Can cats eat pumpkin?

Updated 27/04/2023

Pumpkin pie, pumpkin spice lattes... it’s officially fall, aka, pumpkin season! This festive treat is likely to play a big role in our diets in the coming months, but can cats eat pumpkins too?  

While a PSL is definitely not an ideal beverage for your feline friend (remember folks - both coffee and milk are a big no-no for cats!), cooked, plain pumpkin is a perfectly safe food for your cat to enjoy in moderation.  

But, hold your horses. Before you start sprinkling any pumpkin spice onto Mr Whiskers’ kitty chow, it’s important to remember that not all pumpkin products are safe for your kitty to eat. Let's get into it…

Are pumpkins poisonous to cats?

So, is pumpkin safe for cats? Yes! Pumpkins are not poisonous to cats - provided they are cooked without any added seasoning, pumpkins are perfectly safe for your kitty to consume. In fact, it's quite possible your kitty has already sampled some, as many pet food brands on the market include pumpkin in their list of ingredients!

That said, there is a ‘but’. While plain, cooked pumpkin is perfectly safe for cats to eat, they should stay away from manufactured or pre-packaged pumpkin products, as these may contain added ingredients that are toxic to cats - such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, allspice, and cloves. Which means pumpkin pie is definitely off the menu for your fluffy friend this fall... 

Is pumpkin good for cats?

Cats thrive on a diet that is made up of animal protein - not plants - and so, their diet should consist almost exclusively of high-quality cat food. 

That said, pumpkin is a great source of added fiber - it's often used as a remedy for constipation in cats. It's also low in calories and helps keep cats fuller for longer, so is generally suitable for kitties watching their waistline. 

Pumpkin also contains zinc, which can help to keep your kitty's skin and coat looking good.

What kind of pumpkin can cats eat?

So, we know that plain, cooked pumpkin is perfectly safe for cats - and may even have some nutritional benefits. But, what about pumpkin seeds? Or puree? Let’s delve a little deeper into this autumnal delight… 

Can cats eat raw pumpkin?

No - raw pumpkin is stringy and tough and can be hard for your kitty to digest. Best to stick to cooked pumpkin. 

Can cats eat pumpkin puree?

Yes - cooked, plain pureed pumpkin is fine for cats to eat as long as it contains no added ingredients that may be toxic to cats (such as cinnamon, nutmeg, ginger, cloves, or allspice). If in doubt, opt for homemade - or simply go without.

Can cats eat pumpkin seeds?

Yes - as long as they have been cleaned and cooked, pumpkin seeds are safe for cats to eat. However, you should never feed your cat whole seeds, as it could become a choking hazard. Instead, try grinding them up and adding them to your cat's food for an extra dose of fiber. 

Feeding your cat pumpkin

While most cats won’t need pumpkin added to their diet, it can be helpful if your kitty is suffering from a spot of constipation. Stick to plain, cooked pumpkin (removing the stem, skin, and pulp), and avoid canned or pre-packaged pumpkin products. These may contain added ingredients that could be harmful to your kitty, and often have added sugar which could lead to your kitty quickly piling on the pounds!

Like most things in life, moderation is key - while pumpkin is often used to remedy constipation, too much pumpkin can have the opposite effect and can upset your cat's stomach, leading to diarrhea. So, it’s best to start small - think around 1/2 - one tablespoon of pure cooked pumpkin. Fruit and vegetables should make up no more than 10% of your cat’s daily rations. Never force your pet to eat pumpkin, many cats won’t be interested in it at all.

While a little extra fiber may be helpful, remember if your cat is experiencing ongoing gastrointestinal problems, you should get them checked out by a vet first.  It’s important to rule out any other underlying health issues.

Meet our veterinary expert, Rebecca

This article has been checked by veterinarian Rebecca MacMillan, BVetMed MRCVS. Rebecca is a companion animal vet who has always had a passion for writing and client communication. Since her graduation from the Royal Veterinary college in 2009 she has gained a wealth of experience in first opinion small animal practice, in both clinical and managerial roles. She currently works in the South West and deals with a variety of routine and emergency appointments, but particularly enjoys medicine cases. Outside of work and writing, she enjoys spending time with her family, including her bouncy flat coated retriever George!

What other foods are safe for cats?

So, cats can eat pumpkin - it may even yield some extra benefits, especially for kitties that need an extra dose of fiber in their diet. But what other foods can cats safely eat? 

While your kitty will thrive best on a complete and balanced diet of high-quality cat food, some other foods are safe for your kitty to munch on as a treat, such as: 

• Cooked meat (cut into small pieces and without any seasoning) 
• Fish (small servings of cooked fish - or opt for a specific cat-friendly fish treat)
• Certain vegetables such as cooked carrots, cucumbers, celery, green beans, or lettuce (in moderation, and without any seasoning)
• Oatmeal (plain, unprocessed, and served without sugar or salt)

For more feline food facts, check out what cats can and can’t eat here.