Vegetable
Can cats eat pumpkin?
Plain pumpkin purée can help cats with hairballs or constipation.
By Maya Hart
How much, how often
Half to one teaspoon a day.
Treats of any kind should stay under 10% of the day’s calories. Work out your pet’s calories
Serving it safely
- Use plain pumpkin purée, not pie filling
- Or steam fresh pumpkin and mash it
- Remove seeds and skin
Dogs and cats, side by side
Dogs Safe
Yes. Plain cooked or tinned pumpkin is safe and often recommended by vets for mild digestive upsets because of its fibre.
How much: One to four tablespoons a day depending on size.
Can dogs eat pumpkin?Cats Safe
Yes. Plain pumpkin purée can help cats with hairballs or constipation.
How much: Half to one teaspoon a day.
The details
Pumpkin pie filling contains sugar and spices such as nutmeg, which is mildly toxic to pets. Check the tin says 100% pumpkin.
Questions owners ask
Can cats eat pumpkin?
Yes. Plain pumpkin purée can help cats with hairballs or constipation.
How much pumpkin can a cat have?
Half to one teaspoon a day.
What should I do if my cat ate pumpkin?
A small amount usually causes nothing worse than a mild stomach upset. Offer water, skip the next treat and call your vet if vomiting or diarrhoea lasts more than a day or your pet seems unwell.
Is pumpkin safe for dogs too?
Yes. Plain cooked or tinned pumpkin is safe and often recommended by vets for mild digestive upsets because of its fibre.
Sources
Tailwise is for general information and is reviewed by veterinary professionals, but it is not a substitute for advice from your own vet, who knows your pet. How we check facts
More foods for cats
Carrots
Cucumber
Broccoli
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation
Spinach
- Dogs
- In moderation
- Cats
- In moderation