Pumpkin for cats Every year, many people look forward to the beloved fall and winter flavor of pumpkin. While there are many pumpkin delicacies available for people to enjoy, what about our feline friends?
Pumpkin Health Benefits for Cats
For cats, plain pumpkin is a good source of fiber. In fact, a lot of vets use pumpkin as a treatment for feline patients’ constipation.
Cats can get plenty of fiber from plain pumpkin. In fact, a lot of vets recommend pumpkin as a treatment for constipation in feline patients.
Dr. Heather Meyers, a veterinarian at Carolina Pets Hospital in Wesley Chapel, North Carolina, explains that the fiber in pumpkin also adds bulk to the food, which helps cats feel more satisfied. This is particularly advantageous for obese cats who are dieting. Pumpkin may even help prevent uncomfortable anal sac issues or lessen hairballs when added to meals.
Additionally, Meyers warns against using pumpkin as a vitamin supplement, despite the fact that it is a high source of vitamins A and C, which support the health of the immune system and vision, respectively. If cats eat a diet that is well-balanced, they typically do not have vitamin deficiencies, according to the expert.
Pumpkin also has cucurbitacin, a biological molecule that may have some efficacy against intestinal parasites, and zinc, which can aid a cat’s skin and hair. However, the majority of these issues can be resolved without the use of pumpkin if a pet has a healthy diet and receives the necessary medical treatment.
How to Feed a Cat Pumpkin
If your cat enjoys pumpkin, serving it straight from the can is the best option. If your cat has diabetes, stay away from any canned pumpkin products with added sugar or seasoning. Meyers claims, “You really just want basic pumpkin.” Every one to two times throughout the day, add one to four teaspoons of canned pumpkin to the cat chow. Depending on the health of your cat, your veterinarian can advise you on the precise amount of pumpkin to serve.
Pumpkins pose risks to cats.
According to Maggiolo, pumpkin is a pretty simple and secure addition. Although it’s unlikely that eating pumpkin may make a cat sick, overindulging may result in diarrhea. If this occurs, it’s preferable to forgo the subsequent serving or feed less. If symptoms appear, your veterinarian can give you advice on how to change the serving size.
Remember that your cat shouldn’t be given pumpkin stems, skin, or pulp. Simply said, your cat won’t benefit from these pumpkin portions because they don’t have a high enough nutritional content. The leftover jack-o-lantern should also not be fed because it may have decayed from sitting outside for too long. The best choice for your pet is plain canned pumpkin, which will stay tasty in the fridge for about a week after opening.
Even though your cat might not be able to eat a piece of your Thanksgiving pie, basic pumpkin has a place in his diet.
What Portion of Pumpkin Can Cats Eat?
According to Rollins, “the quantity of pumpkin to add will depend on the condition of your cat’s stool. You probably don’t need to add pumpkin if they have bowel motions that are quite typical and regular. In fact, according to Rollins, feeding a healthy cat pumpkin could disturb its digestive system.
Rollins advises starting with roughly one tablespoon of pure canned pumpkin and working your way up to one-fourth cup per day as necessary if your cat exhibits symptoms of digestive distress, such as constipation or diarrhea.
Does pumpkin aid feline health problems?
Constipation
There are a few risk-free at-home treatments for constipation in cats, including feeding them pure canned pumpkin. However, it’s recommended to speak with your local veterinarian if your cat has persistent stomach distress.
Parasites
Pumpkin seeds are OK for cats to eat, but they shouldn’t be used to cure their intestinal parasites. Some people think that ingredient in pumpkin and other gourd seeds can paralyze intestinal parasites and enable elimination. Rollins notes that there is not much scientific evidence to support the use of pumpkin seeds for cat parasite management. Keep your cat on preventative drugs all year long to ward off intestinal worms, and seek veterinary care if your cat exhibits symptoms of parasites.
Diarrhea
Soluble fiber found in pumpkin works to absorb extra water as it goes through the digestive system. Pumpkin can now be used as a home cure for cats’ diarrhea. This may be a good tactic, depending on the reason of the diarrhea, adds Rollins. “However, for persistent or severe cases, it is important to understand and treat the underlying cause of diarrhea.”
Weight Loss
Pure canned pumpkin is a delightful, high-fiber food with less calories and a prolonged feeling of fullness for your cat. According to the Feline Nutritional Foundation, pumpkin is a vegetable and cats do not need to eat it, despite the fact that this may appear like a healthy weight-management strategy for cats. The Foundation suggests a low-carb canned wet food diet as an alternative. To come up with the ideal weight-loss strategy for your cat, it’s a good idea to consult your vet.