – which means they can eat both meat and vegetable foods. Pumpkin is a vegetable, so it’s safe for them to eat.
In fact, most cats love pumpkin and consider it a treat – especially when they get to lick the puree off the spoon! Just keep in mind that pumpkin is high in fiber and low in calories – so you may want to limit their intake to a small treat.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Puree?
Yes, pumpkin puree is safe for cats and a delicious treat for them.
Make a pumpkin “gravy” by combining pureed pumpkin and a little water in a blender.
It will give dry or canned cat food a tasty and nutritious boost – plus it will add natural flavor to the food as it soaks in.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Seeds?
No, you should not give pumpkin seeds to your cat.
Pumpkin seeds are a choking hazard for your cat and can cause an obstruction if they swallow them whole.
The hard shell and fibrous interior of the seeds may cause significant damage to the digestive tract if swallowed whole.
An obstruction may require surgery to correct. Furthermore, pumpkin seeds are high in fat, which can trigger pancreatitis in cats – a painful and potentially fatal inflammation of the pancreas and other organs in the abdomen.
Do not give pumpkin seeds to your cat. Feed them only high-quality cat foods and treats that do not contain anything toxic to their health.
Pumpkin seeds, in fact, contain a toxin known and strychnine.
The toxic part is in the seed coat and the seeds must be cracked open before the toxin is environmentally released into the cat’s system .
Strochnine poisoning in cats is potentially fatal and is thought to cause seizures before death.
Feeding Your Cat Pumpkin Seeds is dangerous to Your Cat While pumpkins can be a healthy and tasty treat for cats, feeding them pumpkin seeds is not a good idea.
How Is Pumpkin Bad For Cats?
Raw pumpkin should only be fed to cats as a serving of canned pumpkin or cooked and pureed pumpkin, commonly referred to as “pumpkin pie” cats can eat this without worry.
Pumpkin includes a significant quantity of dietary fibre, making it a good choice for felines prone to constipation or bladder stones.
Pumpkin is also low in protein, and some cats may not like the taste and texture of cooked pumpkin, but this is a downside that can be overcome by adding cooked pumpkin to their diet or feeding it to them as a canned or raw.
How Is Pumpkin Good For Cats?
Vitamin A is an antioxidant and good for the skin and digestion.
Pumpkins actually have a very high vitamin content.
Beta-carotene is an antioxidant that aids in improving eyesight and maintaining a healthy immune system.
Vitamin C helps to maintain a healthy immune system and aids in the production of collagen that helps heal wounds and generate scar tissue.
Potassium helps to regulate blood pressure and balances the sodium in our bodies which can reduce the swelling in the legs and abdomen that is caused by congestive heart failure in cats.
Iron is essential to cat blood production, and too little iron can lead to anemia.
Pumpkin is also abundant in vitamin C, which may help to prevent the onset of feline asthma by reducing allergic reactions to allergens in the environment.
Potassium, vitamin E, phosphorus, copper, thiamine, vitamin B6 and folate are also found in the pumpkin.
How Much Pumpkin Can I Give My Cat?
Pumpkin is safe for cats to eat, but it’s better in moderation. Moreover, it is best if given as a treat.
If your cat eats a serving of canned pumpkin, you shouldn’t introduce any other pumpkin into their diet.
While raw pumpkin can be fed to your cat as a supplement to their diet, you must make sure they only eat the edible part of the pumpkin and avoid the stem and shell as your cat might choke on them.
Accordingly , feeding raw pumpkin to your cat can add more fibre to their diet which can be helpful for healthy bowel movements.
The recommended serving size for kitties is 2 ml to 5 ml per pound of the cat’s body weight twice daily.
Do not feed more than the recommended amount of pumpkin to your cat as it might cause an upset stomach.
In addition, raw pumpkin is low in calories and fat but not high in protein so the diet needs to be supplemented with other foods to ensure proper nutrition.
How Should You Feed Your Cat Pumpkin?
The best choice is 100% canned pumpkin which is pure and free of added sugar and seasonings.
Feed 1/2 teaspoon to 1 teaspoon pumpkin to kittens and cats under 10 pounds twice per day while for cats over 10 pounds twice a day and twice a day for pregnant and lactating females.
However, before giving your cat the pumpkin, make sure it’s not suffering from any allergy or gastrointestinal issues.
Give your cat no raw or cooked pumpkin because eating these could make them sick.
Is Pumpkin Good for Cat Diarrhea?
Pumpkin’s high fiber content makes it an effective home remedy for diarrhea in cats.
Pumpkin, strangely enough, may help relieve constipation in cats.
Pumpkins’ soluble fiber helps to absorb extra water in the colon, adds bulk to the stool and relieves constipation while insoluble fiber helps in removing the accumulated waste in the colon and relieving the symptoms of diarrhea.
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Muffins?
Pumpkin muffins are really tasty and are often enjoyed by both humans and pets.
Choose low-fat selections and avoid ones with added sugar and preservatives.
Because dry cat food lacks moisture, adding pumpkin muffin to their food may increase their chances of developing diarrhea.
Also Read: Can Cats Eat Lentils?
Can Cats Eat Pumpkin Dog Treats?
No, you should not give pumpkin dog treats to your cat.
Pumpkin is not a food that cats should eat, and a dog treat made from pureed pumpkin could contain dangerous levels of fat or even lead to pancreatitis in a cat that eats it.
Conclusion
In conclusion, cats eat pumpkin puree and it’s safe for them to do so. Pumpkin is low in calories and high in fiber so you may want to limit your cat’s intake to a small treat – nevertheless it’s delicious and festive!
Therefore, if you’re planning a Halloween-themed pumpkin dance or trick and treat for your cat, consider giving them a small serving – either as a homemade food or as a treat from a bowl!
